Martyn’s Law 2027: What Hospitality Businesses Need to Do Now 

Last year, we published guidance to help businesses understand the fundamentals of Martyn’s Law. At that point, many organisations were still waiting for clarity on the requirements, responsibilities and timetable.

Today, the conversation has changed.

The Home Office has now published statutory guidance for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. As a result, organisations have a much clearer framework for assessing their premises and identifying their responsibilities.

The main legal duties are not yet in force. However, businesses can now start planning how they will meet them.

For hotels, pubs, restaurants, visitor attractions and leisure venues, the conversation has moved on. The question is no longer what Martyn’s Law might involve. Instead, hospitality businesses should ask: Are we ready?

Martyn’s Law for Hospitality Businesses at a Glance

• The Standard Tier covers qualifying premises where organisations can reasonably expect 200 to 799 people to be present at the same time.
• The Enhanced Tier covers qualifying premises where organisations can reasonably expect 800 or more people to be present.
• The Home Office published statutory guidance on 15 April 2026.
• The Government intends to allow an implementation period of at least 24 months from Royal Assent on 3 April 2025.
• Businesses can begin reviewing their premises, procedures and responsibilities now.
• Shield Safety now offers dedicated Martyn’s Law Standard Tier and Enhanced Tier Solutions.

What Has Changed with Martyn’s Law?

The Home Office published the full statutory guidance in April 2026. It then incorporated corrections in August 2026, including clarification about the responsible person for certain leased pubs.

This guidance helps businesses determine whether their premises fall within scope. It also explains who holds responsibility and what the Act requires.

Therefore, hospitality operators can now:

• Check whether each premises falls within scope
• Identify the responsible person
• Determine which tier applies
• Review existing procedures and security arrangements
• Identify gaps
• Create a practical action plan
• Start keeping clear evidence of their preparations

Although businesses do not yet need to meet the substantive legal duties, they can use this time to prepare carefully and proportionately.

What Is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law is the commonly used name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.

The Act aims to improve organisational preparedness and protective security across the UK. It requires those responsible for certain premises and events to prepare for a potential terrorist attack and help protect people if one occurs.

In addition, the Act requires larger premises and qualifying events to consider their vulnerability. Where appropriate, organisations must take reasonably practicable steps to reduce that vulnerability.

Importantly, Martyn’s Law takes a proportionate approach. The requirements vary according to the size and nature of the premises or event.

How Does the Two-Tier Framework Work?

Martyn’s Law sets different responsibilities for Standard Tier and Enhanced Tier premises.

However, occupancy alone does not determine whether a premises falls within scope. The business must also consider factors such as the premises’ use, whether it meets the definition of qualifying premises and whether any exclusions apply.

Standard Tier Requirements

The Standard Tier covers qualifying premises where it is reasonable to expect between 200 and 799 people to be present at the same time. This number includes staff and other people at the premises, not only customers or visitors.

The responsible person must establish appropriate public protection procedures covering:

• Evacuation
• Invacuation
• Lockdown
• Communication during an incident

These procedures should help reduce the risk of physical harm if a terrorist attack occurs.

Crucially, the Standard Tier does not create a blanket requirement to install costly security equipment. Nor does it automatically require businesses to commission specialist counter-terrorism audits. Instead, organisations should focus on clear procedures that suit the premises and can work in practice.

Therefore, Martyn’s Law for hospitality businesses should lead to practical preparation, rather than unnecessary controls.

Enhanced Tier Requirements

The Enhanced Tier covers qualifying premises where it is reasonable to expect 800 or more people to be present at the same time. The Act also applies enhanced requirements to qualifying events.

These organisations must meet the relevant procedural requirements. In addition, they must consider proportionate measures relating to:

• Monitoring
• Movement of people
• Physical security
• Information security

Enhanced-tier organisations must also document their procedures and measures. Moreover, an organisation that acts as the responsible person must designate a senior individual to ensure it meets the relevant requirements.

What Do the Updates Mean for Hospitality Operators?

The latest guidance gives hospitality businesses a firmer basis for planning.

Previously, many operators had to rely on proposals and draft information. Now, they can compare their current procedures with the published guidance.

For example, operators can review whether teams know how to evacuate, invacuate or lock down a building. They can also check whether colleagues know how to communicate with guests during an emergency.

Meanwhile, the Security Industry Authority will act as the regulator for the Act.

Preparation should not simply produce another document. Instead, it should create procedures that teams understand, managers can maintain and locations can use during a real incident.

Introducing Shield Safety’s Martyn’s Law Solutions

Shield Safety has developed dedicated Martyn’s Law Solutions for organisations that want a clear and manageable route towards readiness.

Our solutions combine expert safety consultancy with RiskProof™ software. Together, they help businesses assess premises, record actions, store evidence and review arrangements over time.

We do not position these solutions as certification or confirmation of future legal conformity. Instead, we help organisations understand their position, identify gaps and take practical steps before the duties take effect.

