**Updated May 2026** — This article reflects the Section 27 statutory guidance published on 15 April 2026 and the Spring 2027 commencement window now being communicated by Government. Capacity calculation methods are now formalised, and the four formal categories of public protection measures (monitoring, movement, physical safety and security, and security of information) are particularly relevant for cathedrals, mosques and large temple complexes that fall into the enhanced tier.
This article is part of our comprehensive guide to Martyn's Law. For an overview of the legislation, who it applies to, tier requirements, implementation timelines, and how AV technology can support compliance, see our complete guide to Martyn's Law.
Martyn's Law, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, applies to a wide range of publicly accessible venues, including places of worship. Under the new legislation, churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other faith‑based venues need to assess their capacity, put proportionate protective measures in place and document their plans. This post explains the two‑tier system, outlines sector‑specific duties and provides a practical roadmap for religious organisations.
Does Martyn's Law apply to my place of worship?
**Two‑tier threshold:** The Act introduces a standard tier for venues that can hold 200–799 people and an enhanced tier for venues that can hold 800+ people. Most places of worship will fall into the standard tier, but large cathedrals or contemporary megachurches may be subject to enhanced‑tier duties (congregational.org.uk).
**Exemptions:** Venues with a capacity of fewer than 200 people are generally exempt from the mandatory requirements.
**Nature of the venue:** Religious buildings used primarily for worship or community gatherings are considered publicly accessible under the Act (gtlaw.com). Temporary events hosted off‑site (e.g., outdoor festivals) may also fall under Martyn's Law depending on their capacity and control.
For a detailed breakdown of who falls under Martyn's Law scope, see our guide: Who Does Martyn's Law Apply To?.
Core responsibilities
Standard‑tier venues (200–799 capacity)
For most places of worship, the Law requires proportionate protective measures that focus on planning and preparedness, not onerous security infrastructure:
**Evacuation and invacuation plans:** Develop clear procedures for safely evacuating or evacuating people into a secure area (congregational.org.uk). Consider multiple exit routes and how to guide worshippers with mobility challenges.
**Lockdown procedures:** Agree on how to secure doors and restrict access during an incident (congregational.org.uk). Simple measures such as locking external doors or closing shutters may suffice (skillsforhealth.org.uk).
**Communication:** Plan how to alert congregants and visitors in the event of an attack. Announcements via existing PA systems, digital signage or text alerts can help move people to safety (congregational.org.uk).
**Training and awareness:** Ensure staff, clergy and volunteers understand the risks and know how to implement the plans. Volunteer stewards play a vital role in greeting visitors, monitoring entrances and supporting evacuations.
Enhanced‑tier venues (800+ capacity)
Large cathedrals, mosques or temple complexes may trigger enhanced duties. In addition to the measures above, they must:
**Conduct a formal terrorism risk assessment** and produce a compliance document (skillsforhealth.org.uk). The April 2026 statutory guidance is explicit that this document is a narrative, not a checklist — it must explain what is in place, why each measure is expected to reduce harm, and where the chosen approach differs from what would normally be expected, why.
**Address the four formal categories of public protection measures (April 2026 guidance):** monitoring (CCTV, observation arrangements), movement (control of access, queuing, vehicle management), physical safety and security (barriers, glazing, layout) and security of information.
**Designate a senior individual:** Where the responsible person is an organisation (such as a parochial church council, mosque committee or temple trust), a senior individual must be designated. Statutory responsibility cannot be delegated, and the senior individual is personally exposed to criminal liability of up to two years' imprisonment for breaches involving consent, connivance or neglect. In multi‑use buildings (e.g., a church that rents space to community groups), both the property owner and tenant may have obligations and a coordination duty between them.
**Consider additional security measures:** High‑capacity venues might need CCTV, access control, or bag checks to meet the requirement to take "reasonably practicable" steps (skillsforhealth.org.uk). Enhanced tier financial penalties run up to £18m or 5% of worldwide revenue (whichever is higher), with daily penalties for continuing breaches and the possibility of a restriction notice.
For a detailed comparison of standard and enhanced tier requirements, see our guide: Standard vs. Enhanced Tier: What's the Difference?.
Practical steps for places of worship
**Determine capacity:** Count seating and standing room, including overflow areas. Your local fire certificate or capacity assessment can provide a baseline. The April 2026 Supplementary Document A formalises acceptable methods — fire safety safe-occupancy figures, historic attendance data or any other justified method, with the reasonable-expectation test including staff and volunteers as well as worshippers.
