Martyn's Law: What UK Security and Enforcement Professionals Need to Know

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn's Law, received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. Named in memory of Martyn Hett, who was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. This landmark legislation will change how publicly accessible venues and events across the UK approach security and counter-terrorism preparedness.

For those working in law enforcement, emergency services, and security, understanding Martyn's Law is essential. Whether you're advising venue operators, conducting security assessments, or responding to incidents, this legislation will shape operational planning for years to come.

What is Martyn's Law?

Martyn's Law will ensure the public are better protected from terrorism by requiring those responsible for certain public premises and events to take reasonably practicable steps to be prepared and ready to keep people safe in the event of an attack.

The legislation forms part of the UK's CONTEST counter-terrorism strategy. It is a direct response to recommendations from the Manchester Arena Inquiry and London Bridge Inquests. It is estimated that over 250,000 premises will be impacted by the new regulations.

Who Does Martyn's Law Apply To?

The Act uses a tiered approach based on venue capacity:

Martyn's Law Standard Tier (200-799 people)

Premises that reasonably expect between 200 and 799 individuals to be present at the same time fall into the standard tier. This includes staff and covers a wide range of venues such as shops, restaurants, cinemas, hotels, and smaller entertainment venues.

Martyn's Law Enhanced Tier (800+ people)

Premises that reasonably expect 800 or more individuals to be present at the same time fall into the enhanced tier. Examples include exhibition halls, large conference venues, sports stadiums, and major entertainment venues.

Martyn's Law: Important Exceptions

All places of worship that expect to host 200 or more individuals at the same time will fall within the standard tier, even if that number is 800 or greater. 

Buildings used for childcare or primary, secondary or further education that expect to host 200 or more individuals will always fall within the standard tier.  This is regardless of their maximum number.

Qualifying public events that expect 800 or more attendees at any one time with controlled entry, such as ticketing or security checks, will also be subject to enhanced tier requirements.

What Are the Requirements For Martyn's Law?

Martyn's Law: Standard Tier Requirements

Standard tier premises must have public protection procedures in place, so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes procedures for:

• evacuation
• invacuation (moving people to a safe place)
• locking down the premises
• communicating with individuals.

The focus is on simple, low-cost activities designed to ensure staff can reduce harm and save lives. Premises within the standard tier are not required to implement physical measures, such as barriers or gates, but they must demonstrate that relevant procedures are in place and that all members of staff are aware of, and can follow, these procedures.

Martyn's Law: Enhanced Tier Requirements

In addition to standard tier requirements, enhanced tier premises and events must have appropriate public protection measures in place. This is to:

• reduce vulnerability to an act of terrorism and the risk of harm to individuals
• implement measures to monitor the premises and the immediate vicinity such as CCTV
• Document public protection procedures and measures and provide these to the SIA.

Measures may include monitoring of the premises, controlling the movement of people in and out of the premises, physical safety and security measures such as safety glass or hostile vehicle mitigation, and understanding the sensitivities of information relating to a premises and who should have access to that information, such as floor plans.

The Regulator and Enforcement of Martyn's Law

The Security Industry Authority, the regulator of the private security industry in the UK, is the regulator for Martyn's Law. The SIA will:

• maintain a register of in-scope venue
• provide support and guidance
• enforce implementation of the legislation.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Maximum penalties for standard tier premises are £10,000 for a fixed penalty and a daily penalty of £500.

For enhanced tier premises or qualifying events, maximum penalties are £18 million or 5% of worldwide turnover. Plus a maximum daily penalty of £50,000.

Martyn's Law Implementation Timeline

The Government intends for there to be an implementation period of at least 24 months before the Act comes into force. This will allow the SIA's new regulatory function, while ensuring those responsible for premises and events have sufficient time to understand their obligations and prepare .

What Should Security Professionals Be Doing Now?

While the legislation won't come into force for at least two years, now is the time to prepare:

1. Assess venue capacity: Work with clients to accurately determine maximum occupancy figures to establish which tier applies
2. Review existing procedures: Evaluate current emergency plans, evacuation procedures, and staff training programmes
3. Identify gaps: Consider what additional measures are required, particularly for enhanced tier premises
4. Budget for compliance: Help organisations plan for potential costs of implementing security measures
5. Stay informed: Guidance is available to assist those in scope to understand the requirements set out in the legislation. The guidance is designed to be easy to follow, needing neither particular expertise nor the use of third-party products or services.

Further Resources

For detailed information, refer to the Act's factsheets on Gov.uk. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/terrorism-protection-of-premises-act-2025-factsheets.

Martyn's Law represents a significant shift in how the UK approaches public protection from terrorism. For security and law enforcement professionals, understanding these requirements is crucial to supporting the organisations and venues you work with. The next 24 months will be critical for preparation. Those who act now will be best positioned for compliance when the legislation comes into force.