Martyn’s Law
Martyn’s Law, officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is a UK law that requires venues and events to enhance their security against terrorism. It creates a tiered system based on capacity, requiring premises expecting 200 or more people to be in either a standard or enhanced tier. These venues must implement security measures and create preparedness plans to mitigate the risk of a terrorist attack. It is important to note that it is the capacity that matters not the actual number of people in the venue.
The bill received Royal Assent Thursday 3rd April 2025 and premises have a grace period until the end of March 2027 to implement measures.
Key requirements
- A tiered approach: The law’s requirements vary depending on the number of people a venue reasonably expects to be present at the same time.
- Standard Tier: For premises expecting between 200 and 799 people. Requirements include implementing security measures, training staff, and completing a preparedness plan.
- Enhanced Tier: For premises expecting 800 or more people, or for public events with 800 or more attendees that are publicly accessible and have entry controls. These venues must meet standard requirements and implement additional measures to reduce vulnerability and harm, such as implementing monitoring and documenting their security procedures.
- Scope: The law applies to various publicly accessible locations, including entertainment venues, retail and food/drink establishments, museums, sports grounds, visitor attractions, and places of worship.
- Education and early years settings: Special considerations are in place for educational settings. For example, they remain in the standard tier even if they expect 800 or more people to be present.
- Proportionate measures: The act requires that measures taken are “reasonably practicable” and proportionate to the risk.
- Naming: The law is named in memory of Martyn Hett, who was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack.
If you require further information on measures you can use to help protect your premises and its occupants please reach out to the Record UK Security Entrance Control specialist, Stephen Goodridge (Stephen.goodridge@recorduk.co.uk & 07771-870511) and he will be able to assist.
Resources
- For more information on specific requirements and to start preparing, visit the ProtectUK website or the Home Office blogs.
- Record UK Website
- Free training. There are a number of councils and colleges such as Warwick District Council, Enfield and Walsall councils who all provide some training on what this act entails and no doubt more will continue to be added.