When does Martyn's Law start? Key dates and what to do now
Martyn's Law is already law, but the duties don't apply yet. They're expected to start in spring 2027, after an implementation period of at least two years. Here's the timeline and what to do while you wait.
The short answer
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn's Law, received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. The government promised an implementation period of at least 24 months so venues and the regulator could prepare.
The Home Office and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) are working towards the duties starting in spring 2027. The exact date will be confirmed by the government through Parliament, so keep an eye on GOV.UK.
Martyn's Law timeline
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| May 2017 | Manchester Arena attack. Martyn Hett is among the 22 people killed. |
| 2019 onwards | Figen Murray, Martyn's mother, campaigns for a law to protect people at venues. |
| September 2024 | The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill is introduced to Parliament. |
| 3 April 2025 | The Act receives Royal Assent and becomes law. |
| 2026 | The Home Office statutory guidance is published, and the SIA consults on its own guidance for how it will regulate. |
| Early 2027 | The SIA plans to invite volunteers to test its online notification portal. |
| Spring 2027 (expected) | The duties are expected to come into force. Venues in scope notify the SIA and must have their procedures in place. |
Take the free 3-tap check. It takes about 20 seconds and tells you which tier you're likely to be in.
Why is Martyn's Law called Martyn's Law?
It's named after Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena attack in May 2017. His mother, Figen Murray, campaigned for years for a law requiring venues to be better prepared for a terrorist attack. The Act is the result.
What happens on the start date?
Once the duties are in force, if your venue is in scope:
- You must notify the SIA (see how to notify the SIA).
- You must have appropriate public protection procedures in place, so far as reasonably practicable: evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication.
- Your staff should know what to do.
- If you're enhanced tier (800+), you'll also need public protection measures, a document for the SIA and, for organisations, a designated senior individual.
The SIA has said it will take a "support first" approach, focused on helping venues comply. But there's no reason to wait: having everything ready on day one is the simplest way to avoid hassle.
A simple plan for getting ready
If you run a standard tier venue, this is a realistic plan that fits around running a business:
Now
- Work out your number, including staff and outdoor areas, and record it. Use our capacity guide.
- Agree who the responsible person is, especially for tenanted pubs, halls and shared buildings.
Over the next month or two
- Write your four procedures. Our procedures template guide shows you how.
- Walk the building with your team: check doors, keys, safe areas and meeting points.
Before spring 2027
- Brief every member of staff and keep a record of who's read the plan.
- Do a short talk-through or practice.
- Sign up for SIA updates so you know when the notification portal opens.
- Encourage staff to take ProtectUK's free ACT Awareness e-learning.
When the law starts
- Notify the SIA as soon as the portal is open.
- Set a yearly reminder to review your number, procedures and staff records.
Will the start date change?
Possibly. Until the government confirms the date in Parliament, spring 2027 is the expected window rather than a fixed date. We'll update this page as soon as there's an official date.
Frequently asked questions
When does Martyn's Law come into force?
The duties are expected to come into force in spring 2027. The Act became law on 3 April 2025, with an implementation period of at least 24 months. The exact start date will be confirmed by the government.
Is Martyn's Law in force now?
The Act is law, but the duties on venues don't apply until they're commenced, expected in spring 2027. Until then, there's nothing to notify.
Do I need to do anything before 2027?
There's no legal duty yet, but preparing now is sensible: count your capacity, write your procedures and brief your staff so you're ready on day one.
Who is Martyn's Law named after?
Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. His mother, Figen Murray, campaigned for the law.
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.