New UK Law Shields Venues from Terrorism

With the threat of terrorism always at the forefront of the public’s consciousness, being safe from the threat of danger is always a concern for UK citizens. After the events of the Manchester terrorist attack in 2017 in which twenty-two people died when a radical Islamist detonated a bomb at an Ariana Grande concert, the mother of one of the innocent spectators murdered on that tragic day has set about changing the law in a bid to improve security procedures in public spaces.

Figen Murray whose son, Martyn Hett was among the people killed on 22 May 2017 has pushed for airport airport-style security checks to be mandatory at major sporting and entertainment venues. After a campaign to get the UK Government to change its stance on security in public venues, it seems that the right people have finally taken notice.

What does UK law say about security checks in public venues?

Currently, in the UK no such law currently exists and instead remains the decision of individual operators and venues rather than being compulsory. This means that those who attend music concerts and sports events in venues across the UK may or not may attend a venue in which security checks are carried out.

What is changing in the UK to help prevent the threat of terrorism?

The UK Government now recognise the need for extra security measurements, especially in public venues, which is why Security Minister James Brokenshire recently announced plans to introduce a law which will require owners and operators of public spaces and venues to implement security measures to keep the public safe from a potential terrorist attack.

How will this work?

According to the UK Government Website, the proposed new law will be consulted in the spring of 2020. The new law would require venue operators to consider the risk of a terrorist attack and take proportionate and reasonable measures to prepare for and protect the public from such an attack and could result in staff having to attend mandatory training in physical security, training, incident response plans and how to react in the event of an attack.

How will this help to prevent terrorism?

This new law would require all public venues to have mandatory security checks by trained staff who have been efficiently trained to deal with events in the case of a terrorist attack. With more expertly trained security staff operating in venues and with strict security protocols implemented – important lessons can be learnt from the Manchester tragedy.

What Get Licensed Says

The safety of the public should always be paramount with security protocols and procedures put into place to ensure the protection of UK citizens. If recent events have taught us anything it is that the looming danger of terrorism still hangs over us and that security staff need to have the training in place to ensure no further incidents can occur.

We welcome the changes set out by the UK Government and will continue to work in getting security operatives trained towards a safer country against terrorism.