Martyn’s Law – Are You Ready?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, (or Martyn’s Law as it is commonly known), requires publicly accessible premises and events to prepare for and reduce the risk of potential terrorist attacks.

What the law means

The Act will apply to certain public places, events and venues. It requires those responsible to:

• Understand the threat of terrorism
• Take steps to reduce risk and prepare for emergencies
• Train staff and have a safety plan in place

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has been named as the official regulator and will help oversee how the law is followed.

Implementation timeline

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent in April 2025, but it will not be fully enforced until at least 2027 as there is a two-year implementation / transition period to allow:

• The Security Industry Authority (SIA) to establish its regulatory function
• The Home Office to publish statutory guidance
• Duty holders sufficient time to understand their new obligations, and to plan and prepare accordingly

Whilst those that fall within scope of the Act may wish to begin considering the requirements, they should note that there will be no legal requirement to comply until the legislation comes into force. The Home Office will publish statutory guidance during the implementation period. This guidance will assist those responsible to understand the requirements set out in the legislation

How it affects you

Premises and events that are in scope should begin preparing now. Early action will:

• Ensure smoother compliance when enforcement begins
• Enhance public safety, public confidence and reduce reputational risk
• Align with good practice in counter-terrorism preparedness

What will be in scope

Martyn’s Law applies to publicly accessible premises and events that meet all these criteria:

• Used for qualifying activities such as entertainment, retail, food and drink, worship, education
• Have a capacity of 200 or more people
• Are either permanent premises or temporary events with controlled access

How it will work

The Act introduces a two-tier system based on capacity.

Standard tier

The standard tier applies to premises with a capacity of 200 to 799 people. It applies to most premises such as:

• Community centres
• Small theatres
• Independent cinemas
• Medium-sized retail outlets

Requirements

Those responsible for standard tier premises must:

• Register with the SIA
• Develop basic public protection procedures (evacuation, lockdown, invacuation)
• Train staff to identify and respond to suspicious behaviour
• Maintain documentation for inspection

No physical security infrastructure is mandated.

Enhanced tier

The enhanced tier applies to premises and events with a capacity of 800 or more people. It applies to larger premises and events such as:

• Stadiums
• Large shopping centres
• Major festivals

Additional requirements

Premises or events in the enhanced tier must comply with standard tier requirements. In addition, those responsible for enhanced tier premises or events must:

• Conduct terrorism risk assessments
• Implement physical security measures such as CCTV, access control
• Maintain a detailed security plan
• Appoint a designated senior individual responsible for compliance

How to prepare

While enforcement is not yet active, premises should:

• Identify which tier they fall into
• Assess vulnerabilities and potential attack methods
• Train staff and embed a security culture
• Review communications and emergency response plans
• Engage with Counter Terrorism Security Advisers for tailored support

To discuss your businesses H&S, HR, ISO & CDM needs – contact us for expert advice!