Physical security leaders and facilities managers are being urged to accelerate preparations for Martyn’s Law as experts warn many organisations remain unprepared less than a year before the legislation is expected to come into force.
The warning comes from IoT and critical communications specialist AddSecure, which says confusion around compliance requirements risks leaving venues exposed to legal, operational and reputational consequences when the law is enforced from April 2027.
Introduced in response to the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, Martyn’s Law will require publicly accessible venues to improve preparedness for terrorist incidents through mandatory security procedures, staff training and emergency response planning.
Under the proposed legislation, venues accommodating between 200 and 799 people will fall under the Standard Tier, requiring clear procedures, training and regular audits. Sites with capacities above 800 people will be subject to Enhanced Tier obligations, including detailed risk assessments and physical security measures such as CCTV systems and bag search policies.
According to AddSecure, there remains a widespread misconception that the legislation only applies to large arenas or stadiums, when in reality a broad range of buildings and venues will fall within scope.
Chris Wimshurst, Director of UK Sales at AddSecure, said many organisations still rely heavily on traditional fire alarm systems for emergency communication, which may prove inadequate during a terrorist incident.
“A much needed update, Martyn’s Law will make buildings safer. There’s a misconception that Martyn’s Law is only going to affect high-capacity venues, such as sports stadiums or entertainment arenas but that’s not the case. The two-tiered system means that facilities managers must also be compliant or risk legal, financial and reputational consequences.
“Currently there’s little guidance available for businesses on how to implement it effectively. We want to help navigate this complex piece of legislation, and have created a whitepaper on Martyn’s Law, explaining how it will affect the sector and what procedures will need to be implemented to remain compliant, but more importantly, to keep people safe.”
The company warns that evacuation-only approaches could place occupants at greater risk in certain scenarios, particularly where individuals unknowingly move towards danger. Instead, organisations may need more flexible communication capabilities that support both lockdown and evacuation procedures in real time.
For physical security leaders, the legislation is expected to drive increased focus on integrated emergency communications, mass notification systems and dynamic incident management strategies.
AddSecure has published guidance designed to help organisations understand the implications of the legislation and identify gaps in preparedness ahead of enforcement.