Six-week Martyn’s Law Consultation Launched

The Government has launched a six-week consultation in relation to the proposed Martyn’s Law, named for Martyn Hett who tragically lost his life along with 21 others in the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017.

Martyn’s Law seeks that premises fulfil necessary but proportionate steps, based on capacity, to ensure public safety.

Under the proposed law, premises are considered to be ‘standard tier’ if they have a capacity between 100 and 799 persons. Venues with a capacity of 800 or more fall under an ‘enhanced tier.’

The consultation relates to the standard tier and seeks views on the proposed requirements with a view to ensuring that undue burdens are not placed on smaller businesses, whilst still protecting the public.

The consultation is open until 18 March 2024 and views from those premises that fall into the standard tier will be crucial in informing how the law proceeds.

Of the proposals, Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat, said:

“Simple steps save lives. Martyn’s Law will help protect the British public from terrorism, and make sure public premises are better prepared in the event of a terror attack.

I want to make sure that our proposals are balanced and proportionate. That’s why our updated approach is easy to implement, and better tailored to individual businesses.

I’d encourage smaller premises to share their feedback on these crucial changes. Your feedback will help ensure that Martyn’s Law stands the test of time.”

The updated requirements for standard tier businesses are centred around outcomes rather than processes. For example, the requirement to provide specific terrorism training to staff has been removed. Rather, those responsible for standard tier premises are asked to put in place procedures to be followed in the event of an attack, such as evacuation or lock-ins.

The Government say that the new ‘reasonably practicable’ approach is better suited to the wide range of businesses that will fall within the scope of the new law. The approach also aligns with other regulatory regimes, such as Health and Safety, which require reasonably practicable steps.

A Martyn’s Law regulator will be established to monitor compliance with the law and to advise premises that will be within the scope of the legislation. Premises within the standard tier will be required to notify the regulator that they fall within the scope of the legislation.

The revised approach is designed to be low to no financial cost, with associated costs largely driven by the time taken to communicate the new measures to staff.

Following the conclusion of the consultation process, the bill will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time permits.

Those wishing to access and respond to the consultation may do so here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/martyns-law-standard-tier-consultation