Martyn’s Law Questions Answered

In our latest 90 second video we summarily clarify exactly what Martyn’s law is and the new security responsibilities for businesses and public venues. Read on to find answers to many of the questions people are asking about this new legislation.

What is Martyn’s Law?

Our latest 90 second video provides a clear answer to the question: What is Martyn’s Law?

The new Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, received Royal Assent on Thursday 3 April 2025. This new legislation introduces a legal obligation for UK venues to assess and mitigate terrorism risks.

The law is named after Martyn Hett who was tragically killed in the May 2017 Manchester Arena attack. Since then there have been a number of further attacks including the London Bridge attack, the Finsbury Park Mosque attack and the Parsons Green bombing. The terrorist threat is constantly evolving, complex and persistent.

The new Terrorism Act is intended to improve the safety and security of public venues and keep people safe from terrorism. There is an intended implementation period of at least 24 months before the act comes into force, providing plenty of time for those affected to understand and implement their new responsibilities. See the latest Home Office fact sheet here. 

What Types of Venues and Events are Affected by Martyn’s Law?

Many are asking: Who will Martyn’s Law apply to?

This new legislation applies to public venues, such as stadiums, theatres, night clubs and shopping centres. It also applies to large events such as festivals and local authorities along with many businesses are also affected.

The legislation applies to all publicly accessible premises and events with capacities of 200 or more. There are broadly two tiers of responsibility. The ‘standard duty’ tier refers to premises with capacities between 200 and 799 people and the ‘enhanced duty’ tier refers to premises or events with 800 or more attendees.

Schedule 1 of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill  fully defines the specified uses of premises affected by the legislation. And Schedule 2 details premises and events excluded from the legislation, such as parliamentary and government administration premises.

What are the Key Requirements of Martyn’s Law?

The responsibilities and requirements of Martyn’s law are that venues and events carry out appropriate terrorist threat risk assessments and implement appropriate security measures.

All premises and events that fall within the scope of Martyn’s law must have a ‘responsible person’. This is the person responsible for control of the premises for its principle use. So, for example, a premises such as a church or a community hall, might be used for a variety of activities. The responsible person is whoever is in control of the venue for what would be considered its principal use.

The responsible person must carry out a terrorist risk assessment, implement appropriate security measures, ensure all staff are properly trained. They are also responsible for the development of appropriate emergency response plans. Premises and events that fall into the ‘enhanced duty’ tier are also required to notify the regulator, liaise with local counter terrorism police, maintain security documentation and appoint a designated senior individual to take responsibility for compliance oversight.

When Will Martyn’s Law Come into Force?

As noted, this new legislation has just (3/4/25) received Royal Assent. It is intended that at least 24 months will be provided before the law comes fully into force. This should allow adequate time for all premises and events to determine their specific responsibilities and take steps to ensure compliance.

How Will Martyn’s Law Be Enforced?

It is intended that a new regulatory function will be introduced to the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The SIA is the UK government body responsible for regulating the private security industry, including licensing individuals and managing the Approved Contractor Scheme. The SIA was established back in 2003 and began licensing security personnel in 2004. It will be their responsibility to support, advise and guide those taking responsibility for Martyn’s law compliance.

It is anticipated that instances of persistent non-compliance will potentially result in enforcement action from the SIA. This may include issuing compliance notices, restriction notices and possibly financial penalties. But it is anticipated that most businesses and organisations will recognise the value of this new legislation and will take the necessary steps to keep people safe and comply with the law.

Will Small Businesses be Affected?

Not surprisingly, many smaller businesses are struggling to understand whether they are affected by this new legislation. Qualifying premises are defined as those where it is reasonable to expect 200 or more people gathered at any time. This figure has been subject to some fluctuation but has been upgraded to 200 in the final bill. If 800 or more people are likely to gather then the premises fall into the ‘enhanced duty’ tier which has some additional responsibilities. But for any small business where the maximum number of people, including staff, congregating at one location remains between 200 and 799 then the premises falls into the ‘standard duty’ tier.

Premises falling within the scope of the new legislation must include at least one building and must be wholly or substantially used for specified uses, as defined in Schedule 1 of the new legislation, such as a shop or restaurant. Also, the premises are not excluded under Schedule 2 of the act. Excluded premises include parks and gardens along with parliamentary properties.

Many small businesses never deal with situations involving more than 200 individuals which means they don’t fall within the scope of this legislation. But restaurants, shopping centres or night clubs, for example, with capacities exceeding 200, would be considered to be ‘qualifying premises’ and therefore must comply with this new legislation.

See the full Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill here. 

What Support will be Available for Businesses?

As noted, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is responsible for both enforcement of the new legislation as well as providing advice and guidance to those affected. The government has stated that guidance, training and possibly some funding to improve security at some venues, will be made available.

Do Other Countries Have Similar Laws?

Legislation like this already exists in various countries including Australia and the USA. Legislation in Australia, for example, requires qualifying premises to carry out terrorism risk assessments and implement measures to mitigate the impact of potential attacks. Security measures include bag searches, CCTV monitoring and robust plans for responding to terrorist attacks.

What are the Primary Criticisms of Martyn’s Law?

The proposed introduction of Martyn’s law has prompted extensive debate and raised a number of concerns and criticisms.

Possibly, the most common concern and criticism is that the financial and operational burden of this new legislation, especially on smaller businesses, could be very impactful. Smaller establishments with limited resources might struggle to conduct risk assessments, implement new security measures and ensure all staff are appropriately trained. The government has acknowledged concerns and pointed out that these measures are necessary to protect the public from terrorist threats. They also say their two year implementation period should provide venues with adequate time to prepare.

Another criticism is about clarity and flexibility. There has been some confusion over the criteria that determine whether a venue falls within the scope of this legislation, which premises don’t qualify and how the two tier system works. The government has published guidance to help venues determine whether they qualfy and what they need to do.

There has also been some skepticism over exactly how this new legislation will be enforced. It has been suggested that the threat of hefty fines might even deter some smaller enterprises and business initiatives from developing. The government has stated that penalties will only be applied as a last resort and the two year implementation period should enable businesses to embrace their new responsibilities with minimal impact or risk.

There is also some confusion regarding specifically which venues are entirely exempt from this legislation. It has been suggested that exemptions mean there are loopholes that might be exploited.

What Can Businesses Do to Prepare for Martyn’s Law?

Although there is a proposed 24 month implementation period, before Martyn’s law comes into force, it makes sense for businesses to start preparing now and be ready for when the law becomes enforceable.

Preparation starts with understanding whether a business falls into either the ‘standard duty’ tier or the ‘enhanced duty’ tier. As noted, if there are never 200 or more people, including staff, at a venue then this new legislation doesn’t apply. But if there is the expectation that a business might grow and attract more people then its worth being prepared.

The requirements for businesses that are in the scope of this new legislation involve conducting anti-terrorism risk assessments, devising and establishing sensible security plans, ensuring staff are fully trained and implementing physical security measures such as CCTV and screening procedures.

It makes sense for affected businesses to develop their risk assessment processes to include the risk of terrorist attacks. For many this may require training to make certain all aspects of terrorist threats are included in new risk assessment procedures.

For larger businesses and premises, where 800 or more people might gather, it will be necessary to designate a named senior person who will take responsibility for working with local anti-terrorism police officers and ensuring compliance.

Businesses and premises dealing with members of the public should examine and consider improving their physical security measures. These might include more robust access control systems, bag searches, metal detector screening of randomly selected people along with CCTV surveillance.

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