What is Martyn’s Law?

The law is named after Martyn Hett. He was 29, and one of 22 people killed in the attack at Manchester Arena on 22 May 2017. His mother, Figen Murray, campaigned for years so that the places where people gather would be better prepared. At its heart, the law asks the people who run those places to think ahead, so that staff and volunteers know how to help others to safety if there were ever an attack.

Martyn’s Law is the commonly used name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. It received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. Its duties focus on reducing physical harm when terrorism is suspected, through procedures and, at enhanced tier, additional protection measures.

For a hall trustee, head teacher or venue manager, the starting point is understanding your premises and who controls them. You can prepare steadily by checking your scope, talking to the people who run the venue and looking at how you would move people or give instructions.

Qualifying premises must be a building, or a building with other land, wholly or mainly used for a listed purpose. These include shops, pubs, halls, schools, places of worship, hotels and visitor attractions. At least 200 people must reasonably be expected there at the same time from time to time, and exclusions must be checked.

Count staff, contractors and volunteers in the relevant use area alongside visitors. Use predictable peaks, such as Sunday services, school assemblies or busy matchdays, rather than an average day. A pub’s beer garden can count with its building. Membership or ticketed access does not automatically put a venue outside scope.

Check your tierHow to count people

Standard tier normally covers premises expecting 200–799 people at once. It requires notification to the SIA and appropriate procedures for evacuation, moving people to a safer place inside, lockdown and communication, so far as reasonably practicable. A formal risk assessment and a written plan are not legal requirements.

Enhanced tier normally starts at 800 people. It adds protection measures and a compliance document assessing how procedures and measures reduce risk and vulnerability. An organisation must also designate a senior individual. Qualifying public events have enhanced duties too.

There are important exceptions. Qualifying places of worship, schools, childcare settings and further education premises remain standard tier even at 800 or more. Higher education does not receive that special treatment.

Standard tier requirementsEnhanced tier requirements

As of 13 October 2026, no exact commencement date has been set. The SIA expects spring 2027 and says it will confirm the date in advance. Its notification portal is being built and is not yet live.

The SIA’s approach includes advice and guidance before formal enforcement. The Act provides for penalties of up to £10,000 for each contravention at standard tier, with daily penalties of up to £500 for continuing breaches of a compliance notice. For enhanced premises and qualifying events, the maximum is the greater of £18 million or 5% of qualifying worldwide revenue. These are maximums, and penalties must be proportionate.

Enhanced premises and qualifying events can also face restrictions where needed to reduce risk. These powers are part of the future enforcement framework; they do not mean that the core duties are enforceable now.

Start with your venue’s use, your expected peak attendance and the organisation responsible for it. Then follow the guide for your tier. Bring volunteers, shift staff and regular hirers into the conversation so your preparation reflects how the building actually operates.

The law does not require you to buy software or specialist services. Wardcote’s free tier tool helps you find a starting point. Its standard-tier software covers support for procedures, briefings, records and notification preparation; enhanced venues can get hands-on support from an experienced team Wardcote works with.

How to prepare for the dutiesWardcote’s standard-tier software

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Martyn’s Law crowd management and event securitySafety advisory groups and Martyn’s LawTemporary event notices and Martyn’s Law

A Martyn’s Law clause for your hall hire agreementEvent safety plan templateEmergency evacuation plan templateBusiness continuity plan template for small venuesFree venue preparation pack: templates and a one-page checklistHow many people? The 200-person checkPrintable counting worksheetCheck your tier