Martyn's Law: Secure Lockers For Your Venue

If you manage a public venue, whether it’s a local theatre, a bustling sports arena, or a busy retail park, your approach to security is likely about to change. You’ve probably heard the term Martyn’s Law being discussed in industry circles. Formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, this upcoming legislation is designed to ensure that public spaces are better prepared for and protected against potential terrorist attacks.

Named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, the law aims to improve public safety through simple, common-sense security measures.

At IronStor, we’ve been helping venues organise and secure their spaces since 1984. While the law focuses on procedures and training, the physical infrastructure of your venue plays a massive role in how effectively you can meet these new requirements.

In this guide, we’ll break down what Martyn’s Law means for you and how the right storage solutions, from Steel Lockers to Security Approved Cabinets, can help you stay compliant and, more importantly, keep people safe.

Understanding the Two-Tier System

Martyn’s Law doesn't take a "one size fits all" approach. Instead, it uses a tiered system based on the capacity of your premises.

• The Standard Tier (200–799 people): Aimed at smaller venues like restaurants, shops, and primary schools. The focus here is on low-cost, effective activities like staff training and having a clear emergency plan in place.
• The Enhanced Tier (800+ people): This is for larger venues like stadiums, department stores, and major tourist attractions. These venues must undertake a formal risk assessment and implement more robust security measures to mitigate the threat.

Regardless of which tier your venue falls into, having a secure, organised environment is essential for a fast and effective response during an emergency.

The Strategic Role of Visitor Storage

One of the primary security risks in public spaces is unattended baggage. To a security team, an abandoned bag is a potential threat vector that requires immediate investigation, often leading to stressful evacuations or delays.

By providing Cube Lockers or a bank of Steel Lockers at your entrance, you offer visitors a safe place to store their belongings.

Why this matters for Martyn's Law:

• Reduced "Blind Spots": Encouraging visitors to use a Cube Locker means fewer bags are left under seats or in dark corners, making it much easier for your security team to spot actual threats.
• Controlled Access: By centralising storage, you can more easily monitor what is being brought into the venue, particularly in the "Enhanced Tier" where bag searches might be mandatory.
• Peace of Mind: Visitors feel safer knowing their items are secure in high-quality UK
• Manufactured Shelving units or lockers, allowing them to enjoy the venue while you maintain a clear, safe environment.

Staff Preparedness and Coordination

In the event of an emergency, your staff are the first line of defence. Martyn’s Law places a heavy emphasis on training and procedures. But where do those procedures live? And where is the equipment needed to carry them out?

Steel Lockers aren't just for staff handbags and coats. They are vital for evacuation coordination. Many venues now use dedicated "Response Lockers" located in staff-only areas. These are used to store:

• High-visibility vests for floor wardens.
• Two-way radios and megaphones.
• Evacuation maps and staff checklists.

Having these items stored in a designated, secure location ensures that when the alarm sounds, your team isn't hunting through cupboards. They go straight to their lockers, gear up, and begin leading the public to safety.

Emergency Response Equipment: Secure the Essentials

If an incident occurs, the minutes before emergency services arrive are critical. Martyn’s Law encourages venues to have "Public Protection Measures" in place. This often includes medical supplies, such as trauma kits or automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

However, these items are expensive and can be targets for theft or tampering if left out in the open. This is where Security Approved Cabinets and Secure Cabinets come into play.
What should you store?

• Trauma & First Aid Kits: Essential for immediate injury response.
• Grab Bags: Containing torches, foil blankets, and basic floor plans for emergency services.
• Utility Tools: For "Lockdown" procedures, such as temporary door barricades.

Using Security Approved Cabinets ensures that these life-saving tools are protected from day-to-day interference but remain immediately accessible to authorised staff when every second counts.

Protecting Sensitive Documentation

A key part of Martyn’s Law is documentation. You will be required to keep records of your terrorism preparedness, including floor plans, risk assessments, and training logs.

For Enhanced Tier venues, these documents are highly sensitive. You don’t want a detailed security layout of your building falling into the wrong hands. The legislation actually includes provisions to remove sensitive plans from public registers for this very reason.

You need a physical "Safe Harbour" for these records. Our Secure Cabinets provide a robust, lockable solution for storing:

• Sensitive Floor Plans: Showing security cameras, panic buttons, and exit routes.
• Risk Assessments: Detailing the specific vulnerabilities of your site.
• Staff Training Logs: To prove compliance during an inspection by the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

Why IronStor is Your Partner in Compliance

When it comes to security, "good enough" isn't good enough. You need storage that is built to last and designed for the rigours of a busy public environment.

At IronStor, we’ve been manufacturing high-quality storage solutions in Stoke on Trent since 1984. We aren't just a middleman selling imported systems; we are the manufacturers. This means we have total control over the quality and security of every unit we produce.

• ISO9001 Certified: Our commitment to quality is backed by international standards.
  UK Manufactured: By choosing UK Manufactured Shelving and lockers, you’re supporting British industry and ensuring a lower carbon footprint.
• Custom Solutions: Need a specific bank of Cube Lockers to fit a weirdly shaped alcove? Because we make them here in the UK, we can tailor our products to your venue’s specific needs.

Time to Act

Martyn’s Law is about more than just checking a box for the regulators. It’s about creating a culture of safety. By investing in Steel Lockers, Secure Cabinets, and proper Storage Shelving, you are making a clear statement that you value the safety of your visitors and your staff.

Don't wait for the legislation to become mandatory before you look at your physical security. Take a walk around your venue today.

• Are bags being left in corridors?
• Is your emergency equipment stored in a cardboard box under a desk?
• Are your security plans sitting in an unlocked drawer?

If the answer is yes, it’s time to upgrade.

Want to learn more?

If you’re looking for advice on how to secure your public venue or need a quote for high-security storage, chat with our team today. Call: 01782 770100, Email: info@ironstor.co.uk or fill in the form here and one of our team will be in touch.