Research from insurance broker and risk management firm, Gallagher, suggests that just 23% of UK firms are fully confident that they will be able to meet the requirements of incoming terrorism preparedness legislation.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, known as Martyn’s Law, will require businesses to consider the types of attacks that could occur at their premises and take action to help reduce potential harm to the public.

Businesses required to comply with the law include venues with a capacity of 100 or more, including bar, restaurants, sports stadiums, cinemas, theatres and museums. Additionally the law will apply to organisers of public events where there will be over 100 people, such as festivals, charity fundraising events, including fetes.

Once Martyn’s Law comes into effect, businesses with a capacity of over 100 will be required to introduce a set of measures to mitigate threats, such as deploying security procedures and training staff. Businesses with a capacity of over 800 people will be required to regularly undertake risk assessments, develop detailed incident response plans and implement physical security measures such as CCTV, intruder alarms and secure fencing.

Gallagher’s research suggests that less than half of businesses (43%) understand the enhanced security measures expected to be required under the new legislation.

Dominic Roe, managing director and hospitality sector specialist at Gallagher, said: “Martyn’s Law will mean businesses will have substantial responsibility for protecting public safety and it is therefore rather concerning to see that such a low number of impacted firms are fully confident in their ability to meet these requirements, when they are expected to become law this year.

“This data clearly suggests that hospitality operators could fall significantly short of some of the expected requirements, with few firms having well shaped plans in place to meet the requirements. Given the specialist nature of understanding what needs to be implemented, I would urge firms to consider working with a security and risk management specialist, like Gallagher, which can help interpret what the law will mean for each individual venue and ensure that businesses are compliant. We are already working with thousands of businesses in the UK’s hospitality sector by helping them manage the risks they face and protect their businesses and we can help firms prepare for Martyn’s Law by assessing their level of risk and how they can keep their businesses, staff and customers safe.”

Gallagher's study was conducted amongst 300 senior managers and owners of hospitality businesses during January and February of 2024

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