While the public attends major events across the UK, event security professionals work behind the scenes to protect people. However, the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena in 2017 changed everything. It served as a reminder of what can happen when security failures occur.
In December 2022, the government introduced a venue security law named after victim Martyn Hett, known as Martyn’s Law, to modernise event security. Event managers, security directors and facilities managers are now paying close attention as this legislation continues through the legal process.
In the interim, knowing more about this new law and how it intends to improve event security is essential.
Security protocols can help to safeguard public spaces, and in most cases, things go according to plan. But what were the critical errors at Manchester Arena? Several severe security breaches led to the tragic bombing. Here are a few of them:
The points above highlight how using poorly trained security staff can result in disaster. Professional counter-terrorism training from experts in the security industry can help prevent such incidents. As a result of the tragic circumstances of the Manchester bombing, Martyn’s Law hopes to improve event security.
The Terrorism Protection of Premise Bill, or Martyn’s Law, will reform the event security industry. It places a requirement on publicly accessible venues to consider the threat of terrorism. The expectations are that Martyn’s Law will become effective in December 2023 or January 2024. However, while the government has delayed the legislation several times, the signs are now positive.
For example, King Charles II highlighted the importance of Martyn’s Law in the recent King's Speech. This bill recognition clearly showed the government’s commitment to enacting the proposed legislation.
Martyn’s Law, in essence, will clarify who is responsible for event security and promote good security practices. The 56-page bill will help to raise the security standard across the UK. Here are some of the critical components of Martyn’s Law that will benefit event security management across all UK venues:
It’s not only these new requirements of Martyn’s Law that venues must follow. Staying on top of the “standard” security requirements when you host an event can take time and effort. The UK government’s Major Event Security Report highlights the different security areas to monitor at events.
These are all critical areas of concern for event security. Working with a training partner is highly recommended to ensure everything is covered. Also, with the new legislation from Martyn’s Law, new security demands will need to be met. Indeed, non-compliance can result in fines and penalties and potentially ruin your business.
Martyn’s Law will challenge event, facility, and security managers. Because what works for one location will not work for another. For example, creating a security plan for a stadium is different for a large shopping centre. Using a customised approach specific to your location and venue will be necessary.
Martyn’s Law is a necessary piece of legislation that will help to improve event security and save lives. It will help the public to feel safer at large events when they know more security steps are in place. Now is the time to prepare your business for Martyn's Law. Not only will you be compliant, but you can also showcase your security credentials and gain more customers.
So, how can you quickly prepare your company for Martyn’s Law? Partner up with a training company that specialises in customised counter-terrorism training. At Blue Mountain Group, we deliver expert counter-terrorism training for event security. We can give you specialist, customised training to handle the new legal requirements.
Contact us here for more information on counter-terrorism training and offer the best security at your venue.