As public safety standards tighten, operators of high-footfall venues face growing pressure to upgrade their security strategies. The introduction of Martyn’s Law – officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – marks a pivotal shift, requiring venue operators to assess risks and put proportionate measures in place. At the heart of this evolving framework is access control – a vital component of modern venue security.
From shopping centres and sports stadiums to airports, arenas, transport hubs, and leisure attractions, these environments share a common challenge: managing fluctuating visitor numbers while maintaining a secure and welcoming space. Striking the right balance between accessibility and safety is more important than ever.
Why Access Control Matters Under Martyn’s Law
Martyn’s Law doesn’t prescribe fixed technologies but calls for tailored security plans based on a venue’s scale, function, and risk level. Access control plays a central role in this risk mitigation strategy, helping to:
- Prevent unauthorised entry to sensitive zones such as control rooms, plant areas, staff-only corridors, or back-of-house operations.
- Monitor entry points to detect unusual behaviour or security threats at the earliest stage.
- Streamline crowd movement and avoid congestion – reducing vulnerable congregation points.
- Control and restrict access to high-risk areas based on role, clearance, or event type.
- Synchronise access systems with emergency and evacuation protocols to enable swift exits or lockdowns when required.
For venues handling thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, of visitors a day, access control must not only enhance safety but support operational efficiency.
Digital Access Control: Adaptive, Secure and Scalable
A growing number of high-traffic venues are moving towards digital access control solutions for their flexibility, scalability, and ease of management.
Unlike traditional mechanical systems, digital solutions allow for real-time updates. Credentials, such as cards, fobs, smartphone access, or PINs, can be instantly issued, changed, or revoked without needing to replace physical keys.
Key advantages include:
- Centralised control across multiple access points or buildings
- Customisable permissions to suit events, staffing, or visitor groups
- Full audit trails for enhanced transparency and post-incident analysis
- Seamless integration with wider security systems and visitor management tools
- Improved visitor flow and reduced friction at entry points
Whether managing a major exhibition, a live concert, or a busy travel terminal, digital access control adds agility and precision to venue operations.
Fire Safety Integration: More Than Just Security
Access control measures must not compromise emergency protocols. Systems should work in tandem with fire safety standards like BS EN 1125 (panic hardware) and BS EN 179 (emergency exit devices), which guide how people can safely exit buildings in an emergency.
- BS EN 1125 applies to public-use doors where panic situations may occur. Hardware like push bars must allow fast, intuitive exits.
- BS EN 179 covers situations where users are familiar with the building and escape routes – such as staff-only areas.
Digital locking systems must default to fail-safe operation – releasing automatically when fire alarms or emergency systems are triggered – to ensure safe egress at all times.
This not only protects lives but also aligns venues with both fire safety regulations and the emergency preparedness focus of Martyn’s Law.
Practical Implementation: No One-Size-Fits-All
Security strategies must reflect the unique risk profile of each venue. Whether it’s a city-centre museum or a multi-storey shopping complex, the approach to access control should be tailored, proportionate, and designed around real-world operations.
Facilities and security teams should:
- Embed access control in their terrorism risk assessments
- Identify vulnerable zones and critical access points
- Evaluate system compatibility with existing infrastructure
- Choose solutions that support flexibility, scale, and integration
Digital access control systems are not a silver bullet, but they are a critical enabler of smarter, more responsive security planning.
Creating Safer, Seamless Experiences
Martyn’s Law is set to redefine expectations around public safety in high-traffic environments. For venue operators, this is both a responsibility and an opportunity.
By adopting intelligent digital access control systems, venues can enhance public protection, improve operational oversight, and create smoother visitor journeys – all while meeting the new legal and moral obligations that come with hosting large crowds.
Investing in the right access infrastructure today helps safeguard the people who bring our venues to life – and ensures readiness for whatever tomorrow brings.
Learn more about digital access control and keyless locking solutions from SimonsVoss.
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