Martyn's Law: Tiered Compliance System for Public Venue Security

Introduction

Martyn's Law introduces a tiered system of compliance aimed at enhancing the preparedness and security of public venues and events against terrorist attacks. Let's explore the key components of this tiered approach.

1. Standard Tier

Target Audience: Premises with a capacity of 100 to 799 people, including smaller venues like village halls and community spaces.

Government's Aim: Make requirements achievable and sustainable for smaller venues, ensuring they fulfil duties without excessive burdens.

Consultation: Government plans to conduct a consultation to gather feedback on the Standard Tier before its introduction in Parliament.

2. Enhanced Tier

Target Audience: Premises and events with a capacity of 800 or more individuals, reflecting higher capacity and risk profile.

Key Steps:

1. Notification: Inform the regulator about premises or events.
2. Reasonably Practicable Measures: Adopt measures to reduce terrorist attack risk or mitigate physical harm.
3. Security Document: Maintain a document outlining security procedures and risk assessments accessible to the regulator.
4. Designated Senior Individual: Appoint a designated senior person for overseeing compliance if the responsible entity is a corporate body.

Penalties: Regulator has authority to impose significant penalties for non-compliance, with the maximum fixed penalty being £18 million or 5% of worldwide revenue.

By establishing these tiers, Martyn's Law ensures that all public venues and events, regardless of size, contribute to a safer public environment, prepared to effectively mitigate and respond to terrorist threats. This tiered system represents a balanced approach to enhancing security while considering operational and financial realities faced by venues across the UK.