Martyn's Law
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act
Martyn’s Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, is new legislation designed to enhance public safety by improving preparedness for terrorist incidents. Previously referred to as the Protect Duty, this law is named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.
The legislation requires public premises and qualifying events to take proportionate and practical steps to protect staff, visitors, and the wider public from the threat of terrorism.
Requirements under Martyn’s Law will vary depending on the size and capacity of the premises, ensuring that expectations are fair, achievable, and tailored to the level of risk. The aim is to ensure organisations are not only better prepared to prevent attacks but also equipped to respond effectively and reduce potential harm if an incident occurs.
What is Martyn's Law?
Martyn’s Law is named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims tragically killed in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack on 22 May 2017, following an Ariana Grande concert.
In the wake of this devastating event, Figen Murray, Martyn’s mother, launched a tireless campaign advocating for stronger security measures at public venues. Her goal has been clear and unwavering: to ensure that no other family endures the same loss due to preventable gaps in security preparedness.
Working alongside the Martyn’s Law campaign team, Figen has been instrumental in driving the national conversation around public safety and influencing the development of the legislation. Her advocacy has brought together victims’ families, security professionals, and government stakeholders to press for a legal duty requiring venues to take proportionate steps to protect the public from acts of terrorism.
Martyn’s Law stands as a lasting legacy, turning personal tragedy into positive change by aiming to create a culture of vigilance, preparedness, and responsibility across all publicly accessible locations.
Origins of Martyn's Law
Premises and events fall within the scope of Martyn’s Law if they meet the following criteria:
They are accessible to the public.
They serve a purpose specified in the legislation, such as entertainment and leisure, retail, or food and drink.
They have a capacity of 200 or more individuals.
The term “premises” can refer to a single building, part of a building, a group of buildings, or a building combined with surrounding land.
To ensure appropriate levels of security measures, businesses and events are classified into two tiers based on capacity:
Standard Tier: Premises with a capacity of 200 to 799 people.
Enhanced Tier: Premises and events with a capacity of 800 or more people.
This tiered approach allows for proportionate security requirements aligned to the size and risk profile of each venue or event.
What premises are in scope?
Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent on 3rd April 2025 and has officially become law. However, there is an anticipated transition period of at least two years before the legislation is fully enforced, allowing businesses time to prepare and statutory guidance to be published for those affected.
Although enforcement is not immediate, premises accessible to the public should not wait passively for the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to begin compliance checks. Preparation should start now.
Risk owners are encouraged to proactively assess their vulnerability to terrorism by conducting thorough risk assessments, identifying security weaknesses, and implementing measures to mitigate potential threats. Early action will help ensure your premises are well-positioned to meet the requirements of the Act once it comes into force, reducing disruption and enhancing safety for everyone.
What does Martyn's Law mean for my premises?
Premises expecting between 200 and 799 individuals at any one time fall under the Standard Tier. The responsible person must:
Notify the regulator (Security Industry Authority – SIA) of their premises.
Implement appropriate and reasonably practicable public protection procedures designed to reduce the risk of physical harm should a terrorist attack occur at or near the premises.
These procedures must include clear plans for:
Evacuation
Invacuation (sheltering in place)
Lockdown
Communication
Premises and qualifying events anticipating 800 or more individuals fall under the Enhanced Tier. In addition to the Standard Tier requirements, the responsible person must:
Notify the SIA of their responsibility for the premises or event.
Implement all appropriate and reasonably practicable public protection procedures as outlined above.
Put in place further public protection measures to reduce the vulnerability of the premises or event to an act of terrorism and mitigate the risk of harm to individuals if an attack occurs.
Both the public protection procedures and the public protection security measures must be documented and submitted to the SIA for review and compliance monitoring.
What are the requirements?
Martyn’s Law will apply across the entire United Kingdom, ensuring a consistent and coordinated approach to enhancing public safety at venues and events of all sizes.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will serve as the Regulator, responsible for overseeing compliance with the law. In this role, the SIA will not only monitor and assess how well organisations are meeting their legal obligations, but also provide support and guidance to help those within scope understand and implement the necessary measures.
To support effective implementation, the Government will establish a robust inspection and enforcement regime. This framework is designed to promote a culture of compliance and continuous improvement, while encouraging a broader shift towards proactive and responsible security planning across the public domain.
Where serious breaches occur, the Regulator will be equipped with appropriate enforcement powers. These will include the authority to conduct investigations and, where necessary, apply monetary penalties. These sanctions are intended to be fair, proportionate, and credible—ensuring that all duty holders take their responsibilities seriously and are held accountable if they fail to meet them.
How will this law be enforced?
While enforcement of Martyn’s Law is expected to begin in the coming years, now is the ideal time for businesses to start preparing.
Statutory guidance will support those confident in managing compliance independently, but for many, expert guidance can make the process smoother and more effective. Premises Protect is here to help.
We offer tailored assessments, planning, and advice aligned to your premises' specific tier — ensuring your business is not only compliant but well-prepared to protect your people.
