Martin’s Law or Martyn’s Law?

If you searched for Martin’s Law, you are probably looking for Martyn’s Law. The name honours Martyn Hett, 29, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena attack on 22 May 2017. His mother, Figen Murray, campaigned for years for the law, so that venues and events would be better prepared to keep people safe.

Its formal title is the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. Use that title or the correct spelling when looking for official guidance, so you can distinguish current requirements from older proposals.

What Martyn’s Law requiresMartyn’s Law in 20 questions

The premises tests consider the building and associated land, its use, expected attendance and exclusions. A qualifying use might be a village hall, pub, shop, school or place of worship. At least 200 people must reasonably be expected at the same time from time to time.

Expected attendance includes staff and volunteers in the relevant use area. Daily visitor totals and the building’s maximum capacity do not, by themselves, answer the question. Events have separate tests, including an expectation of at least 800 people at once, public access and specified entry checks.

How to count people for Martyn’s LawMartyn’s Law event requirements

Standard tier usually covers qualifying premises expecting 200–799 people at once. It requires SIA notification and appropriate procedures for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication, so far as reasonably practicable. A written plan, paid training, software and a consultant are not required.

Enhanced tier usually starts at 800 people and adds protection measures, a document for the SIA and senior oversight where the responsible person is an organisation. Qualifying places of worship, childcare, primary and secondary education and further education premises remain standard tier even above 799.

Standard tier requirementsEnhanced tier requirements

The Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. As checked on 16 October 2026, the venue and event duties are not yet in force. The Security Industry Authority expects commencement in spring 2027; the exact date has not been confirmed.

For premises whose responsible person is already responsible at commencement, notification is due within three months. Later changes in responsibility use the later of the end of that initial period or 28 days after the change. Separate event deadlines apply.

When Martyn’s Law comes into forceSIA notification deadlines

Gather your main use, greatest reasonably expected attendance and details of the organisation controlling the premises. Then work through the guide for your tier with the staff, volunteers and hirers who would carry out the procedures.

You can prepare using the official sources below. Wardcote’s free tier check provides a starting point for that work. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Check your venue’s Martyn’s Law tierHow to prepare for Martyn’s Law