Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 - Fact Sheet.

Martyn’s Law, Plain-Language Fact Sheet

What Is Martyn’s Law?

• The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn’s Law, became law on 3 April 2025.

• The law is named in memory of Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017, following a long campaign by his mother, Figen Murray.

• The purpose of the law is to improve safety and preparedness against terrorism at public venues and events across the UK.

What the Law Requires

• Those responsible for certain public venues and events must plan and prepare for the risk of a terrorist attack.

• Larger spaces must also take reasonable physical and procedural steps to reduce the likelihood and impact of an attack.

• There is no requirement to purchase specialist services or third-party products. Government guidance will focus on practical, affordable actions.

Which Premises Are Covered?

A premises is covered if all of the following apply:

• It includes at least one building (or is wholly a building).

• Its main purpose matches a use type listed in the legislation (such as retail, leisure, hospitality, education, transport hubs, etc.).

• It is reasonable to expect 200 or more people could be present at one time.

• It is not listed as exempt.

If a premises expects 800 or more people, it will fall under the enhanced duty category.

Which Events Are Covered?

An event is covered if:

• It takes place at a qualifying premises or on open land.

• It is open to the public and has controlled access (such as ticketing or security checks).

• It is reasonable to expect 800 or more people to be present at one time.

• It is not listed as an exempt event.

Who Is Responsible?

• Each qualifying premises or event must have a “responsible person,” the individual or organisation that has control of the site or event.

• If there are multiple activities taking place, responsibility sits with whoever controls the main use of the venue.

• For larger organisations, a senior individual must be appointed to oversee compliance.

Duties for Standard Premises (Approx. 200–799 People)

The responsible person must:

• Register the premises with the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

• Put in place public protection procedures that are reasonably practicable, including:

  
  

  • Evacuation procedures

  • Lockdown procedures

  • How will people be communicated with during an incident

  
  

• These measures are intended to be low-cost and practical, focusing on planning, staff training, and procedure, not physical security upgrades.

Duties for Enhanced Premises and Large Events (800+ People)

In addition to standard duties, the responsible person must:

• Implement security and protective measures to reduce vulnerability and prevent or limit harm.

• Formally document their protection procedures and security measures.

• Submit this documentation to the SIA.

• Appoint a senior responsible individual if the duty holder is an organisation rather than a person.

Regulation and Enforcement

• The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will regulate Martyn’s Law.

• The SIA will have powers to:

  
  

  • Provide guidance and advice

  • Issue compliance notices

  • Issue enforcement notices

  • Impose financial penalties

  • Restrict the use of premises in extreme cases

  
  

• The law applies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

• There will be a 24-month implementation period before full enforcement begins to allow organisations time to prepare.

Why Martyn’s Law Is Needed

• Terrorism continues to pose a real and evolving threat in the UK.

• Public venues and crowded places have been repeatedly targeted.

• Before this law, there was no consistent legal duty for venues to assess terrorist risk or put preventative measures in place.

• Martyn’s Law introduces a clear, proportionate, and legally enforceable duty to improve public safety and preparedness nationwide.

To find out how we can assist you in meeting the required Martyns Law compliance, please give us a call, drop us a message, or send us an email, and one of the team will get back in touch with you to discuss the process in more detail.