Martyn's Law: An employers’ overview

By Freddie Eyre.
24 Jun 2025

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, otherwise known as Martyn’s Law, is legislation designed to reinforce the security of public events and premises. It is a legal requirement for venues and events to be prepared in the event of an attack, with larger venues being required to consider and take steps to reduce their vulnerability to terrorist acts.

Contact a qualified Health and Safety professional to get the latest advice on how to ensure your venue or premises’ compliance with the Terrorism Protection Act and the latest Martyn’s Law updates.

Call Croner today on 0808 501 6651.

Venue security following procedure under Martyn's Law.

What is Martyn’s Law?

Whilst officially known as The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, the moniker Martyn’s Law stems from Martyn Hett, an Ariana Grande fan who was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.

What does Martyn’s Law do?

The legislation is intended to improve security and organisational preparedness in the event of a terrorist attack throughout the UK. This includes taking steps to prepare for potential attacks and help ensure the safety of people in the event an attack takes place. Larger venues must also take steps to reduce their vulnerability to terrorist threats.

How will Martyn’s Law work?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act has a tiered approach outlined in the legislation. This will be dependent on the number of people reasonably expected to be in attendance at the event.

What compliance criteria will premises and events be expected to meet?

To comply with the standard duty premises requirements outlined in the legislation, the premises should expect between 200 and 799 individuals (including staff) to be present at the same time at least occasionally. The responsible person (this differs depending on the type of premises and event) will be required to do the following:

  • Ensure that the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is notified of the premises.
  • Have appropriate public protection procedures in place (so far as is reasonably practicable).

These procedures are those which should be followed in the event of an act of terrorism either at the premises or in the immediate vicinity.

To fall within the scope of Martyn’s Law, premises must adhere to all of premises will become an enhanced the following four criteria: 

  • Be at least one building (or the premises must be located within the building)
  • The premises are wholly or predominantly used for one or more uses specified at Schedule 1 of the Act. For example, a restaurant or a shop.
  • 200 individuals (at least) are to reasonably be expected to be in attendance, occasionally.
  • The premises is not excluded under Schedule 2 to the Act.

The premises will become an enhanced duty premises if 800 or more individuals are expected to be in attendance unless the Act states otherwise.

What do enhanced tier premises need to do?

If a venue or event with more than 800 individuals is grouped in the enhanced tier, then a much more in-depth risk assessment needs to be conducted. This also means that advanced security measures will need to be implemented. This includes measures to ensure that ticket checks etc are being carried out on entry to the event or venue.

When and how will Martyn’s Law be enforced?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on the 3rd of April 2025; however, there will a grace period of 24 months whilst implementation takes place. This will give businesses time to ensure that premises understand their new obligations in readiness for compliance.

Enforcement will be performed by the Security Industry Authority, (SIA). This is a new regulatory body set up for the sole purpose of advising, supporting and guiding those responsible for premises and events on compliance with the new legislation.

In the event of serious or repeated non-compliance, the SIA will be able to take enforcement action, including issuing notices (including restriction notices) and monetary penalties. There are some criminal offences contained in the legislation that employers should take heed of.

Where will Martyn’s Law apply?

The legislation will apply across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Get expert advice on Martyn’s Law

Contact Croner’s expert Health and Safety advisors today to discuss how you can best prepare your business for compliance with Martyn’s Law.

From the tiering system to how to ensure your documentation and certificates are up to date, our team is available 24/7 to answer your query.

Call today on 0808 501 6651.


About the Author

Freddie Eyre.

Freddie is our Health and Safety Team Manager. Having worked in the industry for over six years, Freddie advises our clients in all things health and safety, and helps to ensure that they are compliant with the latest legislation.