Martyns Law: What UK Venues Need to Know in 2026

Martyns Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is one of the biggest changes to venue and event security legislation in the United Kingdom. The legislation aims to improve public safety by ensuring certain venues, public premises and events are better prepared to respond in the event of a terrorist attack.

The Act is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. Following years of campaigning by Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray OBE, the legislation was introduced to strengthen protective security and improve preparedness across public spaces.

With the Security Industry Authority (SIA) confirmed as the regulator, organisations across the UK are now reviewing how Martyns Law requirements may affect their premises, staff and operations.

What is Martyns Law?

Martyns Law introduces legal duties for organisations and individuals responsible for certain public premises and events. The legislation applies a tiered approach based on the number of people expected to be present at a venue or event.

The purpose of the Act is not to create fear or impose unnecessary costs, but to improve organisational preparedness and reduce vulnerabilities to terrorism. The guidance explains that responsible persons must consider procedures and, where appropriate, reasonably practicable security measures to reduce the risk of physical harm during a terrorist incident.

Who Does Martyns Law Apply To?

Martyns Law may apply to premises if they meet the criteria for a qualifying premises.

According to the statutory guidance, a premises may fall within scope if:

• It is a building, part of a building, or land associated with a building.

• It is wholly or mainly used for a Schedule 1 purpose.

• It is reasonable to expect that 200 or more individuals may be present at the same time.

• The premises are not excluded under the legislation.

The legislation covers a wide range of venues and public spaces, including:

• Shops and shopping centres

• Restaurants, pubs and cafes

• Entertainment venues

• Sports stadiums

• Hotels

• Museums and galleries

• Visitor attractions

• Places of worship

• Healthcare premises

• Transport hubs

• Universities and colleges

• Public authority buildings

The decision-tree guidance within the Home Office document explains how premises are assessed as either standard tier, enhanced tier or out of scope depending on occupancy and use.

Standard Tier and Enhanced Tier Explained

One of the most important aspects of Martyns Law is the tiered structure.

Standard Tier Premises

Standard tier premises are venues where it is reasonable to expect between 200 and 799 individuals to be present at the same time.

Organisations responsible for standard tier premises must:

• Notify the regulator

• Implement appropriate public protection procedures

• Train staff on emergency responses

• Consider evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication procedures

The focus is on practical preparedness rather than expensive physical security infrastructure.

Enhanced Tier Premises

Enhanced tier premises are locations where 800 or more individuals may reasonably be expected to be present at the same time.

Enhanced tier venues have additional responsibilities, including:

• Public protection measures

• Monitoring and movement controls

• Physical safety and security measures

• Protection of sensitive information

• Detailed documentation and record keeping

• Appointment of a senior responsible individual where applicable

Examples of enhanced tier venues may include:

• Major arenas

• Large stadiums

• Large entertainment venues

• Major transport hubs

• Large event spaces

What Are Public Protection Procedures?

Martyns Law introduces four key public protection procedures which responsible persons must consider.

Evacuation

Procedures for moving people away from danger and safely out of a premises or event area.

Invacuation

Procedures for moving individuals to a safer place within the premises where there is less risk of harm.

Lockdown

Securing the premises or event to prevent individuals entering or leaving during an incident.

Communication

Providing information to people on the premises or at an event, including alerting individuals to danger and providing instructions where safe to do so.

These procedures form the foundation of Martyns Law compliance and should be clearly understood by staff and management teams.

Does Martyns Law Apply to Events?

Yes. The legislation also applies to certain public events classified as qualifying events.

A qualifying event generally includes events where:

• The public has access

• Entry conditions exist, such as tickets or passes

• 800 or more individuals may be present at the same time

• The event is not excluded under the legislation

This means organisers of concerts, festivals, sporting events and large public gatherings may all have responsibilities under Martyns Law.

What is the Role of the SIA?

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will regulate Martyns Law and oversee compliance across qualifying premises and events.

The SIA will have powers to:

• Issue compliance notices

• Request information

• Conduct inspections

• Issue restriction notices

• Apply financial penalties for non-compliance

The statutory guidance confirms that penalties for enhanced tier breaches can be significant, with maximum penalties potentially reaching £18 million or 5% of qualifying worldwide revenue in serious cases.

How to Prepare for Martyns Law Compliance

Although the legislation includes an implementation period before full enforcement, organisations should begin preparing now.

Review Your Premises

Assess whether your venue or premises falls within scope of the legislation and determine whether it is standard tier or enhanced tier.

Identify the Responsible Person

Ensure there is clear accountability for security procedures, risk management and compliance planning.

Review Existing Security Procedures

Evaluate:

• Emergency plans

• Evacuation procedures

• Lockdown arrangements

• Staff communication systems

• Incident response protocols

Train Staff

Staff awareness is one of the biggest focuses of Martyns Law. Employees, contractors and event staff should understand what actions to take during a terrorism-related incident.

Consider Protective Security Measures

Enhanced tier premises should review:

• CCTV coverage

• Access control

• Perimeter security

• Queue management

• Crowd movement

• Information security

• Suspicious activity reporting

Why Martyns Law Matters

The UK continues to face an evolving terrorism threat landscape. The Home Office guidance states that attacks can occur anywhere and that public venues and events should be prepared to act quickly to reduce harm.

Martyns Law aims to improve public safety culture across the UK by ensuring organisations actively consider protective security rather than treating it as an afterthought.

For many venues, compliance may involve straightforward procedural improvements rather than costly infrastructure. However, preparation, planning and staff awareness will be critical.

Martyns Law Compliance Checklist

If you are responsible for a venue or event, consider the following steps:

• Determine whether your premises are in scope

• Identify whether you fall into the standard or enhanced tier

• Review terrorism response procedures

• Train staff on emergency actions

• Improve communication systems

• Assess physical security vulnerabilities

• Review crowd movement and access points

• Protect sensitive operational information

• Keep documentation under regular review

Final Thoughts

Martyns Law represents a major shift in UK venue security and protective preparedness. Whether you manage a shopping centre, entertainment venue, sports ground, hotel, public building or event space, understanding your obligations early will help ensure compliance and improve public safety.

The legislation is designed to create a stronger security culture across the UK and encourage organisations to take practical, proportionate steps to protect people from harm.

As further guidance is released by the Home Office, ProtectUK and the SIA, businesses should continue reviewing their procedures and preparing for implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Martyns Law?

Martyns Law is the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, designed to improve preparedness and protective security at UK venues and events.

What is the difference between standard tier and enhanced tier?

Standard tier premises generally expect between 200 and 799 people, while enhanced tier premises expect 800 or more individuals at the same time.

Who regulates Martyns Law?

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is responsible for regulating and enforcing the legislation.

Does Martyns Law apply to events?

Yes. Certain qualifying events with 800 or more attendees may fall within scope.

When will Martyns Law come into force?

The Act received Royal Assent in 2025 and includes an implementation period before full legal enforcement begins.