Property Wire quotes Ben Butterworth on Martyn's Law receiving Royal Assent

Legislation requiring public venues to improve security to counter the threat of terror attacks has officially become law after it was given Royal Assent. Under the new law (the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill), premises with a capacity of more than 100 must appropriately protect against the risks of a terrorist attack.

The bill is known as Martyn’s Law, named after Martyn Hett, who was among 22 people killed during an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in May 2017.

The law sets out requirements in a tiered manner based on the size of a public venue, with "necessary but proportionate" security measures. Venues with a capacity of 800 or more must take specific steps to protect against the threat of terrorism, including bag-search policies and CCTV. Smaller public premises where capacity is 200 or fewer, are now required to have plans in place that can be followed in the event of an attack.

Ben Butterworth, Associate in our Real Estate team, comments on the law receiving Royal Assent in an article by Property Wire. Ben explains:

Martyn’s Law aims to combat terrorism threats by requiring property owners and occupiers to enhance security at public venues and events, with sanctions for non-compliance.

"The law will apply to properties hosting over 200 people, with stricter duties for venues expecting more than 800 attendees. It will affect sports, music and other entertainment, leisure and hospitality venues, as well as shops, restaurants, museums, hotels, bus and railway stations, educational premises and places of worship – amongst others.

"Whilst the obligations will not come into force for another two years, property owners and occupiers should now start to assess how they will comply with their new duties, both in terms of the practicalities and potential costs to their business. The government has promised further detailed guidance, which will be welcomed by businesses to fully consider the extent of their duties.

Read the full article in Property Wire here.