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WHAT IS MARTYN’S LAW?
Martyn’s Law — officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025— is new UK legislation aimed at improving public safety in venues and public spaces. Named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, this law ensures that venues take proportionate steps to protect the public from potential terrorist threats. It introduces mandatory security and preparedness measures for qualifying venues across the UK, helping businesses strengthen resilience and safeguard staff, customers, and visitors.
WHO NEEDS TO COMPLY
The law applies to a wide range of venues, depending on capacity and type of activity:
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STANDARD DUTY PREMISES (200–799 CAPACITY): These include smaller public spaces such as shops, restaurants, places of worship, and schools. They must adopt basic security procedures, but are not required to make physical security upgrades.
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ENHANCED DUTY PREMISES (800+ CAPACITY): Larger venues such as stadiums, theatres, arenas, and major retail or entertainment spaces must meet additional obligations, including advanced planning, staff training, and documented risk assessments.
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CERTAIN VENUES — like private offices, residential properties, and government buildings — are exempt, while schools and childcare facilities are always considered Standard Duty Premises, regardless of size.
CORE REQUIREMENTS
Under Martyn’s Law, businesses and venue operators must implement key public protection procedures:
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EVACUATION: Safe and efficient movement of people out of a venue during an incident.
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INVACUATION: Guiding people to safe internal areas when external threats arise.
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LOCKDOWN: Securing premises to limit access and protect those inside.
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COMMUNICATION: Providing fast, clear information to ensure people act quickly in an emergency.
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Enhanced duty venues must also establish monitoring, movement control, physical safety, and information security measures, such as CCTV, screening procedures, and secure document handling.
IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent on April 3, 2025, and venues have a 24-month implementation period to achieve compliance. This means businesses must be fully compliant by April 2027. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will oversee compliance, focusing on guidance and support during the transition phase. After enforcement begins, venues may face civil penalties for non-compliance, with fines scaled according to size and severity.
HOW BUSINESSES SHOULD PREPARE
Businesses are encouraged to begin preparations now by:
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Reviewing venue capacity and identifying duty tier (standard or enhanced).
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Assigning responsibility for safety procedures.
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Creating and testing emergency plans.
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Training staff on awareness and response protocols.
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Implementing reliable monitoring systems such as CCTV and access control.
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Taking early action will ensure readiness when enforcement begins and demonstrate a proactive commitment to public safety.
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OFFICIAL GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT
The UK Government and ProtectUK platform offer official resources, training, and fact sheets to help venues understand and meet Martyn’s Law obligations. To learn more about how we can support your business in achieving compliance, visit our How Can We Help You page.
