More than 100 businesses are supporting a new law aimed at enhancing public protection against terror attacks. The proposed law, Martyn’s Law, is named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. Advocated for by Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, the law would require venues with over 200 capacity to have safety plans in place in case of an attack. Notable supporters of the Bill include McDonald’s and the Slug & Lettuce chain.
The legislation is set to be discussed in the House of Commons, with backing from venues in Manchester, as well as those in cities like Newcastle, Hull, Bradford, and Durham. Figen Murray expressed optimism about the law’s progress, highlighting its proportionate nature and emphasising the importance of ensuring safety without imposing undue burdens.
John Shepherd of Manchester’s Band On The Wall music venue echoed support for Martyn’s Law, affirming its potential to enhance safety for patrons and staff. The law is estimated to impact smaller and larger businesses differently, with additional costs expected for larger venues to comply with the regulations.
While the timeline for the law coming into effect remains uncertain, if approved by Parliament, the introduction of Martyn’s Law could take between one to two years for implementation. Business owners of smaller venues below the 200 capacity mark may voluntarily adopt the measures outlined in the law.
The global interest in Martyn’s Law underscores the significance of enhancing security measures across public venues. The collective support from businesses highlights a commitment to public safety and a proactive approach to mitigating terror risks.