Catherine Gage talks to The Association of Cultural Enterprises about the importance of Martyn’s Law

Born from the campaigning of Figen Murray after the Manchester Arena attack, the legislation requires venues to implement clear procedures to protect visitors and staff. Compliance is tiered: “standard duty premises” (capacity 100–799) must develop public protection plans for emergencies, while “enhanced duty premises” (800+) must undertake formal risk assessments, implement proportionate physical measures, and maintain a documented security plan overseen by a designated senior individual.

 

The emphasis is not on costly infrastructure but on empowering staff, the greatest asset of cultural institutions. Training, clear protocols for evacuation, lockdown, and communication, and regular reviews will ensure readiness. Larger venues will need to go further, integrating security planning into operational strategy and working closely with the Security Industry Authority (SIA), the appointed regulator.