What Is Martyn's Law?

Martyn's Law, formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is designed to improve public safety by requiring organisations to consider how they would respond to a terrorist incident depending on the number of individuals reasonably expected to be present at the same time.

The legislation follows the campaigning from Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett, one of 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. These tiered laws have been introduced to ensure that organisations are always prepared for security breaches and attacks.

These laws are designed to protect staff and visitors at public venues, whether indoor or outdoor. The legislation applies where there is a reasonable expectation that 200 or more individuals (including staff) may be present at the same time.

Martyn's Law received Royal Assent in April 2025, with an implementation period of at least 24 months. For businesses, the key question is: what do you need to do now to prepare?


What Are the Martyn’s Law Tiers?


Standard Tier: Premises where 200-799 individuals may be present

To avoid financial pressure on small-and-medium businesses, these laws are tiered in line with the number of individuals reasonably expected to be present within venues to ensure they are reasonably practicable. The activities outline in the standard tier are simple yet effective, and include:

  • Training
  • Information sharing
  • Preparedness plan to standardise protective security practices

While not a standalone legal requirement, training is a useful way to support preparedness by helping staff recognise potential risks and respond appropriately. This helps staff identify potential weaknesses in security and recognise suspicious activity. By looking into these weaknesses, staff will also be able to implement appropriate procedures quickly and efficiently to reduce the risk of physical harm during any event.

A preparedness plan should outline how staff would respond during an incident, including evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication procedures in the event of an incident. By also sharing information about their organisation, premises can collaborate with different stakeholders, such as local authorities, emergency services, and other security organisations to identify any vulnerabilities and raise awareness on proposed security measures.

The responsible person must notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA) that the premises falls within scope, and that they are responsible for premises and events between 200 and 799 people.


Enhanced Tier: Premises and events where 800 or more individuals may be present

For premises and events where 800 or more individuals (including staff) may be present, additional requirements apply. Alongside the standard preparedness plan, organisations must undertake a risk assessment, and training may be used to support a culture of vigilance and security.

With training and planning, organisations must consider appropriate public protection measures to reduce vulnerability. These may include CCTV, access control or monitoring systems, where proportionate.

For the responsible person of qualifying premises and events under the enhanced duty, they must notify the SIA and provide documentation of plans to respond to a terrorist attack happening nearby or at the premises.


What Does Martyn’s Law Mean for Your Business?

This new legislation is being introduced to reduce the risk of physical harm and ensure that the responsible persons have control of the premises in the event of an act of terrorism. The legislation is designed to be proportionate, meaning most organisations will not need to make significant or immediate financial investments. With the two tiers outlined above, public premises, businesses and organisations can apply measures that are effective without requiring immediate outlay.

Martyn's Law will apply across the UK, and although it gained Royal Assent in April 2025, those responsible to premises or events that fall within scope of the guidance are expected to have at least 24 months from April 2025 to prepare before enforcement begins in order to make changes to improve protective security.


Who is the Responsible Person?

The responsible person is the individual, organisation or company that has control over the premises or event. They are legally accountable for ensuring the requirements for Martyn's Law are met. While tasks can be delegated, legal responsibility cannot.


Introducing Protective Security and Counter Terrorism Measures

The statutory guidance requires premises in the standard tier and the enhanced tier to understand the requirements set out in the legislation, and to use resources to prepare staff and create a documented plan that can be used in the event of an attack. Such resources include official government guidance and free See, Check and Notify (SCaN) training delivered by the National Protective Security Authority.

Regardless of size, organisations can review their current procedures and consider whether additional security measures are appropriate, enhancing your physical security can help you to plan and prepare accordingly and introduce procedures and measures that will protect individuals if an attack was to occur there or nearby. 

Physical security measures, such as CCTV systems can support monitoring across a premises, whilst access control systems can help prevent unauthorised access. 

Implementing these additional security measures helps to protect the public and reduce vulnerability of the premises, with the aim of reducing vulnerability and improving preparedness.


How Can Businesses Prepare for Martyn's Law?


  • Confirm whether your premises or events are likely to meet the criteria
  • Estimate how many individuals may be present (including staff)
  • Identify the responsible person
  • Review existing emergency procedures
  • Document evacuation, lockdown and communication plans
  • Assess current security measures
  • Monitor Home Office and SIA guidance


To discuss the options for improving the security of your premises, please get in touch with a member of our expert team.