How to notify the SIA under Martyn's Law: step by step
Every venue in scope of Martyn's Law has to notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA). It's one of the simplest duties, but you can't do it yet. Here's what it involves and how to be ready the day it opens.
What is SIA notification?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the regulator for Martyn's Law. Under the Act, the responsible person for premises in scope must notify the SIA that they're responsible for those premises, and notify them again when they stop being responsible.
For a standard tier venue, notification is essentially telling the SIA: these premises are in scope, and this is who is responsible for them. Enhanced tier venues also have to send the SIA a document describing their procedures and measures.
Who has to notify?
The responsible person. That's the individual, organisation or company in control of the premises for its main use. It isn't necessarily the owner. Some common examples:
- Pub company or brewery managed house: normally the company.
- Tenanted or leased pub: whoever is in control of the pub. The official guidance gives an example where the brewery holds the premises licence and is the responsible person, so check carefully. See our guide to Martyn's Law for tenanted pubs.
- Village hall: usually the charity, trust or management committee that runs the hall.
- Sports club: usually the club itself (the company, or the committee for an unincorporated club).
- Church: usually the body responsible for the building, such as the parochial church council or trustees.
- Hotel: the operating company, which may be a management company rather than the owner.
Take the free 3-tap check. It takes about 20 seconds and tells you which tier you're likely to be in.
When can you notify?
The SIA has said notification will happen through an online portal it's building. It plans to invite volunteers to test the portal from early 2027, before it opens to everyone. Further practical details on how and when to notify are due nearer the start date.
The law itself is expected to come into force in spring 2027. The exact date will be confirmed by the government through Parliament. See when does Martyn's Law start?
What information will you need?
The final list of questions will be set in regulations and the SIA's portal. Based on the Act and the guidance, it makes sense to have these ready:
- The name and address of the premises
- The type of venue and what it's used for
- Your number: the most people you can reasonably expect at the same time, and how you worked it out
- Who the responsible person is (the person or organisation), with contact details
- If the responsible person is a company: its registered name and number
- A named contact the SIA can speak to
If you run more than one venue, gather this for each site. Groups will want a list of every site and its tier.
Step by step: getting ready to notify
- Confirm you're in scope. Count your realistic peak including staff and outdoor areas. Use our capacity guide or the free checker.
- Write down how you counted. Keep a dated note of your method and numbers.
- Agree who the responsible person is. For tenanted pubs, halls and shared buildings, talk to the other parties now so there's no confusion later.
- Gather the details above in one place.
- Sign up for SIA updates on GOV.UK so you hear when the portal opens.
- Get your procedures in place (you'll need them from day one anyway). See our procedures template guide.
- Notify as soon as the portal opens, and keep a copy or screenshot of your confirmation.
When you need to tell the SIA again
Notification isn't a one-off forever. You'll need to update the SIA when the responsible person changes, for example:
- You sell the business or the lease ends
- A new tenant takes over the pub
- A hall committee is replaced by a new trust or company
- You stop running the venue, or it closes
Put a reminder in your diary to review your details every year, at the same time as you review your capacity figure and procedures.
Common questions venue owners ask
Is SIA notification the same as an SIA licence?
No. SIA licences are for individual security staff like door supervisors. Martyn's Law notification is about the premises and the responsible person. You don't need door staff to comply with the standard tier.
Will the SIA inspect me?
The SIA can carry out inspections and ask for information. It has said it will take a "support first" approach: guidance and help before formal enforcement. Being able to show your capacity count, your procedures and your staff records puts you in a strong position.
Frequently asked questions
Can I notify the SIA about Martyn's Law now?
Not yet. Notification starts once the law is in force, expected in spring 2027. The SIA is building an online portal and plans to invite volunteers to test it from early 2027.
Who notifies the SIA for a village hall?
The responsible person, which is usually the charity, trust or management committee that controls the hall, not the people who hire it.
Do I need to notify again if the manager changes?
You need to notify the SIA when the responsible person changes or stops being responsible. A change of day-to-day manager doesn't necessarily change the responsible person, but keep your contact details up to date.
Is SIA notification the same as getting an SIA licence?
No. SIA licences are for individual security workers. Martyn's Law notification is about your premises and who is responsible for them.
Related guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice. VenuePlan is not affiliated with the Home Office or the Security Industry Authority. For the official position, read the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 guidance on GOV.UK and the SIA's Martyn's Law pages.