The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 — more widely known as Martyn’s Law — is now part of UK legislation. For business owners, venue managers, and event organisers across the country, it is no longer a question of if this applies to you, but how and when.
This guide cuts through the legal language and sets out what the Act requires, who it affects, and what you should be doing to prepare.
Martyn’s Law takes its name from Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena bombing of 2017. His mother, Figen Murray, campaigned for nearly a decade to make protective security training a legal requirement at public venues — and her efforts resulted in this landmark piece of legislation.
Formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, the law places a legal duty on those responsible for certain venues and events to put in place proportionate security measures and staff training. The goal is straightforward: to ensure that the people who manage the places where the public gather are adequately prepared to respond to a terrorist attack.
The Act received Royal Assent in April 2025. A formal commencement date — the point at which compliance becomes a legal obligation — is expected to be confirmed, with an implementation period likely to follow. However, the direction of travel is clear: organisations that fall within scope need to be preparing now, not waiting for a deadline.
The UK’s terrorism threat level has remained at SUBSTANTIAL for a significant period, meaning an attack is assessed as likely. Against this backdrop, the government’s decision to legislate is not a bureaucratic exercise — it reflects a genuine and evidence-based risk landscape.
The Act operates on a two-tier system, based on the capacity of the premises or event:
The standard tier applies to venues and events with a capacity of 200 to 799 people. Organisations that fall into this tier are required to:
The requirements at this tier are designed to be accessible and proportionate. The focus is on ensuring that staff know what to do — not on requiring major infrastructure investment.
The enhanced tier applies to venues and events with a capacity of 800 or more people. This tier carries more extensive obligations, including:
Venues in this category include large entertainment arenas, stadiums, conference centres, major shopping centres, festival sites, and significant transport hubs.
The legislation is broad in its reach. Both tiers apply across a wide range of sectors, including:
If your premises regularly accommodates the public and meets the relevant capacity threshold, it is likely to fall within scope. If in doubt, seek specialist advice.
The Act grants enforcement powers to the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which will act as the regulator. Organisations found to be non-compliant face:
It is worth noting that this is not a piece of legislation that will be enforced lightly. The SIA has been given clear responsibilities and the capacity to investigate complaints and conduct inspections. Treating compliance as optional is not a defensible position.
Whether your venue falls into the standard or enhanced tier, there are practical steps you should be taking today:
1. Establish your tier. Assess your premises capacity accurately. Remember that capacity may vary depending on the type of event or configuration.
2. Identify your responsible person. Even at the standard tier, someone must take ownership of your compliance obligations. At the enhanced tier, a named senior responsible person is a legal requirement.
3. Review your existing procedures. Many venues will already have some security measures in place. Map these against the Act’s requirements to identify any gaps.
4. Train your staff. Staff awareness and preparedness is at the heart of Martyn’s Law. Even at the standard tier, documented training is a requirement — not a recommendation.
5. Seek specialist support. The legislation is new. Getting qualified, expert guidance ensures that your response is proportionate, legally sound, and operationally effective.
Meeting your obligations under Martyn’s Law requires more than a policy document — it requires trained, confident staff who know how to respond when it matters most.
Ubique Risk Management’s Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness is the only qualification formally endorsed by both Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) and the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO). Developed by SFJ Awards in collaboration with NaCTSO, it is designed specifically for individuals responsible for managing venues, sites, and organisations under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.
Delivered by former counter-terrorism policing specialists with decades of operational experience, the course covers:
The course is suitable for professionals across security, events, facilities, hospitality, retail, transport, and wider public-facing environments — covering both standard and enhanced-tier organisations.
Places are available from July 2026, with a launch discount rate of £1,450 inc. VAT available when booked and paid by 29 May 2026. Corporate and in-house delivery options are also available for groups of five or more delegates.
