How Martyn’s Law Will Impact Venue & Security Communications
What venues, event operators and security teams need to know about the future of effective communication.
Martyn’s Law – officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act – introduces a new set of duties designed to help venues and event operators improve their preparedness and response to potential threats. At the heart of these duties is one crucial requirement: clear, reliable communication.
Venues will need strong, secure and well-planned communication systems in place, ensuring that staff and security teams can respond quickly and cohesively during high-pressure situations. For many organisations, this will mean reviewing and upgrading existing equipment, protocols and training.
To support venues preparing for these changes, we have created a dedicated page:
Martyn’s Law & Venue Security Communications – outlining what the law means, who it affects and how to strengthen communication systems.
This blog provides an overview of the communication-related impacts and highlights the key technologies – such as security radios, encrypted walkie talkies and body cameras, that will play a central role in meeting your new responsibilities.
What Martyn’s Law Means for Venue Communications
While the legislation outlines proportionate security measures based on venue size, virtually all venues will need to demonstrate that they have:
- Structured communication plans
- Clear reporting lines during incidents
- Trained staff who can coordinate effectively
- Reliable tools for emergency response
This is where professional communication equipment becomes essential.
Why Radios Are More Important Than Ever Under Martyn’s Law
1. Instant Communication for Fast, Coordinated Response
During an incident, mobile phones are too slow and too unreliable.
Security walkie talkies allow teams to:
- Communicate instantly with one button
- Share information in real time
- Coordinate emergency procedures
- Brief stewards and security without delay
The ability to broadcast to multiple people simultaneously is a major advantage during evacuation, crowd movement or threat detection.
2. Encryption Protects Sensitive Security Information
Martyn’s Law expects venues to manage security responsibly.
Part of this is ensuring that sensitive messages, such as evacuation commands or suspicious activity reports are not intercepted.
Encrypted walkie talkies help venues:
- Prevent unauthorised access to communications
- Protect operational details
- Maintain secure talk groups for security teams
- Reduce risk during high-profile events
Encryption is becoming best practice for professional event and venue security teams.
3. Discreet Communication In and Around the Public
Front-of-house staff and stewards need to communicate calmly and discreetly.
This is where security radios with earpieces become invaluable.
They allow:
- Quiet two-way communication
- Minimal disruption to guests
- Improved situational awareness
- Professional and coordinated responses
Discreet communication is a subtle but vital part of maintaining public confidence.
4. Stronger Command and Control
A core expectation under Martyn’s Law is improved planning, monitoring and response.
Radios support this by enabling control rooms to:
- Receive real-time updates
- Coordinate multiple teams at once
- Maintain oversight across entrances, queues and public spaces
- Share decisions immediately
Reliable communication allows control teams to manage incidents calmly and effectively.
Supporting Technologies: The Role of Body Cameras
Martyn’s Law does not make body cameras mandatory, but they significantly strengthen venue preparedness.
Body camera hire can help with:
- Incident recording
- Evidence gathering
- Conflict de-escalation
- Staff protection
- Post-event review and training
They complement security radios by giving teams both audio and visual oversight during incidents.
Communications Upgrades Venues May Need to Consider
As venues prepare for Martyn’s Law, many will review or upgrade their systems, including:
- Digital security radios
- Encrypted walkie talkies for secure channels
- Radios for stewards, FOH and technical teams
- Site-wide coverage improvements
- Earpieces and covert communication sets
- Integrations with alarms and panic systems
- Structured communication protocols
For a detailed breakdown, examples and guidance tailored to your venue, visit our full page:
Martyn’s Law & Venue Security Communications
Why Hiring Radios Makes Sense for Martyn’s Law Preparation
Many venues are choosing two way radio hire or event radio hire to support compliance because hire offers:
1. Flexibility for Different Event Schedules
Scale your radio fleet based on expected footfall and risk level.
2. Immediate Access to Secure, Modern Equipment
Test encrypted radios, body cameras and specialist accessories before committing long-term.
3. Fully Maintained, Ready-to-Use Devices
Every radio arrives programmed, charged and supported with technical backup.
4. Cost-Effective Compliance Preparation
Avoid large upfront investment, especially while requirements are still evolving.
Final Thoughts
Martyn’s Law will reshape how venues prepare for and respond to major incidents, placing communication at the centre of safety planning.
The right combination of security radios, encrypted walkie talkies, earpieces and body cameras will help teams act quickly, confidently and professionally.
Digitall Comms supports venues and security teams across the UK with reliable communication solutions tailored for Martyn’s Law readiness.
To explore the full guidance and recommended communication tools, visit our dedicated Martyn’s Law & Venue Security Communications page.
Or speak to our Expert Hire Team today for personalised advice on strengthening your venue’s communication plan.
FAQs – Martyn’s Law & Venue Communications
Who does Martyn’s Law apply to?
Martyn’s Law applies to a wide range of publicly accessible premises and events, including venues, arenas, festivals, night-time economy businesses, places of worship, visitor attractions, shopping centres, sports grounds and schools of a certain size. Requirements vary depending on venue size and capacity thresholds.
Do all venues need to upgrade their communication systems?
Not necessarily, but many venues will benefit from reviewing and strengthening their communication setup. Martyn’s Law requires venues to demonstrate clear, effective and reliable communication procedures. Radios, encrypted systems and structured communication plans often form a key part of this preparedness.
Why are security radios recommended over mobile phones?
Security radios provide instant push-to-talk communication, group messaging, durable performance in crowded or noisy environments and independence from mobile networks, which may fail or become congested during emergencies. Radios also allow dedicated channels for security, stewards and management teams.
Do venues need encrypted walkie talkies to comply with Martyn’s Law?
Encryption is not explicitly mandated, but it is strongly recommended. Encrypted walkie talkies prevent eavesdropping, protect sensitive information and ensure secure communication between security teams and control rooms, a best practice for any venue handling crowd safety or emergency response.
Can our existing radios be upgraded to meet Martyn’s Law expectations?
In many cases, yes. We can upgrade analogue systems to digital, add encrypted channels, improve coverage, integrate panic systems or supply additional radios for peak events. We assess your existing infrastructure and help you enhance it cost-effectively.
What types of events benefit from radio hire?
Short-term or seasonal events, such as concerts, light-switch-ons, festivals, markets, sports fixtures and high-profile nights, often rely on event radio hire. Hiring allows venues to scale their communication capacity without committing to long-term investment.
Can radios integrate with panic buttons and alarm systems?
Yes. Using solutions like the SMC Gateway, radios can receive automatic alerts triggered by fire alarms, intruder alarms, access control or panic buttons. This ensures the right teams are notified instantly, improving emergency response times and clarity.