The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill 2024, known as Martyn’s Law, includes provisions for excluding certain events from being classified as qualifying events. These exclusions are outlined in Schedule 2 of the Bill and ensure that specific premises are treated consistently under the law, regardless of attendance numbers.
Article 8 in a series on Martyn's Law
This blog is part of our ongoing series exploring Martyn’s Law and its impact on public safety. We recommend checking out the previous blogs for valuable insights. Don’t hesitate to contact us directly for further information or tailored advice.
Key Exclusions or Categorisations
Places of Worship
Premises identified as places of worship are excluded from qualifying events requirements. Any event occurring at these premises will not be subject to enhanced duty obligations, regardless of size or nature.
In addition, even if these premises host 200 or more individuals (meeting the standard tier threshold) or 800 or more individuals (which would typically trigger the enhanced duty), they will always remain within the Standard Tier.
Premises for Childcare, Primary, Secondary, or Further Education
Premises used for childcare or educational purposes are similarly excluded.
These venues will remain within the Standard Tier, even if their capacity exceeds the enhanced duty threshold of 800 individuals.
Events at these premises will not constitute qualifying events and will not trigger enhanced duty requirements.
Factors to Include in Capacity Assessment
- Staff and Workers: Individuals working at the premises or event should be included unless ticketing or pre-registration methods are used to establish attendance (events only).
- Public Areas Only: Capacity assessments should exclude areas not accessible to the public, such as:
- Immediate surroundings like pavements or entryways.
- Operational zones like loading bays or restricted areas.
Although these excluded areas do not affect the capacity calculation, they still require attention as potential security vulnerabilities, and responsible persons must address them within their security measures.
Purpose of These Exclusions
The exclusion of these types of premises and events reflects the unique nature of their operations and the existing safeguarding measures already in place. By ensuring that places of worship and educational premises remain within the Standard Tier, Martyn’s Law provides a consistent framework that prioritises practicality and proportionality.
These exclusions allow these premises to focus on their core functions while maintaining essential security measures under the Standard Tier.
A Tailored Approach to Diverse Needs
United Outcomes specialises in providing bespoke solutions to support organisations in meeting the requirements of Martyn’s Law. We understand the unique challenges faced by venues of all sizes and offer tailored advice to address specific needs. Our approach focuses on venue-specific guidance, ensuring that every strategy we develop is both effective and aligned with your objectives. By partnering with us, you can confidently navigate the responsibilities of Martyn’s Law, transforming challenges into opportunities to enhance public safety and resilience.
Kevin Purcell
Kevin, United Outcomes’ Chief Operating Officer, boasts a distinguished career leveraging his background as a senior police officer to drive organisational excellence. With over a decade in leadership roles, Kevin excels in coordinating multi-agency operations, underscoring his adeptness in emergency preparedness. Specialising in change management, leadership, and development across various sectors, he has a record of executing projects efficiently, within budget, and to the highest standards.