**Develop a proportionate plan:** For most churches and temples, a simple emergency plan covering evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, and communication will meet the standard‑tier requirement (congregational.org.uk). Tailor the plan to your building's layout and congregation demographics.
**Train staff and volunteers,** including ushers, stewards, and church wardens. Use tabletop exercises or scenarios to practise response skills (skillsforhealth.org.uk).
**Collaborate with local authorities:** Work with police and council officials on risk assessments, training sessions and integration with local counter‑terrorism resources. The Section 27 statutory guidance was published on 15 April 2026 and is available on gov.uk (congregational.org.uk). The SIA's Section 12 enforcement consultation runs until 12 June 2026.
**Review technology:** Ensure your PA system covers all worship spaces. Consider digital signage or LED screens to display emergency instructions. If you have CCTV, check that cameras cover entrances and key spaces and that footage is retained securely. Integrated AV systems can streamline communication across your building.
For more information on how AV technology can support Martyn's Law compliance, see our complete guide to Martyn's Law.
**Document and update:** Record your procedures and keep them under review. Assign a responsible person to keep the plan current and liaise with regulators once enforcement begins (gtlaw.com).
Staying informed
The Section 27 statutory guidance was published on 15 April 2026 (congregational.org.uk; gov.uk). Commencement is now consistently being signalled as Spring 2027 (likely April 2027), subject to formal Parliamentary confirmation (skillsforhealth.org.uk). Places of worship should now move from awareness into structured preparation. Regularly check Protect UK and Home Office updates for sector‑specific advice and take advantage of training offered to volunteers and staff.
For a detailed implementation timeline and compliance checklist, see our guide: Martyn's Law Implementation Timeline & Compliance Checklist.
How Strive AV can help
Audio‑visual technology plays a crucial role in keeping congregants informed during an emergency. Strive AV's Martyn's Law Compliance service can help you integrate PA systems, digital signage, CCTV, and emergency alert technology, ensuring your plans are actionable and inclusive. From assessing your existing equipment to designing scalable solutions, we can support you every step of the way.
For more comprehensive information about Martyn's Law, including who it applies to, tier requirements, special considerations for education settings, and how AV technology can support compliance, see our complete guide to Martyn's Law.
This post is part of our Martyn's Law series. For a high‑level overview, see our Martyn's Law guide. You can also explore posts covering the differences between the standard and enhanced tiers, how to prepare using our compliance checklist and sector‑specific advice for education, corporate, retail and hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Does Martyn's Law apply to small churches and chapels?
Places of worship with a capacity below 200 people are generally exempt from Martyn's Law's mandatory requirements. Most parish churches, small chapels and community-sized worship spaces fall outside scope. Larger congregational buildings, cathedrals and venues that host events expecting 200 or more attendees must comply with at least standard-tier duties.
Q.Are religious gatherings exempt from Martyn's Law?
No. Religious buildings used primarily for worship and community gatherings are considered publicly accessible under the Act and are not blanket-exempt. Capacity is the determining factor. Temporary events held off-site (outdoor festivals, processions) may also fall under Martyn's Law depending on expected attendance.
Q.Who is the responsible person for a place of worship?
The responsible person is the individual or body in control of the premises for its principal use — typically the church wardens, parochial church council, mosque committee, synagogue board or temple trustees. For multi-use venues that hire out space, both the property owner and the event organiser may have duties depending on who has control during a particular event.
Q.What emergency procedures should churches and mosques put in place?
Standard-tier places of worship should develop a simple plan covering evacuation routes, invacuation areas, lockdown procedures and how to alert worshippers (using existing PA or digital signage). Volunteer stewards should be briefed on greeting visitors, monitoring entrances and supporting evacuation, particularly for worshippers with reduced mobility.
Q.How can places of worship comply on a tight budget?
Standard-tier requirements focus on planning, training and proportionate measures rather than expensive infrastructure. Free templates from ProtectUK and the National Association of Local Councils support risk assessments, and existing PA systems can often be repurposed for emergency announcements. Larger venues considering CCTV, digital signage or integrated control should phase investment over the 24-month implementation window.
Q.When do places of worship need to be ready?
Martyn's Law received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. The Section 27 statutory guidance was published on 15 April 2026, and commencement is now consistently being signalled as Spring 2027 (likely April 2027), subject to formal Parliamentary confirmation. The SIA's Section 12 enforcement consultation runs until 12 June 2026. Places of worship should aim to be operationally ready before Spring 2027 — capacity calculation, designated senior individual where required, public protection procedures and (for enhanced-tier sites) the narrative compliance document.
