4. What Does “Reasonable and Proportionate” Mean?

The phrases “reasonable” and “proportionate” are central to Martyn’s Law.

They ensure that requirements are realistic and balanced.

Reasonable Measures

Reasonable measures are those that a sensible person would expect given:

  • The type of venue
  • The size of the event
  • The layout of the site
  • The likely risks

This mirrors language used in other UK safety legislation.

Proportionate Measures

Proportionate measures scale according to risk.

A small venue does not require the same controls as a major arena.

The goal is balanced planning — not overreaction.

What the Law Is Not Asking For

Martyn’s Law does not require:

  • Military-style security
  • Excessive infrastructure
  • Predicting every possible scenario

It requires thoughtful, deliberate, and practical preparation.