The UK’s Labour government has confirmed that it will move forward with new legislation that would require public venues such as bars, restaurants, and hotels to adopt security measures against the threat of terrorism. Known as Martyn’s Law, the proposed legislation has been driven by a campaign led by Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.

The proposed law is designed to close the gap in existing legislation that left venues under no legal obligation to prepare for a terror attack. But what does this mean in practice for hospitality venues, and how should businesses begin to prepare?

Background of Martyn’s Law

After the tragic events in Manchester, Figen Murray began lobbying for new legislation that would require venues to develop and implement basic security measures. Her campaign caught the attention of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who introduced the Draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill. The bill was referenced once again in the King’s Speech on 17 July 2024 by newly elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer, confirming the government’s intention to move the legislation forward, pending consultation.

Martyn’s Law is still not enacted. As solicitor Andy Grimsey of Poppleston Allen notes, “No Bill has been laid before Parliament… [and] the results of the consultation are not yet known.” However, the framework is already taking shape, and hospitality operators are beginning to assess its likely impact.

Risk categories and venue responsibilities

The proposed legislation introduces a two-tier structure based on the size of a venue. The Standard Tier includes public venues with a capacity of 100 to 799 people, while the Enhanced Tier includes those with a capacity of 800 or more. Enhanced Tier venues are expected to face more demanding requirements and higher costs.

One area of ambiguity remains how a venue’s official capacity will be determined. Grimsey suggests that fire risk assessments may be used as a reference point. He also raises questions about beer gardens and patios—spaces that might not technically be part of the licensed premises but are used for hospitality. It appears likely that these outdoor areas will be included in capacity assessments, meaning some smaller venues may be pulled into the scope of Martyn’s Law if their outdoor seating increases their total occupancy.

Procedural planning over physical changes

For most Standard Tier venues, the law is unlikely to demand expensive physical alterations. Instead, businesses will be expected to implement what Grimsey describes as “reasonably practicable procedural measures” to reduce the risk of harm during or in anticipation of a terror event.

These measures are likely to include:

• Evacuation: Clear procedures for moving people out of the venue quickly and safely.
  
• Invacuation: Plans for sheltering guests within secure areas of the premises.
  
• Lockdown: Tactics to restrict access to the premises, including shutting doors, using barriers, or locking entry points.
  
• Communication: Internal systems to alert both staff and customers about threats and direct them to safety.
  

Front-line staff will need to understand these procedures thoroughly. This means a new emphasis on staff training, ensuring employees are prepared to respond calmly and effectively under pressure.

Training and resources for compliance

Although Martyn’s Law is not yet legally binding, hospitality operators are being advised to start planning now. Free materials, updates, and training resources are already available from Protect UK, a government-backed security initiative. There are also private sector providers offering guidance—though Grimsey warns businesses to be cautious about firms claiming they can deliver “Martyn’s Law-compliance” before the law has been finalised.

The previous government had recommended that hospitality venues undertake regular “practice runs” to test their security protocols. This type of preparation may soon become standard for bars, restaurants, and hotels that fall within the scope of the legislation.

While there is no requirement to act immediately, hospitality operators would be wise to familiarise themselves with the proposed tiers and assess their venues’ potential classification. As Grimsey points out, “Martyn’s Law is not law yet… but preparation now could ease the transition when it is.”

As the industry awaits further consultation results and legislative progress, Martyn’s Law represents a significant shift in the way public venues manage safety. If passed, it will place a new legal duty on the hospitality sector to protect patrons not just from the ordinary risks of operation, but from extraordinary threats as well