Martyn’s Law Events Compliance: How to Reduce Risk, Queues & Meet the Protect Duty

Martyn’s Law (The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025) introduces a legal duty for event organisers to improve security preparedness and reduce exposure to terrorist threats.

This guide explains:

What Martyn’s Law requires for events

Where compliance typically fails

How to reduce risk through better flow and infrastructure

How to implement practical, scalable solutions

What is Martyn’s Law for Events?

Martyn’s Law applies to publicly accessible events and venues across the UK, requiring organisers to:

  • Improve preparedness against terrorist threats
  • Reduce vulnerability at key risk points
  • Implement proportionate security measures
  • Ensure staff are trained and procedures are in place

Two Compliance Tiers

Standard Tier (lower capacity events <800 people):

  • Basic awareness training
  • Simple security procedures

Enhanced Tier (larger events +800 people):

  • Detailed risk assessments
  • Formal security planning
  • Measures to reduce crowd vulnerability
  • Demonstrable implementation of controls

 

Enterprise Smart Locker Systems Platform Overview

See how Vpod smart locker systems automate storage, deliveries, and secure item handovers across workplaces, logistics operations, venues, and hospitality environments.

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  • Deployed across 25+ countries
  • Thousands of lockers installed
  • Supporting high-traffic venues and workplaces

The Biggest Risk in Event Compliance: Queues

Most event security planning focuses on:

Screening

Detection

Response

But the highest-risk environment is before security begins.

Why queues create risk:

High-density crowd build-up

Static, predictable targets

Increased dwell time

Limited control and visibility

Queues are not just operational issues — they are security vulnerabilities

Where Events Fail to Meet Martyn’s Law

Many events rely on:

Manual bag checks

Cloakrooms or temporary storage

Staff-led queue management

These approaches:

Slow down entry processing

Create bottlenecks under peak demand

Increase crowd density outside venues

Depend on inconsistent human execution

Provide no audit trail or accountability

Result: compliance gaps between policy and real-world execution

Event Locker Visitor Process
A visitor deposits an item into an available locker

The locker system generates a secure access code

The recipient receives a notification with collection instructions

The item is collected using a PIN code, mobile credential or access card

The locker automatically becomes available again

 

 

How Locker Management Software Supports Operations

Because all locker activity is recorded by the locker management platform, organisations gain full visibility into storage usage and access history.

As a result, teams can track workflows more effectively and maintain operational control.

This means lockers support parcel deliveries, visitor storage, equipment handovers, workplace logistics and retail order collection.

How to Achieve Martyn’s Law Compliance in Events

Key Areas to Focus on:

To meet the requirements of the Act, events must focus on:

1. Reducing Exposure to Risk

  • Minimise queue length and density
  • Reduce time spent in vulnerable areas

2. Controlling Entry Conditions

  • Standardise what enters the venue
  • Create predictable, structured processes

3. Improving Throughput

  • Increase the speed of entry processing
  • Prevent bottlenecks during peak arrival windows

4. Managing Crowd Flow

  • Avoid static congestion zones
  • Keep people moving safely

5. Demonstrating Compliance

  • Implement repeatable processes
  • Maintain auditability and records

The Role of Smart Lockers in Martyn’s Law Compliance

Smart lockers provide a pre-security infrastructure layer that directly supports compliance.

Reduce Vulnerability

  • Remove bags before security
  • Shorten queues and dwell time
  • Lower exposure at entry points

Improve Entry Control

  • Standardise pre-entry conditions
  • Reduce unpredictability at screening

Increase Throughput

  • Fewer bags = faster screening
  • Higher processing capacity

Improve Crowd Flow

  • Eliminate cloakroom queues
  • Reduce congestion hotspots

Enable Auditability

  • Digital usage tracking
  • Time-stamped interactions
  • Repeatable, consistent processes

Instead of managing queues, you remove the cause of queues

From Manual Security to Infrastructure-Led Compliance

Martyn’s Law is driving a shift:

Traditional Approach

Modern Compliance Approach

Staff-led processes

System-led execution

Reactive management

Proactive risk reduction

Manual storage

Automated infrastructure

Inconsistent outcomes

Standardised performance

Compliance is no longer just about people
It’s about systems that perform under pressure

The Business Impact of Compliance

Meeting Martyn’s Law requirements delivers:

