Martyn’s Law will set a new standard for event safety, says Josh Dean, pictured, CEO of Audiebant, a vendor of mass communication products.
While not yet enshrined in law, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law, will impose requirements on any premises with a capacity of 100 people or more to increase preparedness for and protection from a terrorist attack. Its introduction will be a positive step for both patrons and staff, promoting a safer environment and enabling employees to respond more confidently and effectively to potential incidents. Compliance is also critical as substantial fines of up to £18m or five per cent of worldwide revenue could be levied on venues with a capacity of at least 800 people. But to conform with the bill, venues will need to assess the processes, technologies and systems they currently have in place.
Moving from procedures on paper to proper systems
The Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 was the deadliest act of terrorism in the UK since the 7/7 bombings, becoming the driver behind the bill’s introduction. The incident highlighted how events spaces had become a target for terrorist activity. This was further evidenced recently as Taylor Swift was forced to cancel three concerts in Vienna following a possible security threat. Outside of event spaces specifically, a total of 50,500 offences involving a sharp instrument in England and Wales took place in the year ending March 2023, 4.7 per cent higher than in 2021/22. London, the location of numerous large entertainment venues, has witnessed knife or sharp instrument offences recorded by police increase to 15,016 in 2023/24.
Martyn’s Law therefore requires venues to develop anti-terrorism plans, train staff in terrorism protection and incorporate tools such as mass communication systems to help protect the public and staff, and thereby instil greater public confidence. Ultimately, any employer has a responsibility to ensure security of those on their premises. But the big problem is that many venues haven’t actually implemented zoned mass communication systems so that lockdown procedures can be enacted during a real incident.
Role of zoned mass communication systems
Zoned mass communication systems deliver tailored, calm, consistent and instant instructions to people in the event of an attack, helping to keep them safe. In the event of a terror incident, any number of authorised personnel are able to initiate a critical instant broadcast via all available channels, including audio, screen and mobile, from any portable communication device. This ensures that every attendee is made aware of the potential danger.
The level of threat to different attendees at a large-scale event is also dependent on where they are situated. Guidance by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and Counter Terrorism Policing highlights the importance of delivering different messages to different zones.
If staff are empowered to send tailored messages to attendees in a range of areas, whether it be varying floors, public or private areas or internal or external settings, they can be instructed to take the safest course of action based on their location. Those closest to the danger can be told to head for the nearest exit. Those further away from the threat can be instructed to stay well away from the area at risk, which can include people who have yet to enter the premises.
The legacy
Martyn’s Law is so substantial in its scope that large entertainment venues and outdoor events in the future are likely to face more strict regulations that focus on security and safety. Simultaneously, the general public will likely have higher expectations for safety when they attend an event. Venues will need to adopt modern technology, such as zoned mass communication systems, and collaborate closely with security agencies to meet these expectations. Failure to do so could lead to significant financial implications as members of the public refuse to buy tickets for events.
While visible certification has not been laid out under the law’s requirements, rising expectations from the public may make it a necessity in the future. It can only be beneficial if venues can clearly communicate publicly that they have a working system in place to help keep people safe. An outward-facing statement could also act as a deterrent to potential attackers, preventing an incident from occurring in the first place.
Security and trust
Martyn’s Law will have wide-reaching implications for large entertainment venues and how they approach safety and security. By mandating tools such as zoned mass communication systems, rather than just procedural plans, it ensures that venues are better equipped to protect both staff and patrons in the event of a terrorist attack. Tailored, location-specific responses will need to become the industry standard practice so that people in specific zones can take the safest course of action.
As public expectation for safety continues to rise, the venues that comply with Martyn’s Law will serve to both enhance the security of attendees and build trust with their audiences. The legislation will undoubtedly shape an industry that upholds heightened vigilance, improved safety standards and a stronger sense of responsibility.
About the firm
Audiebant are among the exhibitors at the annual International Security Expo on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 24 and 25 at Olympia, London. Visit https://www.internationalsecurityexpo.com/. See also https://www.audiebant.co.uk/blog/.
