In an era where public safety is a growing concern, the UK Government has taken a decisive step forward with the introduction of the Protect Duty Legislation, which is expected to receive royal assent within weeks. From entertainment venues to transport hubs, organisations will now be legally required to implement security measures that protect visitors and staff. This article explores the key aspects of the legislation, who it applies to, and how businesses and public institutions can prepare for compliance.
Why Protect Duty Matters: A New Era for Public Safety
The UK Government is in the final stages of introducing new legislation aimed at improving public safety and reducing the risks associated with terrorism in publicly accessible spaces. Known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, or more commonly Martyn’s Law, this legislation seeks to ensure that those responsible for public spaces take proportionate steps to enhance security and emergency preparedness.
This law is named after Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. In the aftermath of this tragic attack, his mother, Figen Murray, campaigned for better security measures at venues, leading to the development of this legislation. The Protect Duty represents a significant shift in counterterrorism policy, aiming to enforce stronger preventive measures across various public and private sector organisations.
Unpacking Protect Duty: What It Means for Businesses and Public Spaces
The Protect Duty Legislation is designed to mandate publicly accessible venues to have clear security and emergency response procedures in place to mitigate the risks posed by potential terrorist attacks. It categorises premises based on their capacity and expected footfall, imposing different levels of security obligations depending on their size and function.
Is Your Venue Affected? Key Locations Under the Law
The law applies to publicly accessible premises where 200 or more people can be present at the same time. Some of the key locations covered under this legislation include:
- Food and drink establishments (restaurants, bars, clubs)
- Entertainment venues (concert halls, cinemas, theatres)
- Sports stadiums and recreational centres
- Museums, galleries, and exhibition halls
- Hotels and visitor attractions
- Places of worship
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Transport hubs (bus and railway stations, airports)
- Educational institutions (schools, universities, childcare facilities)
However, public parks, gardens, and open sports grounds that do not require payment for entry or conduct security checks are exempt from this law.
What’s Changing? Key Expectations for Compliance
The legislation outlines two key tiers of responsibility for qualifying premises:
1. Standard Duty Premises (200 – 799 people capacity)
Organisations falling under this category must develop and maintain security procedures that address various terrorism risks. This includes:
- Conducting risk assessments for potential terrorist threats
- Implementing lockdown, invacuation, and evacuation procedures
- Establishing clear communication plans in case of an emergency
2. Enhanced Duty Premises (800+ people capacity)
Larger venues, with a higher threat exposure, are required to implement more advanced security measures in addition to the Standard Duty requirements. These include:
- Monitoring premises and the surrounding area for threats
- Controlling movement in and out of the premises
- Enhancing physical security measures
- Securing sensitive information that could aid terrorist activities
Get Ready Now: A Practical Guide to Compliance
Organisations should begin preparing now to ensure compliance with the Protect Duty. Steps to take include:
Assessing Risk: Identify vulnerabilities specific to your venue and develop a risk mitigation strategy.
Training Staff: Ensure employees are aware of security protocols and conduct regular emergency drills.
Reviewing Security Measures: Invest in appropriate security infrastructure, such as surveillance systems and controlled access points.
Developing a Communication Plan: Establish a clear line of communication for emergencies, including coordination with law enforcement and first responders.
Documenting Compliance: Maintain records of security measures and policies to demonstrate adherence to the law.
