Who will need to comply with Martyn’s Law?

On April 3, 2025, the UK government enacted the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn’s Law. This legislation mandates that certain public venues and events implement measures to enhance preparedness against potential terrorist attacks. Named in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, the law represents a significant step toward strengthening national security and safeguarding the public.

What Is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law aims to ensure that venues and events are equipped to respond effectively in the event of a terrorist attack. It introduces a tiered framework based on the capacity of the premises or event:​

• Standard Tier: Applies to venues where it is reasonable to expect that between 200 and 799 individuals may be present at the same time.​
• Enhanced Tier: Applies to venues and events where it is reasonable to expect that 800 or more individuals may be present at the same time.​

The classification determines the specific security obligations required to mitigate risks and protect attendees.

Who Will Martyn’s Law Apply To?

Martyn’s Law applies to a wide range of publicly accessible locations where people gather. If your premises or event is open to the public and falls within the Standard (200–799 capacity) or Enhanced (800+ capacity) tiers, you will likely have duties under the legislation.

Here are some examples of the types of premises and events that may be affected:

Standard Tier (200–799 capacity)

These are often smaller public venues that still pose potential risks in the event of an attack:

• Medium-sized shops, supermarkets, and retail parks
• Restaurants, pubs, and bars with significant seating
• Community centres and town halls
• Independent cinemas and small theatres
• Places of worship (churches, mosques, synagogues, etc.)
• Small visitor attractions (heritage sites, museums, galleries)
• Libraries and leisure centres
• Nurseries, primary and secondary schools (if public access and numbers meet threshold)
• Clinics and smaller healthcare centres (with large patient volumes)
• Small train and bus stations
• Hotels or guesthouses that host medium-sized events (weddings, conferences)

Enhanced Tier (800+ capacity)

Larger venues with higher footfall, often in entertainment, transport, or commercial sectors:

• Stadiums and sports arenas
• Concert halls, large theatres, and entertainment venues
• Major shopping centres and department stores
• Universities and larger college campuses
• Large hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Airports and major ferry ports
• Major bus and railway stations (city hubs)
• Conference and exhibition centres
• Large places of worship (cathedrals, megachurches)
• Big hotels and resorts (especially those hosting large public events)
• Major visitor attractions (zoos, theme parks, historic castles, national museums)

Venues that are not permanently staffed or only occasionally open to the public (such as private clubs, office-only buildings, or residential areas) are generally outside the scope — but grey areas may exist, so a site-specific risk assessment is still recommended.​

Key Requirements for Businesses

Standard Tier Responsibilities:

Key duties:

• Basic terrorism risk assessment
• Staff awareness and training
• Simple procedural plans (e.g., locking doors, evacuation procedures)

​Enhanced Tier Responsibilities:

All Standard Tier Measures, plus:

• Public Protection Measures: Implement additional measures, as far as reasonably practicable, to reduce both the vulnerability of the premises or event to an act of terrorism and the risk of physical harm to individuals. Examples include bag search policies, CCTV monitoring, and vehicle checks.​
• Documentation: Maintain a documented assessment of the public protection procedures and measures in place, and provide this to the SIA.​
• Senior Individual Designation: If the responsible person is not an individual, designate a senior individual responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act.​

All measures are subject to the principle of “reasonably practicable,” taking into account the specific circumstances and resources of each venue or event.

The Inspiration Behind the Law: Figen Murray’s Advocacy

Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett, has been instrumental in the development and promotion of Martyn’s Law. Following the tragic loss of her son in the Manchester Arena attack, Figen was surprised to discover the lack of mandatory security measures at public venues. This realization led her to campaign tirelessly for legislative change, resulting in the inception of Martyn’s Law.

Figen’s efforts have been recognized nationally; she was awarded an OBE in 2022 for her services to counter-terrorism. Beyond legislation, she engages in educational talks across the UK, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of security and the human impact of terrorism

Implementation Timeline

The government has established a 24-month implementation period from the date of Royal Assent to allow businesses and organizations adequate time to understand and comply with the new requirements. During this period, the SIA will develop and publish statutory guidance to assist duty holders in meeting their obligations.

How Diamond Systems Can Support Your Compliance

With over 35 years of experience in life safety and security, Diamond Systems is well-equipped to assist organizations in meeting the requirements of Martyn’s Law. Our services include:​

• Risk Assessments: Evaluating potential vulnerabilities and recommending appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Security Planning: Developing comprehensive security plans tailored to your venue’s specific needs.
• System Implementation: Installing and maintaining security systems, such as CCTV, access control, and alarm systems.
• Ongoing Support: Offering regular reviews and updates to security measures in line with evolving threats and regulations.​

Our goal is to ensure that your organization not only complies with Martyn’s Law but also fosters a culture of safety and preparedness.​

Next Steps

To learn more about how Martyn’s Law affects your business and how Diamond Systems can support your compliance efforts, please contact us for a consultation. Together, we can work towards creating safer public spaces for everyone.​

📞 Contact us today for a security consultation.

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