Understanding Martyn’s Law

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• Kirsteen Hook

• 20 Jul 2026
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• 4 min read

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Martyn’s Law, formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is new legislation designed to keep the public safer from terrorism in public spaces. Named in memory of Martyn Hett, who tragically lost his life in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, the law aims to ensure that organisations are better prepared for a potential terrorist attack and can keep people safe if there is an attack. For charities that operate public venues or host large scale events, complying with Martyn’s Law will bring some important health and safety considerations.

It is anticipated that the main provisions of the Act will come into force in the spring of 2027 to allow organisations to plan and prepare for the new requirements. As part of this, the government has published guidance on how organisations can meet the new requirements in practice. Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025: Statutory guidance (accessible) – GOV.UK.

What does Martyn’s Law apply to?

The new law applies to a broad range of premises, including charitable venues such as zoos and museums, halls and community centres, and also large-scale events held at premises owned or operated by non-profits.

Publicly accessible venues covered by the Act are divided into two tiers based on capacity:

• Standard Tier: Premises where it is reasonable to expect that from time to time 200 – 799 people may be present at the same time in connection with one or more uses specified in the Act (which includes using the premises for entertainment and leisure activities, as a venue for hire for events or activities or as a visitor attraction).
• Enhanced Tier: Premises where it is reasonable to expect that from time to time 800 or more people may be present at the same time in connection with a use specified in the Act.

In addition, the Act also applies to certain public events held at premises that are not within the enhanced tier, but where there are specific entry controls in place and 800 or more people may be present at the same time at some point during the event.

Charities that own or operate (i.e. control) premises used for activities or large-scale public events covered by the Act should be aware of their obligations under the Act.

Compliance with Martyn’s Law

1. Public protection procedures

Those responsible for standard tier, enhanced tier and large-scale events covered by the Act must ensure that suitable and reasonably practicable i.e. proportionate procedures are put in place to reduce the risk of physical harm to individuals from a terrorist attack. This will involve organisations assessing relevant risks and putting in place a set of actions or a plan.

The four public protection procedures set out in the Act are:

• Evacuation (moving people out of the premises/event away from danger)
• Invacuation (moving people away from danger to within the premises/event)
• Lockdown (securing the premises)
• Communication of information/instructions to individuals

2. Public protection measures

For enhanced tier premises and large-scale events covered by the Act, appropriate and proportionate public protection measures must be put in place and kept under review.

Public protection measures are measures relating to:

• Monitoring the premises/event through e.g. heightened awareness of staff and security patrols, security checks, bag searches, access control measures and CCTV
• Moving individuals into, out of or within the premises/event through e.g. prohibiting/restricting access, crowd management policies, and locks, shutters, screens and barriers
• The physical safety and security of the premises through e.g. vehicle security barriers, parking restrictions and vehicle checks
• The security of information about the premises through e.g. the implementation of social media and other policies and restricting/managing access to information

3. Co-operation with others

If more than one organisation is responsible for premises or an event covered by the Act, then they must co-ordinate with each other, so far as is reasonably practicable.

4. Documentation

For standard tier premises, it is good practice for public protection procedures to be written down. More detailed documentation relating to public protection procedures and measures is required under the Act for enhanced tier premises and large-scale events which must be provided to the Security Industry Authority within certain timescales.

5. Staff training and awareness

Staff should be given appropriate training covering e.g.

• the different types of terrorist attacks relevant to the premises/event
• suspicious items/behaviours
• how to report concerns and to do so quickly
• the public protection procedures and measures in place and how to implement them
• specific responsibilities

Consequences for non-compliance

The new law will be enforced by the Security Industry Authority and as well as civil sanctions for non-compliance, it introduces criminal offences for failing to comply with certain notices, providing false or misleading information and obstructing inspectors.

Penalties for non-compliance depend on the type of premises. Non-compliance at standard tier premises could potentially lead to a fixed penalty of up to £10,000 whereas at enhanced tier premises, this increases significantly to fixed penalties of up to £18 million or 5% of worldwide revenue, with daily penalties for ongoing contraventions.

Key points for charities


• Review the new Act and the statutory guidance
• Understand whether your venue falls into the standard or enhanced tier or whether your event is within the scope of the new law
• Assess the potential risks from terrorism and put in place public protection procedures and measures (as appropriate)
• Train staff and volunteers appropriately and keep training records
• Engage trustees and management in ongoing discussions about health and safety

Conclusion

While the threat from terrorism is thankfully rare, preparation is an important part of public safety. Martyn’s Law will ensure that charities play their part in keeping communities safe. If you would like more information or support in updating your charity’s health and safety procedures, please get in touch with our team.

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To learn more about Martyn’s Law and what it means for charities, venues and event organisers, join our upcoming webinar where our specialists will discuss the key requirements of the legislation and practical steps organisations can take to prepare.

Register your place here.