Martyn’s Law Standard Tier Solution

Our Standard Tier Solution supports qualifying premises that expect between 200 and 799 people to be present at the same time.

The solution includes:

• A location-based applicability assessment
• A structured vulnerability assessment
• Documentation for public protection measures
• Security monitoring checklists
• Colleague awareness materials
• RiskProof™ configuration
• A half-day consultancy session at each location

During the consultancy session, a Shield Safety professional reviews the location’s existing arrangements. The consultant then helps the team identify suitable public protection measures and turn the guidance into practical actions.

As a result, businesses can create a clear approach that reflects the way each location operates.

Martyn’s Law Enhanced Tier Solution

Our Enhanced Tier Solution supports larger or more complex premises and qualifying events.

It includes:

• A detailed terrorism vulnerability assessment
• A review of existing measures
• Enhanced-tier gap analysis
• A one-day consultancy session at each location
• Colleague awareness materials
• Security monitoring checklists
• Action and evidence management through RiskProof™

This solution particularly suits hotels, conference venues, visitor attractions, entertainment venues and other complex public-facing settings.

Most importantly, it helps teams move beyond producing policies. It gives them a structured way to manage actions, monitor arrangements and demonstrate ongoing review.

Businesses that need further guidance can also draw on Shield Safety’s specialist consultancy support.

Five Steps to Assess Your Martyn’s Law Readiness

1. Confirm Whether the Act Applies

First, review how the premises is used and how many people may be present at the same time. Then check any relevant exclusions or special rules.

You should also identify the responsible person for each location.

2. Review Existing Procedures

Next, examine your current emergency and security arrangements.

Check what would happen during an evacuation, invacuation or lockdown. In addition, assess how managers would communicate instructions to colleagues, guests and visitors.

3. Identify the Gaps

Compare your current arrangements with the requirements for the relevant tier.

Some locations may already have suitable procedures. Others may need clearer responsibilities, better colleague awareness or more consistent documentation.

4. Prioritise Practical Improvements

Create an action plan that lists each improvement, its owner and its target date.

However, avoid treating every action as equally urgent. Instead, prioritise the changes that will have the greatest impact on readiness and public safety.

5. Monitor and Review

Finally, establish a regular review process.

Premises change. Teams change, too. Therefore, businesses should update their assessments and procedures when layouts, occupancy, events or operating arrangements change.

Prepare for Martyn’s Law with Confidence

The publication of statutory guidance marks an important step for hospitality businesses.

Organisations now have more information to support meaningful preparation. Therefore, they can move from discussing what Martyn’s Law might require to deciding what they need to do next.

Early action does not mean installing expensive equipment without a clear reason. Instead, it means understanding your premises, giving people clear responsibilities and developing procedures that teams can follow.

Effective terrorism protection should be practical, proportionate and part of the wider approach to safety. Shield Safety’s Standard Tier and Enhanced Tier Solutions can help hospitality businesses take those steps with confidence.

Whether you manage a hotel, pub, restaurant, visitor attraction or multi-site estate, speak to Shield Safety’s specialists about assessing your Martyn’s Law readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Martyn’s Law

When will Martyn’s Law come into force?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. The Government intends to allow an implementation period of at least 24 months before the Act comes into force. However, the statutory guidance states that the Government will provide further details about the commencement of the substantive requirements.

What is the occupancy threshold?

The legislation sets the threshold for qualifying premises at 200 people. Standard duty premises generally cover 200 to 799 people, while enhanced duty premises generally cover 800 or more.

Does the occupancy figure include staff?

Yes. Businesses should consider all individuals who may reasonably be present at the same time, including employees and members of the public.

Do Standard Tier premises need a terrorism risk assessment?

The Act does not impose a blanket requirement on Standard Tier premises to complete a formal terrorism risk assessment. Instead, the responsible person must establish appropriate public protection procedures.

However, a structured readiness or vulnerability assessment can help a business review its current position and plan suitable improvements. This is part of Shield Safety’s recommended readiness approach rather than a universal Standard Tier duty.

What should hospitality businesses do now?

Businesses can start by determining whether their premises fall within scope. They can then identify the responsible person, review existing procedures and plan any necessary improvements.

Starting now gives teams time to develop arrangements that work in practice.

How can Shield Safety help?

Shield Safety’s Martyn’s Law Solutions combine expert consultancy with RiskProof™ technology. The Standard and Enhanced Tier Solutions help organisations assess premises, identify gaps, assign actions and maintain supporting evidence.

About the Author

Emily Barton MPH, BSc, REnvH, MCIEH, CertIOSH, AMRSPH is a Registered Environmental Health Practitioner with a decade of experience across hospitality operations, regulatory enforcement, and consultancy. As Divisional Manager for Environmental Health Consultancy at Shield Safety, Emily helps hospitality, hotel, retail, and leisure businesses navigate food safety, health and safety, public health and regulatory due diligence. Emily specialises in turning complex requirements into achievable actions that reduce risk and build operational confidence.