Do I need CCTV or security for Martyn's Law? Myths vs facts

Myth 1: "We'll have to install CCTV"

Fact: Standard tier venues don't have to install CCTV or any other physical security. The standard tier duties are about procedures and people: notify the SIA, have four simple procedures, and make sure staff know them.

Physical and technical measures (called "public protection measures") only apply to the enhanced tier, of 800 or more people, and even then only where reasonably practicable. If you already have CCTV, it can help, but it isn't a requirement for the standard tier.

Myth 2: "We'll need bag searches and door staff"

Fact: No. There's no requirement for standard tier venues to search bags, hire door supervisors or employ security staff. Your existing staff, with a clear plan, are what the law expects.

Myth 3: "We'll need barriers, bollards or blast film"

Fact: Not for the standard tier. The government designed the standard tier to be low-cost, with costs mainly being staff time. Physical measures are an enhanced tier matter.

Myth 4: "Staff must do a paid, certified training course"

Fact: During the Bill's passage, the government removed the requirement for a specific, prescribed form of training for the standard tier. What matters is that your staff know your procedures and how to carry them out.

That said, free training is excellent. ProtectUK's ACT Awareness e-learning, from Counter Terrorism Policing, is free, takes about 45 minutes, and helps staff spot and respond to suspicious behaviour. It's a great addition, but it's general awareness: it doesn't replace your venue's own procedures.

Myth 5: "You need a certificate to prove you're Martyn's Law compliant"

Fact: There's no official Martyn's Law certificate. Be wary of anyone selling "certification" or claiming government approval. What you need is to meet the duties and be able to show it: your capacity record, your procedures and evidence that staff know them.

Myth 6: "It's only for big stadiums and arenas"

Fact: The standard tier starts at 200 people, including staff and outdoor areas. That catches lots of pubs with gardens, village halls, sports clubhouses, churches, hotels and wedding venues. See does Martyn's Law apply to my venue?

Myth 7: "We're members only, so it doesn't apply"

Fact: Needing a membership, ticket or booking to get in doesn't take you out of scope. The official guidance gives a private members' club as an example of a standard tier premises.

Myth 8: "If we hire out our hall, the hirer is responsible"

Fact: For normal hires, the hall (its committee, trust or company) stays the responsible person. The guidance says you should explain the requirements to hirers and set out what you expect in your hire terms. See Martyn's Law for village halls.

Myth 9: "Our fire plan already covers it"

Fact: Your fire evacuation plan is a great starting point, but Martyn's Law needs more than evacuation. You also need invacuation (bringing people in), lockdown (keeping a threat out) and communication. In some attacks, sending everyone outside to the usual assembly point could put them in more danger. See what is invacuation?

Myth 10: "We'll be fined thousands straight away"

Fact: The SIA has said it will take a "support first" approach. The maximum penalty for the standard tier is £10,000, but the regulator's focus is on helping venues get it right. See Martyn's Law penalties.

So what does a standard tier venue actually need?

1. Notify the SIA about the premises and the responsible person (once the portal opens). See how to notify the SIA.
2. Have four procedures in place, so far as reasonably practicable: evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication. See our procedures template guide.
3. Make sure the people who work there know them.

That's it. For most venues it's an afternoon of planning and a short team briefing, not a building project.