Martyn’s Law: What Property Owners and Operators Need to Know

From stadiums to schools, public venues across the UK now face a new legal obligation, to protect against the threat of terrorism, or risk penalties. Martyn’s Law, officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, came into effect on the 3^rd April 2025, and marks one of the most sweeping changes to public safety legislation in recent years.

The Act is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, and follows sustained public campaigning to improve public safety.

Although the law is now in place, it is not yet being enforced. A 24-month implementation period has begun. This means that legal duties under the Act will apply from 3 April 2027.

Does this apply to me?

You may be affected if you own, manage or organise:

• Public venues with capacity for 200 or more people
• Events where 800 or more people are expected to attend

The law applies across the UK and captures a wide range of settings including entertainment venues, hospitality and leisure premises, places of worship, healthcare settings, schools and universities, and tourist attractions. It includes indoor and outdoor spaces.

If your premises form part of a larger site, such as a unit in a shopping centre or restaurant within a stadium, you may still be individually responsible if your unit meets the criteria.

What will I need to do?

The Act introduces a tiered system of duties based on capacity.

If your premises can hold between 200 and 799 people at any one time, you will be in the standard tier. You will need to introduce basic procedures to improve public protection. This may include evacuation plans, arrangements for keeping people safe inside the building, and a process to secure the site if needed. These actions are expected to focus on staff readiness and simple operational steps rather than physical alterations.

If your premises or event has capacity for 800 or more people at any one time, you will be in the enhanced tier. In addition to the above, you may need to take more robust security measures such as installing CCTV, strengthening physical infrastructure, or restricting vehicle access. You will also need to keep records of your security measures and share this information with the new regulator.

Who will enforce the Act?

A new regulator, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), will oversee compliance and provide guidance. It will have powers to issue fines or, in serious cases, to order premises to close. Failing to comply with an information request or giving false information will be a criminal offence.

What should I do next?

Although enforcement will not begin until April 2027, property owners, occupiers and event organisers should use the implementation period to assess whether they fall within scope and begin planning. Further guidance from the Government is expected and will help clarify what actions will be required.

Every affected site or event must have a clearly identified responsible person. This may be the property owner, a tenant or another party who controls the space or event.

To assist with preparation:

• Review Government Guidance: The Home Office has published factsheets detailing the scope and requirements of the Act. These can be accessed at GOV.UK.
• Consult the Regulator: The SIA, as the appointed regulator, provides information on its role and responsibilities under Martyn’s Law. More details are available at GOV.UK.
• Utilise Counter-Terrorism Resources: The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) offers guidance and tools through the ProtectUK platform, which can be found at ProtectUK.
• Engage with Industry Bodies: Sector-specific organisations may offer tailored advice. For example, the British Retail Consortium, UKHospitality, and the Association of Event Organisers provide resources relevant to their respective industries.
• Seek Legal Advice: If there is uncertainty about how the Act applies to your premises or event, or what measures are appropriate, consulting with legal professionals can provide clarity and assist in developing compliant procedures.

Martyn’s Law signals a significant cultural shift in how the UK manages public space security. For affected businesses, the next two years will be critical, not just for compliance, but for reshaping how safety is built into everyday operations.