​UK venues to implement terrorism protection plans under new law

A new law has been passed in the UK requiring venues with a capacity of more than 200 to implement special safety measures in the wake of the 2017 terror attack at Manchester Arena that claimed the lives of 22 people.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law, was introduced to parliament on September 12 and will ensure that “certain premises and events are better prepared and ready to respond to a terrorist attack,” per the Home Office.

The new legislation follows years of campaigning by the mother of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the Manchester Arena attack, and was included in the King’s Speech in July 2024.

Martyn’s Law requires venues with a capacity between 200 to 799 to put in place a “simple yet effective” plan to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack and implement harm reduction methods.

“Those responsible for certain larger premises and events must also take additional steps to reduce vulnerability to terrorist attacks,” the Home Office said in a statement.

Venues with a capacity of 200 - 799 must train staff to lock doors, identify a safe route to find cover and learn to close shutters, according to Manchester Evening News. Those with a capacity of more than 800 must hire security staff and put CCTV in place.

Michael Kill of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) called the bill’s passing a “significant milestone” following a “seven-year journey led by the unwavering dedication of Figen Murray [Martyn Hett’s mother],” but noted the potential for “financial implications” across the industry.

"Martyn’s Law aims to bolster safety measures at publicly accessible venues, a goal we wholeheartedly support. However, as we advance, it is crucial to address the proportionality of the proposed measures, within all settings.”

He continued: “We must ensure that the balance between heightened security and practical implementation is carefully considered. Key concerns include the operational impact, skillset required of venue operators and the financial implications of enforcing these new safety protocols."

In May, a report from the NTIA revealed that the UK had lost five nightclubs every week in the first quarter of 2024, with many citing high operational costs and mounting debt in the face of the cost of living crisis as reasons for their closure.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter