Understanding Martyn's Law - Enhancing Public Safety Across the UK

Martyn's Law, formally known as The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, received Royal Assent on 3rd April 2025. It mandates that certain venues and public events in the UK prepare adequately for potential terrorist threats, ensuring they are better equipped to keep people safe.

Named in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, the law is the result of tireless campaigning by his mother, Figen Murray.

Why Martyn's Law Matters

Martyn's Law marks a critical evolution in national counter-terrorism strategy, moving from reactive to proactive measures. It builds upon the UK's CONTEST framework, particularly reinforcing the Protect and Prepare strands by requiring actionable preparedness at public venues.

With 15 domestic terror attacks and 43 late-stage plots foiled since 2017, and over 800 ongoing terrorist investigations, the persistent threat landscape underscores the necessity for enforced readiness and vigilance across public spaces.

How Martyn's Law Works - Tiered Requirements

The legislation adopts a tiered approach based on the expected number of people present at a venue or event:

Standard Tier (200-799 People):

• Who it applies to: Premises that may occasionally host 200-799 individuals.
• What's required: Register with the Security Industry Authority (SIA); implement basic, low-cost protective steps like locking or barricading doors, identifying safe routes, or closing shutters without requiring physical installations.

Enhanced Tier (800+ People):

• Who it applies to: Larger venues or events with 800 or more expected attendees.
• What's required: In addition to standard measures, implement steps to reduce vulnerability such as CCTV, bag searches or security personnel and document all procedures and plans for SIA review.

Each venue's response must be appropriate and reasonably practicable, tailored to its nature, size and available resources.

Regulation, Guidance and Timeline

1. Regulator: The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will oversee enforcement, offering guidance during the transition and assessing compliance once the law takes effect.
2. Implementation Period: There's a minimum 24-month window before enforcement begins, giving businesses and organisations time to prepare thoroughly.
3. Guidance: The Home Office will issue clear, practical guidance at no cost. Third-party consultancy is not required, and the Home Office of NaCTSO does not endorse any specific providers.

Impact and Penalties

• Approximately 155,000 venues in the standard tier and 24,000 in the enhanced tier are expected to be affected, with estimated annual compliance costs of around £330 and £5,000 - £5,210 respectively.
• Fines for non-compliance may reach up to £10,000 for smaller sites and escalate to £18 million for large venues.

Key Takeaways

• Martyn's Law enshrines public safety as a legal responsibility, compelling enhanced preparedness from venues and events.
• Its tiered model ensures proportionality, so responsibilities align with venue scale and capacity.
• With the SIA as regulator and detailed guidance forthcoming, the law balances accountability with support, not burden.
• Early awareness and action positions venues to comply effectively before enforcement begins.