In an age where public safety is more important than ever, the UK is taking a major step toward better protection with the introduction of Martyn’s Law, also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill. This act which received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025 is designed to ensure that venues and public premises are prepared for the worst-case scenario: a terrorist attack. But what exactly is Martyn’s Law, and why is it so significant?
Who Was Martyn?
Martyn’s Law is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims tragically killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017. His mother, Figen Murray, has since become a leading campaigner for improved security measures at public venues. Her tireless work led to the creation of this law.
What Is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law is a piece of legislation that will require venues and public premises to implement specific security measures based on their size and function. The goal is to reduce the risk of terrorism by improving protective security and organisational preparedness making sure that staff are trained, risks are assessed, and emergency plans are in place, ready to respond in the event of a terrorist attack.
The Government intends for there to be an implementation period of at least 24 months before the Act comes into force.
Key Elements of the Law:
- Risk Assessment – Venues must assess the potential risk of a terrorist attack.
- Training and Preparedness – Staff must be trained to respond to different types of threats.
- Security Measures – These could include installing CCTV, creating evacuation procedures, and designating safe areas.
- Size-Based Tiers – The law is proposed to apply in tiers:
- Standard tier: For smaller venues (100-799 capacity), which would need basic training and planning.
- Enhanced tier: For larger venues (800+), which would have more rigorous requirements, including detailed risk management plans.
For all premises, the requirements in the act are subject to the concept of ‘reasonably practicable’. This will allow those responsible for premises and events to take into account the nature of their activities, operating environment, and available resources when fulfilling their obligations under the legislation, ensuring a proportionate and premises specific approach.
Who does it affect?
Premises that satisfy the following four criteria fall within scope of the Act:
- There is at least one building (or the premises are in a building); or a building and other land (e.g. Pub with a beer garden or a Zoo)
- The premises are wholly or mainly used for one or more of the uses specified at Schedule 1 to the Act, e.g. a restaurant, or a shop;
- It is reasonable to expect that at least 200 individuals may be present at least occasionally; and
- The premises are not excluded under Schedule 2 to the Act
Conclusion and observations
The Manchester Arena Inquiry found significant shortcomings in the security and emergency response on the night of the bombing. Had better procedures been in place, it’s possible lives could have been saved. Martyn’s Law aims to close these gaps in security and ensure that all venues, big or small, are not caught unprepared.
Some venue operators and event organizers have raised concerns about the costs and practicality of implementing the law, especially for small businesses. The government has responded by offering guidance and support to help with compliance, as well as clarifying that the law will be proportionate to the size and nature of the venue.
To support enforcement of the regime, a regulator will be established through a new function of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which will support, advise and guide those responsible for premises and events in meeting the requirements of this legislation.
Guidance will be provided in due course to assist those in scope to understand the requirements set out in the legislation. The guidance is being designed to be easy to follow, needing neither particular expertise nor the use of third-party products or services.
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