Risk Reduction

  • Lower exposure to threats
  • Safer entry environments

Operational Efficiency

  • Faster ingress
  • Reduced staffing pressure

Improved Experience

  • Shorter queues
  • Better visitor satisfaction

Revenue Opportunity

  • Monetised storage (£5–£10 per use)

Scalable per-event income

Why Early Adoption Matters

Events that act early will:

  • Reduce compliance risk
  • Improve operational performance
  • Enhance visitor experience
  • Gain competitive advantage

Martyn’s Law is not just regulation
It’s an opportunity to redesign event operations

Enterprise Locker Management Software Platform

Cloud Locker Management Software

Monitor locker availability, usage, and activity in real time across locations. The platform provides central oversight of locker systems without requiring on-site supervision.

 

Secure Digital Access

Locker access can be controlled through PIN codes, mobile credentials, cards, or integrated access systems. This eliminates keys while ensuring only authorised users can access stored items.

Centralised Management

Locker policies, permissions, and operational rules can be managed from a single platform, enabling consistent storage workflows across multiple sites.

Usage Analytics and Reporting

Detailed usage data and access logs provide visibility into locker activity, utilisation, and operational performance.

Enterprise Reliability

Locker systems are designed for high-usage environments where downtime disrupts operations. The platform supports continuous operation in workplaces, venues, hospitality environments, and logistics settings.

System Integrations

The platform integrates with access control systems, building management platforms, and operational workflows, allowing lockers to operate as part of existing infrastructure.

Trusted in Real-World Operations

Skyscanner — Global Workplace Deployment

Skyscanner deployed Vpod Vflex smart lockers across its offices to support hybrid workplace operations and flexible employee storage.

As a result, the deployment spans 200+ lockers across multiple floors and locations, enabling day-use storage, IT asset returns, and visitor storage within a single centrally managed system.

The smart locker platform enables remote locker management across multiple offices, reducing administrative workload for workplace teams while supporting mobile employees and visitors with consistent storage access.

 

Paradiso — High-Volume Live Venue Deployment – Event Storage Solutions

Paradiso, a leading live music venue in the Netherlands, deployed 993 CrowdStor smart lockers to replace traditional cloakroom services and manage guest belongings during concerts and events.

The system has been used over 380,000 times and reduced post-event exit times from 60 minutes to just 15 minutes, dramatically improving guest flow and venue efficiency. The deployment also delivered 18× return on investment while creating new revenue opportunities from self-service locker usage.

 

Ziggo Dome — Large-Scale Arena Deployment – Event Storage Solutions

Ziggo Dome, one of Europe’s largest live music arenas, deployed 4,608 CrowdStor smart lockers to modernise visitor storage and remove manual cloakroom operations.

The venue welcomes 1.2 million visitors annually and hosts events with up to 17,000 attendees. Following the deployment, post-concert exit times were reduced by 75%, improving crowd movement and guest experience during large-scale events.

Explore more real world examples of our smart lockers transforming spaces and workflows across a variety of industries

Smart Locker Solutions for Key Roles

5
4
Operations Directors

Improve operational efficiency, manage peak demand, and automate storage workflows across locations.


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Facilities Managers

Maintain secure locker infrastructure and manage storage systems within workplaces and operational environments.


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IT Directors

Integrate locker systems with access control, identity platforms, and enterprise infrastructure.


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Commercial Directors

Improve guest experience while creating new revenue opportunities through self-service storage.


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Property Managers

Manage parcel deliveries, tenant storage, and secure handovers across multi-tenant buildings.


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Operational Impact of Smart Locker Systems

Organisations deploying smart locker systems typically see measurable improvements in operational efficiency, service speed, and storage management.

In practice, replacing manual handling with self-service workflows reduces pressure on staff while improving accountability and user experience.

Typical outcomes from smart locker deployments include:

Reduce manual storage handling by 70–90%
Automated locker workflows eliminate the need for staff to issue, track, and retrieve stored items.

Eliminate cloakroom and reception queues during peak demand
Self-service access allows guests, employees, or visitors to store and collect items independently.

Storage Solutions have three strong benefits:

Improve parcel delivery success rates
Couriers can securely deposit items without requiring staff involvement or recipient availability.

Provide traceable handovers for equipment and assets
Digital access logs create full visibility of who stored, accessed, or collected each item.

Reduce staff involvement in day-to-day storage operations
Locker systems allow storage to operate unattended while remaining centrally managed.