Protect Duty Consultation Concludes

In late November 2021, The UK Government published its response to a consultation on the ‘Protect Duty’, new legislation which aims to make the public safer by improving security standards in publicly accessible locations (PALs) such as stadiums, concerts and even bars and restaurants. 

Protect Duty is also known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ because the legislation has been campaign for by the mother of Martyn Hett, Figen Murray. Martyn was one of the 22 who sadly lost their lives at the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.

The scope of the legislation is wide and far-reaching, but has significant impact across the entertainment, food and beverage industries. If your organisation owns land or operates facilities that have PALs, this legislation is likely to apply to you as well. Crucially, however, the focus is on introducing a ‘proportionate’ approach to protective security i.e. smaller venues or spaces will not be expected to have the same measures in place as much larger or more complex facilities. Further information is expected to be announced in the next few months.