Martyn’s Law and What It Might Mean for Your Business

As a business owner, staying ahead of legislative changes is crucial for safeguarding your venue and ensuring compliance. One significant new law to be aware of is Martyn’s Law, designed to enhance public safety in the wake of increasing concerns about terrorism.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what Martyn’s Law entails and how it might impact your business, particularly regarding insurance and safety measures.

What is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law, formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, is named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the tragic Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. The legislation aims to improve public safety by requiring certain venues and events to take proactive steps to mitigate the risk of terrorist attacks.
The Bill, introduced to the new Parliament in September 2024, saw its second reading in the House of Lords in January 2025. It will now undergo scrutiny at the Committee stage before being written into law at some point this year.

Key Features of Martyn’s Law

1. Scope of Application: Martyn’s Law applies to businesses with a capacity of 100 or more people, which includes a wide range of entertainment venues such as pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, and sports stadiums. It also extends to public events like festivals and charity fundraisers.
2. Compliance Requirements: Affected businesses must assess potential terrorist threats and implement appropriate security measures to protect the public. This includes developing robust response plans and improving physical security features, such as CCTV systems and trained security personnel.
3. Role of the Security Industry Authority (SIA): The SIA will play a vital role in regulating security staff at these venues. Ensuring that security personnel are licensed and properly trained is essential for compliance with the law.

Will Martyn’s Law Affect Your Business?

You may wonder how Martyn’s Law will impact your operations. Here are a few critical considerations:

Increased Demand for Public Liability Insurance

With the introduction of Martyn’s Law, there will likely be a heightened demand for public liability insurance. This type of insurance covers claims made by members of the public who suffer injury or damage while on your premises. As you enhance your security measures, having robust insurance coverage becomes even more critical.

Potential Changes to Insurance Coverage

As businesses assess how Martyn’s Law will impact their insurance policies, discussions with insurers will be necessary. You may find that existing policies, including property, terrorism, and public liability insurance, require updates to reflect the new risks and compliance obligations.

Implications for Premiums

The Bill highlights that premiums may be positively or negatively affected depending on how well your business demonstrates compliance with the new requirements. Implementing effective security measures could lead to reduced premiums over time, while failure to comply may result in increased costs.

Practical Steps for Compliance

To prepare your business for the implications of Martyn’s Law, consider the following steps:

1. Conduct a Risk Assessment: Evaluate your venue to identify potential terrorist threats and vulnerabilities. This assessment will inform the security measures you need to implement.
2. Enhance Security Measures: Based on your risk assessment, invest in appropriate security enhancements, such as better lighting, CCTV cameras, and hiring trained security staff.
3. Engage with your FSB broker: Start discussions with your broker to understand how Martyn’s Law will affect your coverage and premiums. Ensure your policies are up to date and adequately reflect your business’s risk profile.
4. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on developments related to Martyn’s Law and other relevant legislation. Engaging with industry bodies and attending training sessions can help you remain compliant and informed.

Martyn’s Law represents a significant shift in how public safety is approached in the UK, particularly for entertainment businesses. By understanding the law’s requirements and implications for your operations and insurance, you can better protect your venue and the people who visit it. Preparing for these changes will not only enhance the safety of your business but also reassure your customers that their well-being is a top priority.

For more information on Martyn’s Law and how it may impact your business, refer to the following resources:

Martyn’s Law Introduced to Parliament
Martyns Law SIA Statement
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill 2024
ProtectUK

By taking proactive steps, your business can thrive in a safer environment, ensuring the well-being of your patrons and staff alike.

Call FSB Insurance Service today and ask your broker how we can help you make the change to this new legislation when it comes into force.

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