AddSecure issues White Paper on Martyn’s Law compliance

With less than 12 months until the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 comes fully into effect, AddSecure – the European provider of secure Internet of Things connectivity and end-to-end solutions on a mission to create a safer and smarter world – is urging those organisations responsible for publicly accessible buildings and events to start preparing now or risk serious legal consequences.

Expected to be enforced from April next year, Martyn’s Law will affect a wide range of venues and public-facing premises, many of which still don’t have compliant procedures in place.

Developed in the wake of the Manchester Arena terrorist bombing, Martyn’s Law requires venues hosting over 200 people to have a protocol in place for responding to a terrorist incident. Split into two tiers, sites that hold between 200 and 799 people must comply with the Standard Tier, which focuses on creating procedures, staff training and regular audits.

Those locations hosting over 800 people must fulfil the Enhanced Tier’s criteria, which extends requirements to include frequent risk assessments and physical security systems, such as surveillance or bag search policies.

Two-tier system

Chris Wimshurst, director of sales at AddSecure UK, said: “There’s a misconception that Martyn’s Law will only affect large venues such as sports stadiums or entertainment arenas, but the two-tier system means that a wide range of organisations will need to be compliant or otherwise risk legal, financial and/or reputational consequences.”

Wimshurst added: “Martyn’s Law is a vital step towards making public spaces safer. However, currently there’s little guidance available on how organisations can implement it effectively. Our White Paper is designed to help organisations understand the requirements and put the right procedures in place in order to keep people safe.”

The legislation brings the need for greater emphasis on communication during an incident. Relying solely on fire alarms will no longer be sufficient as evacuation may not always be the safest response. Now, organisations will need to have both evacuation and lockdown procedures in place, ably supported by reliable real-time communication systems for Emergency Services personnel and members of staff to respond as situations evolve.

*Download copies of ‘Martyn’s Law: From Policy to Protection’ online