Martyn’s Law is coming to transform how hospitality venues think about safety – and according to one Scottish company, that will mean a much greater reliance on metal detectors.
Named in honour of Martyn Hett, who was one of the 22 victims killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack, the underlying legislation of Martyn’s Law is the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025.
That received Royal Assent in April 2025, then entered a minimum 24‑month implementation period before enforcement begins, whereafter the onus will be on venues to tighten up their defences against possible terrorist attack.
With that prospect ahead, a new Scottish security technology consortium has been formed to offer larger entertainment locations, arenas, night clubs, ports, corporate events and local authority venues help with installing state-of-the-art metal detectors.
Claiming more than one hundred years of combined industry experience, the ARC Detection Group will operate across Scotland as a major re-seller to larger venues of manufacturer CEIA’s walkthrough metal detectors, scanning systems and Opengate threat detection technologies.
Mark Ward of ARC Detection Group said: “Martyn’s Law will transform how venues and organisations think about safety.”
Citing the campaigning work of Martyn Hett’s mother, Figen Murray, in getting the new law onto the statute books, Ward said that it would oblige stakeholders – events producers, promoters, band managers and live event executives – to seek direct access to ‘world‑class’ screening technology.
“Our goal is simple,” said Ward. “We want every venue, from arenas to night clubs, to be safer for the public and especially for the younger generations who attend events regularly.
“Collectively, the ARC team has many, many years of expertise in events, security and risk management. Most now have grandchildren attending concerts and festivals, making their commitment to public safety both personal and professional.”
The Bishopbriggs-based company’s showroom is set to host live demonstrations and product showcases, including of ‘walk thru’ multi entry scanners capable of recognising ballistic and explosive materials while audience members retain their bags or backpacks to speed up entry times.
Mr Ward added: “Such live event experiences are not, to our knowledge, available anywhere else in Scotland, while our ability to supply scanners and experienced staff within tight timescales and on competitive rental terms makes our offering highly attractive.”
