Martyn's Law (Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025)
The UK law placing public protection duties on those responsible for qualifying premises and events to reduce vulnerability to terrorist attack.
Martyn's Law is the popular name for the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025. Named after Martyn Hett who died in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, the Act places legal public protection duties on those responsible for qualifying premises and events. It received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025 and is expected to commence in April 2027 after a 24-month implementation window. The Act creates two tiers based on capacity: standard tier (200 to 799) and enhanced tier (800+). The Security Industry Authority is the named regulator.
Key Points
- Martyn's Law is the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025, expected to commence in April 2027.
- Standard tier: capacity 200 to 799. Enhanced tier: capacity 800 or more.
- Enhanced tier requires documented procedures, training, and evaluation against four pillars.
- Capacity is total people on premises, not licensed capacity under the Licensing Act 2003.
- The Security Industry Authority is the named regulator. Penalties at enhanced tier reach £18 million or 5% of revenue.
Standard tier vs enhanced tier
Standard tier covers premises and events with capacity from 200 to 799 people. Standard tier duties include taking reasonably practicable steps to reduce vulnerability to terrorism, having public protection procedures (evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, communication), and notifying the SIA. Enhanced tier covers premises and events with capacity 800 or more. Enhanced tier adds: documented public protection measures, staff training, regular evaluation, and a designated senior individual. Penalties at enhanced tier are significantly higher (up to £18 million or 5% of qualifying worldwide revenue).
The four legal pillars
For enhanced tier premises, public protection measures must address four pillars. Evacuation: getting people out safely. Invacuation: taking people somewhere safer when evacuation is not safe (lockdown rooms, internal protected areas). Lockdown: preventing entry by attackers, including securing entrances and controlling movement. Communication: alerting people on the premises, including communicating with emergency services. Standard tier premises must have appropriate procedures aligned with these pillars but at a lower documentation burden.
How capacity is calculated for Martyn's Law
Capacity for Martyn's Law is the total number of people who may be present at the same time, including staff, visitors, and contractors. It is not the same as licensed capacity, which is set under the Licensing Act 2003. If your full-use capacity is 200 to 799, you are standard tier. 800 or more, enhanced tier. For mixed-layout venues, capacity is calculated against the maximum-use layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Martyn's Law take effect?
The Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. Commencement is expected to be April 2027, with a 24-month implementation window from Royal Assent.
Does Martyn's Law apply to my venue?
It applies to qualifying premises and events with capacity from 200. Most nightclubs, large bars, music venues, hotels, and event venues will be in scope. Calculate your full-use capacity (including staff, visitors, and contractors at the same time) against the 200 / 800 thresholds.
What are the four legal pillars?
Evacuation (getting people out safely), invacuation (taking people somewhere safer when evacuation is not safe), lockdown (preventing entry by attackers), and communication (alerting people on the premises). Enhanced tier premises must address all four with documented measures, staff training, and evaluation.
What happens if a venue does not comply with Martyn's Law?
The SIA can issue compliance notices and monetary penalties. At standard tier, penalties are designed to be proportionate. At enhanced tier, penalties can reach £18 million or 5% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is higher. Daily fines apply for continued non-compliance with regulator notices.
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