Understanding “Reasonable and Proportionate”
One of the most important – and often misunderstood – aspects of Martyn’s Law is the requirement to take “reasonable and proportionate” measures.
This language is deliberately used to ensure that expectations are balanced and practical. Not every venue or event is the same, and the law recognises that security measures should reflect differences in size, layout, risk, and operation.
Rather than prescribing specific systems or solutions, Martyn’s Law focuses on outcomes:
Have you considered the risks, and have you taken sensible steps to reduce them?
This is where access control plays a key role.
Why Access Control Is Considered a Reasonable Measure
Access control is one of the most practical and widely applicable ways to improve safety at venues and events.
At its core, access control is about managing who can enter a site – and where they can go once inside.
This aligns directly with the principles outlined in ProtectUK guidance, which emphasises:
- Understanding who is present
- Reducing opportunities for unauthorised access
- Supporting preparedness and response
- Embedding good security practice
Unlike more complex or specialist interventions, access control can be implemented in a way that is proportionate to almost any environment.
Reducing Unauthorised Access
One of the primary benefits of access control is its ability to reduce unauthorised access.
Without structured entry processes, venues and events are more vulnerable to:
- Pass sharing or misuse
- Individuals entering restricted areas
- Tailgating or bypassing checks
- Lack of verification at key access points
Even simple measures – such as validating tickets, credentials, or passes – can significantly reduce these risks.
Improving Visibility and Awareness
ProtectUK guidance highlights the importance of awareness and preparedness.
Access control supports this by improving visibility across a site.
Knowing who is on site, when they entered, and where they are permitted to be can:
- Support faster decision-making during incidents
- Reduce confusion between teams
- Improve coordination and communication
- Strengthen accountability
Visibility is not about surveillance – it is about clarity.
Supporting Proportionate Planning
One of the strengths of access control is its flexibility.
It can scale depending on the size and complexity of a venue or event:
- Smaller venues may rely on simple validation checks
- Medium-sized events may introduce zone-based access
- Larger or higher-risk environments may require layered control
This makes access control a strong example of a proportionate measure – adaptable, practical, and effective.
Embedding Good Security Practice
Martyn’s Law is not just about individual measures. It is about embedding a culture of preparedness.
Access control contributes to this by:
- Supporting structured operations
- Reinforcing staff awareness
- Providing clear procedures
- Creating documented records of activity
These elements help demonstrate that decisions have been made deliberately and that reasonable steps have been taken.
More Than Security – Supporting Operations
It is also important to recognise that access control is not purely a security function.
When implemented well, it improves:
- Flow at entry points
- Staff confidence
- Operational efficiency
- Overall event experience
Security and experience are not opposites – they work together.
Conclusion
Martyn’s Law does not require venues and event organisers to implement complex or excessive measures.
It requires them to take reasonable and proportionate steps to protect people.
Access control is a clear example of how this can be achieved.
It is practical, scalable, and aligned with official guidance —-making it one of the most effective ways to improve preparedness while maintaining smooth operations.
Simple controls can deliver real impact.