Martyns Law – Terrorism Protection of Premises Act UPDATE
Nicky Slavid
What is Martyns Law?
Also known as the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025, Martyns Law was proposed following the tragic death of 22 children at the Manchester Arena terror attack in 2017. It sets out requirements for UK venues and organisations to provide better protection against terrorism and improve public safety.
Here is a short explainer video from the Home Office.
When will it come into force?
The Bill was given Royal Assent on 3rd April 2025 and the Government intends for there to be at least a 2 year implementation period from then before the Act comes into force.
Which PREMISES will Martyns Law apply to?
Premises that satisfy the following four criteria fall within the scope of the Act:
- There is at least one building (or the premises are in a building)
- The premises are wholly or mainly used for one or more of the specified uses*
- It is reasonable to expect at least 200+ (standard tier) or 800+ (enhanced tier) may be present at least occasionally
- The premises are not exempt
* Schedule 1 e.g. shopping, food and drink, hotels, entertainment and leisure, sports, libraries, museums, galleries, halls, visitor attractions, places of worship, health care.
These sites are TOTALLY exempt:
- Premises occupied by UK Parliaments and Devolved Governments
- Transport hubs
- Open air recreational sites without controlled entry
These sites are PARTIALLY exempted and those with 200+ capacity will remain in the standard tier even if they can host 800+:
- Places of worship
- Childcare and educational buildings (primary, secondary and further education)
Which EVENTS will Martyns Law apply to?
Events that satisfy the following four criteria fall within the scope of the Act:
- They take place at specified premises including land without buildings
- The premises are accessible to the public for the purpose of the event
- It is reasonable to expect at least 800+ may be present at once at some point during it
- There will be measures to check entry conditions are met, such as ticket checks
How will Martyns Law be enforced?
Martyn’s Law will be delivered as a new enforcement function of the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The SIA will seek to support, advise and guide those responsible for premises and events in meeting the requirements of this legislation. It will be able to use compliance and restriction notices, fines and bring criminal charges.
What is required for standard duty premises?
Persons responsible will need to:
- Notify the SIA of their premises
- Have in place, so far as reasonably practicable, appropriate public protection procedures to reduce the risk of physical harm being caused to individuals – relating to evacuation, invacuation (moving people to a safe place) locking down the premises and communicating with individuals on the premises.
There is no requirement to put in place physical measures in this tier.
What is required for enhanced duty premises and qualifying events?
Persons responsible will need to:
- Notify the SIA of their premises
- Have in place, so far as reasonably practicable, appropriate public protection procedures that could be expected to reduce both:
- the vulnerability of the premises or event to an act of terrorism
- the risk of physical harm being caused to individuals if an attack was to occur there (as with standard duty premises) or nearby e.g. monitoring of premises and immediate vicinity
- Document the public protection procedures and measures in place, or proposed to put in place, and provide this document to the SIA. This document should include an assessment as to how those procedures and measures may be expected to reduce, so far as is reasonably practicable, vulnerability and risk of harm.
What can I do to prepare?
Sign up for free to the Police’s ProtectUK website for support, training and guidance and to effectively protect your business and protect the public.
It would be sensible to review your premises health and safety risk assessment. Safer Food Scores has a Terrorist Threat model risk assessment primary authority assured by Milton Keynes City Council to help with this. Please contact us to find out more.
Any guidance given in our articles is not official and Safer Food Scores can take no responsibility if the information is used to form part of any legal or regulatory compliance for your business. However, please do get in touch if you are interested in our support services and would like to benefit from official guidance relating to your particular circumstances, email [javascript protected email address]
