Martyn’s Law: What Security Providers and Venues Need to Know

The position at publication: 30 October 2026

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is commonly known as Martyn’s Law. At the date of this article, SIA guidance says it is expected to come into force in spring 2027, with the exact date to be confirmed. The SIA is the regulator. Check the linked official guidance for updates before relying on an implementation date.

Check scope using the official criteria

For most qualifying premises, 200–799 people points to the standard tier and 800 or more to the enhanced tier. Numbers alone do not decide scope: use, exclusions and other statutory conditions also matter. Some education and worship premises remain standard tier above 800. Qualifying events have their own tests, including entry controls and expected attendance of at least 800. Use ProtectUK’s current guidance to assess the actual premises or event.

Preparation needs to reach the person on the shift

The Act addresses public protection procedures, including evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication. Enhanced requirements also address protective measures and documentation. The person responsible for an in-scope venue or event cannot simply transfer that statutory responsibility to a security supplier.

Turn the plan into evidence you can use

As a practical preparation exercise, take one procedure and follow it through a real staffing scenario. Who gives the instruction? Who receives it? What does a relief supervisor need to know? How is the briefing recorded? This tests whether the plan survives a change of personnel.

• Identify the responsibilities attached to each deployed role.
• Record the briefing or exercise completed and the version of the procedure used.
• Check the arrangements for subcontractors and replacement staff.
• Record gaps, corrective action and who confirms completion.
• Keep operationally sensitive plans accessible only to appropriate people.

Where workforce assurance helps—and its limits

Licence Ready can connect venue requirements to the relevant company and operative evidence. That can support a record of who was prepared for which assignment. It does not replace a venue’s threat assessment, protective security measures, exercises or statutory responsibilities.

A passport or platform record is not a certificate of compliance with Martyn’s Law. This article is a preparation guide; use the official sources below and obtain advice appropriate to the premises and event.