What is Martyn’s Law? A practical introduction

The purpose of the Act

The legislation seeks to reduce physical harm if a terrorist attack occurs at or near qualifying premises or events. It gives the Security Industry Authority a regulatory role. It does not require purchasing a commercial template, software package or a VenuePlan product.

The main provisions are expected in spring 2027. The exact commencement date is subject to official confirmation. Check the SIA’s current updates rather than relying on a countdown or a speculative date.

Which premises and events may qualify?

Premises must meet the statutory criteria, including a building or part of one, a wholly or mainly qualifying Schedule 1 use, the reasonable expected attendance threshold and no applicable exclusion. Staff and relevant outside areas must be considered. Licensed capacity, average attendance and a single unexpected crowd are not interchangeable with the statutory test.

Qualifying premises generally begin at 200 people reasonably expected at the same time, from time to time. Ordinary qualifying premises at 200–799 normally fall in standard tier; at 800 or more they normally fall in enhanced tier. Specified worship, childcare and education uses have different treatment. Higher education is different from primary, secondary and further education.

Events have a separate test, including public access, 800 or more and checks against an entry condition. Their host premises and the relevant exceptions matter. A private invitation, membership, a ticket or an outdoor setting does not by itself settle the whole question.

What preparation involves

Standard-tier duties concern appropriate, reasonably practicable public protection procedures and notification to the SIA when the relevant provisions commence. The four procedure areas are evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication. Additional public protection measures duties apply to enhanced-tier premises and qualifying events, alongside documentation and other requirements.

Start with confirmed facts, who controls the premises for the qualifying use, the relevant people and the options that are actually available. Consider assistance needs, shift cover and how instructions reach people. Do not invent routes, rooms, equipment or staff duties to fill a worksheet.

Written worksheets, briefing records, action plans and exercises can help organise preparation. Completing them is not certification or proof that arrangements are appropriate or implemented. Additional enhanced duties require separate attention.

Where to start for free

Use the indicative checker as a starting point, then read the Home Office statutory guidance. GOV.UK, the SIA and ProtectUK provide authoritative free information and are developing further resources.

Download the free starter resources to record questions, facts and actions. Review them on site with the responsible operator. Seek suitably knowledgeable advice where scope or arrangements need specialist assessment.