Martyn's Law, formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is a new UK legislation aimed at enhancing preparedness against terrorist attacks. The Law is named after Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, and it was established thanks to the campaigning efforts of his mother, Figen Murray. The Act received Royal Assent on April 3, 2025, demonstrating the government's commitment to making publicly accessible venues safer. It includes a 24-month implementation period before its requirements take effect, allowing organizations time to understand and prepare for their obligations.
Who does Martyn's Law apply to?
For a detailed breakdown of who falls under Martyn's Law scope, including capacity thresholds, venue types, exemptions, and how to determine if your organisation needs to comply, see our comprehensive guide: Who Does Martyn's Law Apply To?. The Act applies to public venues and events where 200 or more people could reasonably be expected to gather at one time. These include stadiums, theatres, nightclubs, shopping centres, community halls, markets, and other publicly accessible premises (nalc.gov.uk). The Law sets two capacity thresholds: Standard tier – premises with a capacity between 200 and 799 people. These venues must take basic steps, such as conducting risk assessments, training staff, and notifying the Security Industry Authority (SIA) that they are responsible for the premises (nalc.gov.uk). Enhanced tier – premises or events where 800 or more people may be present (nalc.gov.uk). Enhanced‑tier premises have additional obligations, such as more comprehensive security measures and a designated senior individual to oversee compliance (protectuk.police.uk). For both tiers, at least one building must be involved, the premises must be publicly accessible and used for specified purposes, and it must not be among the exclusions listed in Schedule 2 of the Act.
Standard vs. Enhanced Tier: Key Requirements
For a detailed breakdown of the differences between standard and enhanced tiers, including specific obligations, compliance tips, and practical guidance, see our comprehensive guide: Standard vs. Enhanced Tier: What's the Difference?.
Standard Tier
Notification and risk assessment: Responsible persons must notify the SIA of their premises and perform a terrorist risk assessment. Training and procedures: They must implement staff training and have emergency procedures to reduce harm in the event of an attack (nalc.gov.uk). Simple protective measures: The Act emphasizes low‑cost, proportionate actions such as locking doors or identifying safe routes (protectuk.police.uk).
Enhanced Tier
All standard‑tier obligations, plus: Comprehensive security measures such as CCTV, bag searches and perimeter checks (protectuk.police.uk). Designated senior individual: A senior person must be appointed to oversee compliance and liaise with the regulator. Regular liaison with authorities: Enhanced‑tier premises are expected to engage with local counter‑terrorism police and maintain appropriate documentation.
Implementation timeline and compliance checklist
The Home Office intends to allow at least two years between the Act receiving Royal Assent and full enforcement (protectuk.police.uk). Organizations should use this period to prepare. Key steps include: Identify qualifying venues: Review your estate and determine which venues or events exceed the 200‑person threshold. Conduct risk assessments: Evaluate vulnerabilities, considering factors such as crowd size, entry points, and existing security measures (nalc.gov.uk). Train staff and volunteers: Ensure all personnel understand basic security awareness and their roles in an emergency (nalc.gov.uk). Develop emergency response plans: Create clear procedures for lockdowns, evacuations and communication (nalc.gov.uk). Engage with authorities: Liaise with local police and the SIA for guidance and to ensure compliance. Plan for enhanced measures (if required): For venues likely to be in the enhanced tier, budget and plan for physical security measures such as CCTV, access control, and bag searches (protectuk.police.uk).
Special considerations for education settings
Education settings—schools, colleges and universities—are treated differently under Martyn's Law. Even if more than 800 people are present, these premises remain in the standard tier (gov.uk). The Law recognizes that educational environments require a proportionate approach, though institutions should still consider basic protective measures and staff training.
How AV technology can help
Audio‑visual systems play a crucial role in meeting the requirements of Martyn's Law. Strive AV's Martyn's Law Compliance service page outlines several ways that technology can support preparedness. Real‑time emergency communication: Integrated PA systems and digital signage can broadcast clear, multilingual instructions during an incident. Crowd management: Surveillance cameras and occupancy analytics help monitor crowd flow and identify potential bottlenecks or vulnerabilities. Staff and visitor education: Interactive displays and training platforms can be used to educate staff and visitors about security protocols and evacuation routes. Surveillance integration: CCTV systems, including video walls in command centres, provide situational awareness for security personnel. Accessible communication: Solutions such as hearing‑assisted systems ensure everyone can receive alerts and instructions. Compliant record‑keeping: Digital systems can log compliance activities, such as risk assessments and training sessions, to facilitate audits and demonstrate due diligence.
Next steps
Martyn's Law marks a significant shift in how UK venues approach public safety. This pillar page outlines the Law's purpose, who it affects, its tier structure, and key compliance steps. To dive deeper into specific questions, explore our supporting posts on: Who does Martyn's Law apply to? Standard vs. Enhanced Tier: What's the difference? Implementation timeline and compliance checklist Effects on education settings AV technology and Martyn's Law If you're unsure where to begin or would like expert guidance on security‑oriented AV solutions, contact the Strive AV team. We can help you assess your premises, implement the right technologies and ensure you are ready when Martyn's Law comes into force.
