4th March 2026

Understanding Martyn’s Law

Introduction

Martyn’s Law, officially known as The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, is a new piece of legislation designed to bolster the security of public spaces throughout the UK.

This initiative is named in memory of Martyn Hett, whose life was tragically cut short during the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. The law essentially underscores the necessity for venues to be better equipped and prepared to manage potential terrorist threats.

Since March 2017, Counter Terrorism Policing has assessed that there have been 15 domestic terror attacks in the UK (not including Northern Ireland-related terrorism), and security services and law enforcement have together disrupted 43 late-stage plots.

The Government intends for there to be an implementation period of at least 24 months before the Act comes into force, anticipated in April 2027.

Who’s affected?

The scope of Martyn’s Law is extensive, impacting a wide range of locations. Public venues such as concert halls, sports arenas, shopping centres and cinemas are directly affected, as these are places where large gatherings commonly occur. Additionally, smaller businesses may find themselves under the law’s requirements as standard duty premises (explained below), depending on their capacity and the types of events they host.

What are the requirements for standard duty premises?

Standard duty premises are generally those where it is reasonable to expect that between 200 and 799 individuals (including staff) may be present at the same time at least occasionally. The responsible person will be required to:

• notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA) of their premises; and
• have in place, so far as reasonably practicable, appropriate public protection procedures.

These public protection procedures are those which should be followed by people working at the premises if an act of terrorism were to occur at the premises, or in the immediate vicinity. They are procedures which may be expected 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.

The requirements for standard duty premises are centred around simple, low-cost activities. There is no requirement to put in place physical measures.

What are the requirements for enhanced duty premises and qualifying events?

Enhanced duty premises and qualifying events are premises or events where it is reasonable to expect that 800 or more individuals (including staff numbers) may be present on the premises or attend the event at the same time. In addition to the same requirements as standard duty premises (above), the person responsible for enhanced duty premises and qualifying events will additionally be required to:

• have in place, so far as reasonably practicable, appropriate public protection measures that could be expected to reduce both (i) the vulnerability of the premises or event to an act of terrorism, and (ii) the risk of physical harm being caused to individuals if an attack were to occur there or nearby. For example, enhanced duty premises will be required to implement measures relating to the monitoring of the premises and their immediate vicinity.
• document the public protection procedures and measures in place, or proposed to be put in place, and provide this document to the SIA. This document should include an assessment of how the public protection procedures and measures reduce vulnerability and/or the risk of harm; and
• Where the responsible person is not an individual, they must designate a senior individual with responsibility for ensuring that the responsible person complies with these requirements.

The Government have advised that easy-to-follow guidance will be provided in due course to assist those in scope to understand the requirements set out in the legislation prior to its implementation in 2027.