Martyn's Law Explained

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn's Law, has been introduced to improve public safety by ensuring qualifying venues and events are better prepared to respond to terrorist incidents.

The legislation places a legal duty on those responsible for publicly accessible premises and events to consider the risk of terrorism and implement proportionate measures to improve preparedness.

For venue operators, event organisers and licence holders, understanding your responsibilities is essential.

Download our Martyn's Law Readiness Checklist

What is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law was introduced following the Manchester Arena attack in 2017 and is designed to improve protective security and preparedness across publicly accessible locations throughout the UK.

The legislation aims to ensure organisations are better prepared to respond to a terrorist incident by establishing clear responsibilities, improving staff awareness and encouraging effective emergency planning.

The requirements placed on organisations vary depending on the size and capacity of the premises or event.

Who Is Responsible Under Martyn’s Law?

Under the legislation, legal responsibility sits with the Responsible Person.

This is typically the organisation or individual with control of the premises or event and may include:

Premises Licence Holders
Venue Operators
Event Organisers
The Controlling Company responsible for the site or event

The Responsible Person remains legally accountable for ensuring compliance with the requirements of Martyn’s Law.

Standard Tier Premises

For Standard Tier premises, where it is reasonable to expect between 200 and 799 individuals to be present at one time, the focus is on procedural preparedness and ensuring staff understand how to respond in the event of a terrorist incident. This includes implementing appropriate staff awareness training, establishing emergency response procedures, developing evacuation and invacuation plans, maintaining clear communication processes, and ensuring personnel understand their roles and responsibilities during an incident. The aim is to improve preparedness and enable an effective response should a terrorist attack occur.

Enhanced Tier Premises

For Enhanced Tier premises and events, where it is reasonable to expect 800 or more individuals to be present at one time, additional measures are required that are proportionate to the size, nature and risk profile of the venue or event. This includes undertaking formal terrorism risk assessments, maintaining documented security and preparedness plans, implementing appropriate protective security measures, establishing enhanced governance and oversight arrangements, and ensuring robust procedures are in place to prevent, respond to and recover from a terrorist incident. The aim is to demonstrate a proactive and structured approach to managing terrorism-related risks and protecting members of the public.

What Does This Mean for Venue Operators?

Martyn’s Law places a greater emphasis on preparedness.

Venue operators should ensure that:

Staff understand their role during an emergency
Procedures are documented and regularly reviewed
Security arrangements are appropriate for the venue
Terrorism risks have been considered
Incident reporting processes are understood
Emergency response plans are communicated effectively

Preparedness, awareness and clear procedures are at the heart of the legislation.

The Role of Security Teams

Security personnel continue to play an important role in supporting venue safety and preparedness.

Security teams may be required to:

Monitor and report suspicious behaviour
Support site-specific counter-terrorism procedures
Conduct searches where authorised
Assist with evacuations and invacuations
Support emergency response plans
Communicate incidents quickly and effectively

2 door supervisors stood in front of a door

Can responsibility be passed to a Security Company?

No.

One of the most common misconceptions surrounding Martyn’s Law is that legal responsibility can be transferred to a contracted security provider.

Whilst security companies can play an important role in supporting preparedness and protective security measures, the legal responsibility for compliance remains with the Responsible Person.

The Responsible Person cannot transfer, delegate or outsource their legal obligations under the legislation to a third-party security provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Martyn’s Law introduces new responsibilities for many venue operators, event organisers and businesses across the UK. As organisations work to understand the requirements of the legislation, a number of common questions continue to arise around legal responsibility, compliance, security measures and preparedness.

Here we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help clarify what Martyn’s Law means in practice and how organisations can prepare effectively.

Why is it called Martyn's Law?

The legislation is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. The law was developed following a campaign led by Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, to improve public safety and preparedness.
Who does Martyn's Law apply to?

Martyn’s Law applies to qualifying publicly accessible premises and events where it is reasonable to expect 200 or more individuals to be present at one time.

The requirements vary depending on whether the premises fall within the Standard Tier (200–799 individuals) or Enhanced Tier (800+ individuals).
What is a Responsible Person?
The Responsible Person is the individual or organisation with control of the premises or event.

This may include:
- A Premises Licence Holder
- Venue Operator
- Event Organiser
- Controlling Company responsible for the site or event
The Responsible Person remains legally accountable for compliance with Martyn’s Law.
Can responsibility be transferred to a security company?

No.
The legal responsibility for compliance remains with the Responsible Person and cannot be transferred, delegated or outsourced to a contracted security provider.
Does Martyn's Law require security guards?

Not necessarily.
The legislation does not specifically require venues to employ security guards. The measures required should be proportionate to the size, nature and risk profile of the premises or event.
What happens if my venue does not comply?

The Security Industry Authority (SIA), as the regulator, may request information, conduct inspections, issue compliance notices and take enforcement action where necessary.

Failure to comply may result in financial penalties and other regulatory action.
How can Professional Security help?
Professional Security can support venue operators and event organisers through:
- Professional security personnel
- ACT Awareness trained teams
- Event and venue security deployments
- Operational best practice guidance
- Support with emergency planning
- Preparedness and response measures
Whilst we can support your security arrangements, legal responsibility for compliance remains with the Responsible Person.

How Professional Security Can Support Your Venue

At Professional Security, we work collaboratively with venue operators, event organisers and businesses across the UK to support safe and secure environments.

We can assist through:

Professional security personnel
ACT Awareness trained teams
Event and venue security deployments
Operational best practice guidance
Support with emergency procedures
Security presence and incident management
Collaborative preparedness planning

Our role is to support your operational delivery and preparedness measures whilst working alongside your existing policies and procedures.

DOWNLOAD OUR MARTYN'S LAW READINESS CHECKLIST

Martyn's Law Explained

What is Martyn’s Law?

Who Is Responsible Under Martyn’s Law?

Standard Tier Premises

Enhanced Tier Premises

What Does This Mean for Venue Operators?

The Role of Security Teams

Can responsibility be passed to a Security Company?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Martyn's Law?

Who does Martyn's Law apply to?

What is a Responsible Person?

Can responsibility be transferred to a security company?

Does Martyn's Law require security guards?

What happens if my venue does not comply?

How can Professional Security help?

How Professional Security Can Support Your Venue