Protect Duty Bill: Hidden Penalties That Could Cost Your Business £18 Million

Did you know your business could face penalties up to £18 million if you don't comply with the Protect Duty Bill? The Protect Duty Bill, also known as Martyn's Law, brings one of the most important changes to UK venue security rules. This complete legislation requires businesses and venues to put specific anti-terrorism measures in place and follow strict security protocols. Many businesses don't realise the hidden costs and penalties that come with non-compliance.

Let's get into the financial impact, what you need to do to comply, and the practical steps your business should take to avoid these big penalties. Your business's interests and public safety depend on understanding, getting to grips and ultimately meeting these requirements. Find out more about how our risk assessment tools can save your company money, while advancing your security procedures.

Understanding the Financial Implications

The Protect Duty Bill's financial impact reaches way beyond basic compliance costs. Our team has put together a complete picture of the penalty structure and hidden costs that your business needs to think over.

Breakdown of Penalty Tiers

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) uses a two-tier penalty system based on venue capacity. Standard duty premises could face penalties up to £10,000. Enhanced duty venues might have to pay fines of £18 million or 5% of worldwide revenue. These penalties usually come after failing to comply with the original notices.

Daily Non-Compliance Charges

Repeated violations lead to heavy daily penalties. Standard duty premises must pay up to £500 per day. Enhanced duty venues could see charges of up to £50,000 daily when they keep breaking the rules. These charges start adding up once the first penalty becomes due.

Hidden Operational Costs

Money issues don't stop at penalties. Our research shows standard duty premises should set aside about £3,313 for implementation over ten years. Enhanced duty venues need much more - around £52,093 over the same timeframe.

UK-wide implementation costs could range between £1.1 billion and £6.3 billion. On top of that, businesses need to plan for:

• Staff training and education expenses
• Security measure implementation costs
• Documentation and reporting systems
• Regular audit requirements

PDR is still the most cost- effective way of analysing sites, identifying weaknesses and supporting the implementation of security measures that are tailored to your venue. Find out more about how our risk assessment tools can save your company money, while advancing your security procedures.

Compliance Requirements by Venue Size

The Protect Duty Bill sets different requirements based on venue size. Let's get into what your business needs to do for compliance.

Standard Duty Venue Requirements

Venues with capacity between 200-799 people need to focus on simple security procedures. These venues must notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA) when they become responsible for the premises. They need to set up four key procedures:

• Communication systems to alert people
• Evacuation protocols
• Invacuation procedures
• Lockdown capabilities

Enhanced Duty Obligations

Venues that expect 800 or more people have more complete requirements. These venues must have a designated senior person to oversee compliance. They also need to set up:

• Monitoring systems for premises and surrounding areas
• Controlled movement measures
• Physical security improvements
• Information security protocols

Documentation and Reporting Mandates

Both tiers need proper documentation, but with different levels of detail. Standard duty venues concentrate on procedural documentation. Enhanced duty locations need complete documentation that includes:

• Risk assessment outcomes
• Implemented security measures
• Vulnerability reduction strategies

"Reasonably practicable" principles apply to these requirements. This allows venues to adjust their approach based on their specific situation and available resources.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Risk assessments are the foundations of good security under the Protect Duty Bill. Our analysis reveals that all but one of these venue operators fail to conduct regular terrorism threat assessments.

Conducting Venue Risk Assessments

Organisations that spend four days each year on internal risk assessments achieve better security outcomes. A detailed assessment should get into:

• Potential attack methodologies
• Venue vulnerabilities
• Available resources
• Implementation costs
• Staff capabilities

Implementing Affordable Security Measures

Simple security measures work best. Door locks and roller shutters can provide substantial protection. We recommend monitoring systems that blend:

Physical security measures should work together with behavioural interventions to create a detailed security system. Security measures' visibility can deter threats, but you need to think about keeping a welcoming atmosphere. Our online, site-specific tool is still the fastest and most thorough assessment the market has to offer, providing actionable insights on enhancing security protocols.

Staff Training Requirements

Staff awareness and training are vital elements of security preparedness. Organisations that prioritise security behaviours and staff training show better preparedness. The focus should be on:

1. Identifying suspicious activities
2. Understanding emergency procedures
3. Implementing communication protocols
4. Maintaining security awareness

Practical Steps to Avoid Penalties

Your business needs practical steps to comply with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill and avoid getting pricey penalties.

Creating Compliant Security Procedures

The original step is to establish clear documentation protocols. The SIA needs businesses to maintain complete records of:

• Security plans and procedures
• Staff training records
• Risk assessment outcomes
• Implementation timelines
• Response protocols

Your security procedures must show that you've taken reasonably practicable steps to protect your premises. Our experience shows that proper documentation leads to successful compliance.

Regular Audit Protocols

You need to prepare for regular inspections with resilient audit protocols. SIA inspectors must give 72 hours' notice before they visit your premises. These visits allow them to:

1. Review security documentation
2. Observe security measures in action
3. Interview relevant staff members
4. Assess compliance levels
5. Request specific information

You should know that providing false information or not complying with information notices becomes a criminal offence.

Working with SIA Inspectors

We focused on support and guidance rather than enforcement. Businesses working with inspectors have the right to:

• Receive advance notice of inspections
• Make representations before notices are issued
• Appeal decisions to the Tribunal
• Request guidance on compliance

The SIA offers free registration, inspections, and guidance to support businesses. A good understanding of these rights helps you build a cooperative relationship with inspectors while you retain control of compliance. Find out more about how our risk assessment tools can save your company money, while advancing your security procedures.

Conclusion

The Protect Duty Bill brings major changes to UK venue security that business owners need to watch closely. A clear understanding of these requirements helps protect businesses and the public from hefty penalties. Standard duty venues could face fines up to £10,000. Enhanced duty locations risk even bigger penalties that could reach £18 million. Businesses must focus on compliance through proper documentation, staff training, and security measures.

The path to compliance starts with proper risk assessments and practical security procedures. It also helps to keep open lines of communication with SIA inspectors. Their main goal is to support rather than enforce. Our online, site-specific tool is still the fastest and most thorough assessment the market has to offer, providing actionable insights on enhancing security protocols. Protection against terrorism needs a steadfast dedication from businesses. Regular audits, staff training, and security updates help maintain compliance and keep people and property safe. Taking action now creates safer spaces for everyone and prevents future penalties.

References

[1] - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/terrorism-protection-of-premises-bill-2024-factsheets/terrorism-protection-of-premises-bill-regulation-sanctions-and-enforcement-factsheet
[2] - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/terrorism-protection-of-premises-bill-2024-impact-assessment/terrorism-protection-of-premises-bill-impact-assessment-accessible
[3] - https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9799/
[4] - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/terrorism-protection-of-premises-bill-2024-factsheets/terrorism-protection-of-premises-bill-overarching-factsheet
[5] - https://www.protectuk.police.uk/martyns-law/martyns-law-overview-and-what-you-need-know
[6] - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/terrorism-protection-of-premises-bill-2024-factsheets/terrorism-protection-of-premises-bill-enhanced-duty-requirements-factsheet
[7] - https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/protect-duty/outcome/government-response-document
[8] - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/60379c368fa8f50494071e18/Protect_Duty_Consultation_Document5.pdf
[9] - https://www.slrconsulting.com/eur/insights/what-the-new-uk-protect-duty-could-mean-for-the-public-realm/
[10] - https://www.protectuk.police.uk/martyns-law/regulator