We want to bring your attention to an important new piece of legislation that will impact many of you in the hospitality, retail, and catering sectors. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn’s Law, is set to come into effect in two years. This law is part of the UK government’s strategy to enhance the security of public venues and events, ensuring that premises are better prepared for, and able to respond to, terrorist threats and applies to the whole of the UK.
What is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law is named in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. The law aims to ensure that public venues and events are equipped with appropriate security measures to protect against terrorist attacks. The Act takes a tiered approach, with requirements varying based on the number of individuals expected to be present at the premises or event at any given time.
Key Requirements:
- Standard Duty Premises: Premises that are expected to host between 200 and 799 individuals, including staff. For these premises, the Responsible Person must notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA) when they take on or relinquish responsibility for the premises. They must also ensure that appropriate public protection procedures, such as evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, and communication procedures, are in place.
- Enhanced Duty Premises and Qualifying Events: Premises and events that are expected to host 800 or more individuals. In addition to the requirements for standard duty premises, enhanced duty premises must designate a senior individual responsible for managing the organisation’s affairs. They must also implement and regularly review public protection measures to reduce vulnerability to terrorist acts and minimise the risk of physical harm.
How will this impact you?
For those of you in the hospitality, retail, and catering sectors, Martyn’s Law will require you to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of your premises and events. Here are some ways the law could impact you:
- Notification to Security Industry Authority: You will need to notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA) when you become responsible for a qualifying premises or event, and when you cease to be responsible. This ensures that the SIA is aware of who is accountable for security measures at any given time.
- Public Protection Procedures: You will need to have robust public protection procedures in place. This includes evacuation plans, lockdown procedures, and effective communication strategies to ensure the safety of everyone on your premises.
- Senior Individual Designation: For larger venues and events, you will need to designate a senior individual responsible for overseeing security measures. This person will be accountable for implementing and reviewing public protection measures.
- Regular Reviews and Documentation: Enhanced duty premises will need to regularly review their public protection measures and document these reviews. This documentation must be submitted to the SIA to demonstrate compliance with the law.
What’s Next?
The government is expected to issue guidance on how to comply with Martyn’s Law, but this guidance has not yet been released. Rest assured, Shield Safety will be closely monitoring any updates and will provide you with the necessary support and information to ensure you are fully prepared for the implementation of this law.
Support That Helps You Stay Ahead
Until the guidance is issued by Government, the following steps can be taken:
- Identify how many individuals you expect to host within your premises. You could use your Fire Risk Assessment to determine which tier may apply to your premises/event. If you would like us to conduct a Fire Risk Assessment for you, please get in touch here.
- Review any current arrangements that you currently have in place to prevent/minimise the impact of a terrorist attack.
