Martyn’s Law

Martyn’s Law (The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill) has started its passage through Parliament.

The Bill will require responsible persons for public premises and qualifying events (relating to e.g. retail, hospitality, entertainment, sport/leisure, education, transport, worship) to take action to mitigate the risk relating to terrorism.

The Bill uses terminology consistent with UK health and fire safety law such where specific parties take responsibility for their premises and are obliged to consider what is reasonably practicable. This broadly requires organisations to assess risks and introduce proportionate measures to control the nature of those risks consistent with cost, practicality and effectiveness.

It is proposed that the SIA will be regulator and enforcement authority for this regime and civil sanctions Civil sanctions for non-compliance are proposed to range from compliance notices (requiring remedial action to be taken within a specified timeframe) to penalties of £18m (or 5% of worldwide revenue) for enhanced premises or qualifying events.