What is Martyn's Law: SIA's Essential Guide to Compliance and Enforcement

The UK has experienced 15 domestic terror attacks since 2017, while security agencies have stopped 39 late-stage terrorist plots. Martyn’s Law is a vital response to these threats that brings complete security requirements to public venues in the United Kingdom.

This protect duty legislation impacts 178,900 venues in the UK, ranging from hospitality establishments to local authority buildings. Terror-related costs hit £43.7 billion between 2004 and 2016. The law creates a two-tiered system: a Standard Duty applies to venues with 200-799 capacity, and an Enhanced Duty covers those with more than 800 people. The Security Industry Authority will monitor compliance, and serious breaches could result in fines up to £18 million.

The UK's current terrorism threat level stands at "Substantial," which means an attack is likely. This piece covers everything you need to know about Martyn's Law's requirements, compliance measures, and enforcement. We'll help you direct your way through these new regulations to protect your venue and visitors.

Understanding Martyn's Law Framework

New security legislation can feel overwhelming for venue operators and event organisers. We're here to help you learn about what is Martyn's Law and make sure your premises meet all requirements. This innovative legislation will boost public safety in the UK.

Key principles of Protect Duty Legislation

The protect duty legislation sets out simple principles to improve public safety. The law applies to premises that meet specific criteria:

• Venues must be wholly or mainly used for listed purposes like entertainment, leisure, or retail ^[1]
• Premises must reasonably expect to accommodate specific capacity thresholds
• Requirements vary based on venue size and usage

Standard vs Enhanced duty requirements

The legislation uses a tiered approach based on venue capacity ^[2]:

‍

Timeline for implementation

Proper preparation matters to everyone involved. The government has outlined a clear implementation timeline. Businesses will get about 24 months after Royal Assent to learn and put their new obligations in place ^[3]. The Security Industry Authority will take its role as the regulatory body during this time ^[4].

Organisations will have enough time to prepare as the focus stays on supporting venues rather than enforcement. This allows them to:

• Learn their specific obligations
• Create needed procedures
• Train staff effectively
• Document compliance measures

SIA's Role and Enforcement Powers

Inspection and monitoring authority

The SIA operates regionally and works closely with counter-terrorism networks ^[5]. Their main goal focuses on support and guidance rather than immediate enforcement. The SIA's core functions have:

• Producing compliance guidance for businesses
• Providing tailored security planning advice
• Conducting premises inspections
• Linking with regional counter-terrorism networks

Civil and criminal sanctions

The SIA aims to support compliance first, but they have substantial enforcement powers. Enhanced duty premises could face civil penalties up to £18 million or 5% of worldwide revenue ^[6]. Standard duty venues might see penalties up to £10,000 ^[7].

‍

Appeals process and dispute resolution

The legislation will give businesses fair treatment through a reliable appeals system. Businesses get 21 days to respond to decisions when facing enforcement action ^[8]. The SIA must think over any representations about proposed penalties ^[7]. A proper appeals procedure exists to challenge civil enforcement actions ^[9].

Need expert guidance on Martyn's Law compliance? Find out how our detailed solutions can help protect your venue and meet regulatory requirements. Click here to learn more about our protect duty services.

Compliance Requirements by Venue Type

Security requirements for venues can be complex and take time to navigate. We provide detailed guidance to help you set up proper security measures that work. Learn more about what is Martyn's law and how it affects your premises.

Standard duty venue obligations

Standard duty venues need simple yet effective security measures. These venues, which hold between 200-799 people, must set up basic protection procedures ^[2]. The standard duty venues must:

• Notify the Security Industry Authority about their premises
• Set up public protection measures for evacuation and lockdown
• Train staff to handle emergencies ^[10]

Enhanced duty premises responsibilities

Enhanced duty premises have more detailed requirements to meet. These larger venues that hold 800 or more people must maintain strong security measures ^[2]. The requirements include:

‍

Qualifying events criteria

Qualifying events must meet specific conditions. Events expecting 800 or more attendees ^[3] need to ensure:

• Entry requires express permission
• Public access stays controlled
• Security staff are hired
• The event takes place in a defined space or building ^[11]

Practical Steps to Ensure Compliance

Risk assessment methodology

The law demands a complete approach to risk assessment. These are the foundations of assessment:

‍

You must review these assessments yearly or when your venue changes significantly or external threat levels shift ^[12].

Documentation requirements

Proper documentation supports compliance. Your records must include:

• Security plans and procedures
• Risk assessment outcomes
• Staff training records
• Emergency response protocols
• Implementation timelines ^[10]

Venues with boosted duty need extra documentation about their vulnerability reduction measures and monitoring systems ^[10].

Staff training and awareness

Staff training should focus on practical outcomes instead of theory. Your workers need to know how to:

1. Respond quickly to evolving situations
2. Make rapid decisions under pressure
3. Take actions that save lives ^[10]

You don't need specific training modules. Your staff must understand four vital procedures: communication, evacuation, invacuation, and lockdown protocols ^[10]. You'll get help to identify training needs and access free resources ^[10].

Conclusion

Martyn's Law is a crucial step to improve public venue security throughout the UK. This legislation tackles the urgent need for standardised security measures with its practical two-tiered approach.

The effectiveness of these security measures relies on proper implementation. Standard duty venues should focus on simple protection procedures. Enhanced duty premises need complete security planning, and the Security Industry Authority will guide this transition with reasonable enforcement.

The 24-month implementation period gives venues enough time to understand and fulfil their obligations. Staff training, risk assessments, and proper documentation are the foundations of compliance that create safer public spaces. Venue operators should begin their compliance preparations now.

Ensure your business is prepared for the Protect Duty legislation with our comprehensive risk assessment tool. Our solutions are designed to help you identify vulnerabilities and implement effective security measures. Stay compliant and protect your premises.

The bill is currently on its way through parliament, and at this time, the Home Office is the government lead for the development of this legislation. Therefore, any queries on the scope and nature of the duty and the role of the regulator for the legislation should be directed to the Home Office at: MartynsLaw@homeoffice.gov.uk

References

[1] - https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/martyns-law-standard-tier-consultation
[2] - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/martyns-law-introduced-to-parliament-to-better-protect-the-public-from-terrorism
[3] - https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/09/13/martyns-law-factsheet/
[4] - https://www.protectuk.police.uk/martyns-law/enhanced-tier
[5] - https://www.protectuk.police.uk/martyns-law/regulator
[6] - https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/analysis/martyn-law-update-published-clarity-guidance-still-required
[7] - https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/122648/html/
[8] - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f8566bbd3bf7f6b97311508/sia-enforcement.pdf
[9] - https://brodies.com/insights/health-and-safety/martyns-law-a-regulatory-perspective/
[10] - https://www.protectuk.police.uk/martyns-law/martyns-law-overview-and-what-you-need-know
[11] - https://www.ftbchambers.co.uk/index.php/news/article-view/martyns-law-the-main-provisions-in-the-new-terrorism-protection-of-premises-bill-2024
[12] - https://rmpartners.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/RMP-Risk-Control-Martyns-Law-The-Protect-Duty-A-Checklist.pdf

‍