Summary
- Q: What is Martyn’s Law?
- A: Martyn’s Law (the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025) requires UK venues to have simple plans in place to respond quickly if a terrorist attack occurs. Named after Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett, it aims to improve public protection in crowded places.
- Q: Who does it apply to?
- A: It applies across the entire UK to any publicly accessible premises or event where the responsible person reasonably expects 200 or more people (including staff) to be present at the same time. It will come into force in spring 2027.
- Q: Which businesses and venues are affected?
- A: It covers shops, restaurants, bars, theatres, concert halls, sports stadiums, shopping centres, nightclubs, and festivals. Venues are split into a lighter standard tier (200–799 people) and a more robust enhanced tier (800+ people). Smaller premises with fewer than 200 people are not in scope.
Article
The UK government has published new statutory guidance to help businesses and venue operators prepare for the requirements of Martyn’s Law, the landmark legislation designed to bolster public protection against terrorism in crowded places.
Named after Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025 aims to ensure that public venues and events are better equipped to respond swiftly if an attack occurs.
The guidance, released by the Home Office, provides practical, straightforward advice on implementing proportionate measures, without requiring specialist expertise or expensive third-party services.
A response born from tragedy
“Martyn’s Law will help to save lives by making sure venues are ready to act if the worst happens. Today’s guidance is a significant step toward turning the law into action, giving organisations clear, straightforward advice to protect the public,” said Security Minister Dan Jarvis.
Figen Murray, Martyn Hett’s mother, welcomed the publication as “another significant milestone,” adding that it would give venues the clarity needed to implement measures and make public spaces more secure, “so no family has to endure the lasting pain that mine and 21 others have gone through.”
The legislation comes amid an evolving terrorism threat. Since the start of 2020, MI5 and police have disrupted 19 late-stage attack plots and intervened in hundreds of developing threats, many involving lone actors that are harder to detect.
Who it applies to and when it takes effect
Martyn’s Law applies to organisations responsible for publicly accessible premises and events where 200 or more people (including staff) are expected to be present at the same time. This covers a wide range of businesses and venues, including:
- Shops and restaurants
- Concert halls and theatres
- Sports stadiums
- Night-time economy venues
It uses a tiered approach based on capacity:
- Standard tier (200–799 people): Focuses on preparedness procedures, such as clear plans for evacuation, invacuation (moving people to safer internal areas), and lockdown. Staff must know how to communicate quickly with customers and implement these measures.
- Enhanced tier (800+ people): Requires additional steps to reduce vulnerability, such as risk assessments, CCTV, bag searches, vehicle checks, or other physical protective measures where appropriate.
The Act received Royal Assent in April 2025 and includes a minimum 24-month implementation period, meaning full enforcement is expected around April 2027 or later. This gives businesses time to understand their obligations, with the Security Industry Authority (SIA) serving as the independent regulator.
The SIA will provide support and guidance, with a focus on public protection and proportionate compliance rather than punitive measures from the outset.
What the new guidance actually tells businesses to do
The guidance is designed to be accessible and includes real-world examples and case studies. Key practical steps for businesses in the standard tier include:
- Evacuation – Planning multiple routes, such as one through the main entrance to a public pavement and another via a side door.
- Invacuation – Directing people to safer internal areas, like the main restaurant or designated staff zones.
- Lockdown – Nominating specific staff (e.g., the shift manager) to lock doors, close shutters, and turn off lights when instructed.
- Communication – Ensuring staff know who is responsible for alerting customers and how to do so quickly.
- Training and awareness – Including terrorism response in staff induction briefings alongside fire safety and health procedures.
- Review – Conducting annual reviews or updating plans when the venue layout or operations change significantly.
A case study in the guidance features a 400-seater restaurant to illustrate how these measures can be applied simply and effectively.
For larger enhanced-tier venues, the emphasis expands to more robust risk assessments and physical security enhancements.
Importantly, the government stresses that measures should be proportionate and “reasonably practicable.” Many venues already have strong procedures in place for fire or other emergencies, and these can often be adapted.
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