The pub is no doubt a British institution – so will this well-loved pastime come under more financial strains as the Government legislates against the incoming Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law is a new piece of legislation that will require certain public venues in the UK, including pubs, bars and restaurants, to take steps to protect people from terrorism. The law is named after Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.
So, what does Martyn’s Law mean for pubs throughout the UK?
Martyn’s Law no doubt, sets a higher standard for venue operators to protect their establishments from the potential impact of terrorist attacks.
In short, it means that pubs will need to do more to protect their customers and staff from terrorism. This could include things like:
» Conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential terrorist threats.
» Implementing appropriate security measures, such as security guards, CCTV, and metal detectors.
» Training staff on how to respond to terrorist incidents.
» Working with local authorities and other agencies to develop a coordinated response to terrorism.
The good news is that there are a number of things that pubs can do to comply with Martyn’s Law without breaking the bank – whilst ensuring the safety of their staff and customers.
For example, many pubs already have security measures in place, such as CCTV and door staff. These measures can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of Martyn’s Law.
The bill also sets out a number of enforcement measures, including fines and imprisonment, for those who fail to comply with the requirements.
The bill defines two categories of public venues:
Tier 1 – venues are those with a maximum capacity of over 100 people.
Tier 2 – venues are those with a maximum capacity of over 800 people.
It is currently uncertain if there will be mandatory obligations and penalties for non-compliance with venue protection measures – for venues that do not meet the criteria of 100 capacity or less – or if they will be voluntary.
Our Dynamic Risk management platform has been developed to track and report (in real-time) on threats and mitigation measures, as well as legislation changes, and updates your accreditation so that you are always within the law – without any requirement from you as an operator/owner.
The most important thing is that pubs take the threat of terrorism seriously and take steps to protect their customers and staff. Martyn’s Law is a positive step in the fight against terrorism, and it will help to make our public spaces safer.
It’s encouraging to hear that the Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) has been working alongside the Home Office, NaCTSO and key stakeholders in the development of the bill, ensuring that this most historic of British institutions has a voice in the ongoing public consultation.
If you are a pub, bar or restaurant owner or manager, please contact us for more information on how Protect Duty Risk Solutions can help you to comply with Martyn’s Law – simply and, more importantly, cost-effectively.
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