Martyn’s Law Explained: Why Professional Two-Way Radio Communications Matter for Stadiums and Event

Martyn's Law Explained: Why Professional Radio Communications Are Becoming Essential

Martyn's Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, represents one of the most significant changes to venue security legislation in recent years. Named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people who tragically lost their lives in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017, the legislation aims to improve public safety by ensuring venues and event organisers are better prepared for potential terrorist incidents.

While the Act does not specifically require organisations to install digital two-way radio systems, it places a much greater emphasis on effective communication, coordinated emergency responses and staff preparedness. As a result, many stadiums, sports venues, concert arenas and event organisers are reviewing their communication infrastructure to ensure they can respond quickly, clearly and reliably when it matters most.

This guide explains what Martyn's Law means, who it applies to and why professional two-way radio systems are becoming a key part of modern venue security planning.

What Is Martyn's Law?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 introduces a legal duty for those responsible for qualifying public premises and events to consider the risk of terrorism and to put in place proportionate measures that help protect members of the public.

The legislation follows recommendations from the Manchester Arena Inquiry and has been developed to ensure organisations are better prepared should an attack occur.

The primary objectives of the Act include:

• Improving public safety
• Increasing preparedness
• Strengthening emergency planning
• Improving communication between staff
• Helping organisations respond quickly during an incident

Rather than prescribing specific technologies, the legislation focuses on outcomes, ensuring venues have practical measures that suit their size, risk profile and operational requirements.

Which Venues Are Affected?

Martyn's Law affects a wide range of publicly accessible venues, including:

• Football stadiums
• Rugby stadiums
• Cricket grounds
• Concert arenas
• Exhibition centres
• Conference venues
• Racecourses
• Shopping centres
• Universities
• Entertainment venues
• Outdoor festivals
• Major sporting events

The legislation introduces different requirements depending on the size and nature of the venue, with larger venues expected to implement more comprehensive protective measures.

What Will Organisations Need to Do?

Although exact requirements vary depending on the venue, organisations generally need to demonstrate they have considered the risk of terrorism and prepared appropriate procedures.

Typical responsibilities include:

Assessing the Risk

Operators should consider how a terrorist attack could affect their venue and identify reasonable mitigation measures.

Emergency Planning

Clear, documented procedures should exist for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and emergency response.

Staff Training

Employees, security teams and stewards should understand their responsibilities and know how to react quickly during an incident.

Effective Communication

Perhaps one of the most important aspects is ensuring that information can be communicated rapidly between security teams, control rooms, event staff and emergency services.

Why Communication Is Critical During an Emergency

During a major incident, communication can quickly become one of the biggest challenges.

Mobile phone networks often become overloaded when thousands of people attempt to make calls simultaneously. Delays of only a few seconds can significantly affect decision making.

Professional digital radio systems provide almost instantaneous communication between authorised users, enabling staff to:

• Coordinate evacuations
• Report suspicious activity
  Request assistance immediately
• Manage crowd movement
• Communicate with medical teams
• Direct security personnel
• Keep event control informed in real time

Fast, reliable communication helps reduce confusion and enables informed decisions to be made much more quickly.

Does Martyn's Law Require Two-Way Radios?

No.

The legislation does not state that organisations must install digital radio systems.

However, venues still need to demonstrate they have effective communication arrangements that are appropriate for their operations.

For many organisations, professional two-way radios represent the most practical solution because they provide resilient, instant communication that is not dependent on public mobile phone networks.

Benefits of Digital Radio Systems for Stadiums and Events

Modern digital radio systems offer a range of features that support venue safety and operational efficiency.

Instant Group Communication

Communicate with dozens or even hundreds of staff members simultaneously at the press of a button.

Emergency Buttons

Dedicated emergency buttons can instantly alert supervisors or control rooms when immediate assistance is required.

Dedicated Talk Groups

Separate communication channels allow security, medical teams, stewards and event management to operate independently while remaining coordinated.

Encrypted Communications

Digital encryption helps protect sensitive operational information from being intercepted.

GPS Location Tracking

Many professional radios allow supervisors to identify the location of staff members during an incident.

Excellent Audio Quality

Digital technology provides clearer speech in noisy environments such as stadiums and music venues.

Reliable Operation

Unlike mobile phones, professional radio systems continue operating even when public networks become congested.

Hiring or Buying a Radio System

Every venue has different operational requirements.

Many organisations choose to hire radio systems for:

• Sporting events
• Music festivals
• Temporary venues
• Seasonal events
• Large public gatherings

Permanent venues often invest in their own digital radio infrastructure, including repeaters, control room equipment and professionally managed radio fleets.

An experienced communications provider can help determine the most suitable solution based on venue size, expected attendance and operational requirements.

Preparing Before the Legislation Takes Effect

Although the Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, there is an implementation period before the legal duties become enforceable.

This provides organisations with valuable time to:

• Review current emergency procedures
• Assess communication systems
• Train staff
• Upgrade ageing analogue equipment
• Improve radio coverage across sites
• Test emergency response plans

Preparing early allows organisations to spread investment over time while improving operational resilience well before compliance deadlines.

How DCS 2 Way Radio Can Help

Whether you're responsible for a football stadium, concert venue, exhibition centre or large public event, reliable communication plays a vital role in keeping people safe.

DCS 2 Way Radio supplies professional digital communication solutions including:

• Digital two-way radios
• Event radio hire
• Stadium communication systems
• Radio repeaters
• Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) solutions
• Control room communications
• Nationwide support and technical advice

Our team can help assess your communication requirements and recommend a solution that supports your operational needs today while helping you prepare for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions