More than 100 businesses are backing a new law aimed at protecting the public from terror attacks. Martyn’s Law is set to be debated in the House of Commons and would require venues with a capacity of over 200 to have plans in place for responding to potential attacks. The law, part of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, is named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. Figen Murray, Martyn’s mother, has been campaigning for these safety measures.
Major companies such as McDonald’s and Slug & Lettuce are among the over 100 public venues supporting Martyn’s Law. These businesses, primarily based in Manchester, have signed a letter endorsing the legislation. The proposed law has garnered interest not only locally but globally, as there is currently no similar legislation in place elsewhere.
Speaking about the law, Figen Murray emphasised that Martyn’s Law is designed to be proportionate and not burdensome for businesses. The focus is on ensuring the safety of customers and staff through common-sense measures. John Shepherd of Band On The Wall, a Manchester music venue, expressed support for the law, highlighting its importance in enhancing public safety.
If passed, the new regulations could impact around 155,000 smaller businesses and 24,000 larger venues, each facing different anticipated costs for compliance. While the legislation does not apply to venues with a capacity of less than 200, businesses are encouraged to voluntarily adopt safety measures. It is estimated that it may take one to two years for the Bill to become law and for the measures to be implemented.
Overall, Martyn’s Law is seen as a positive step towards bolstering security measures at public venues and ensuring the safety of individuals. By requiring preparedness for potential threats, the law aims to mitigate risks and protect against acts of terrorism.