The Home Office has published its statutory guidance on the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn’s Law, providing details for organisations on the steps needed to ensure they are better prepared in the event of a terrorist incident.
The law is named in tribute to Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the 2017 Manchester arena attack. His mother, Figen Murray OBE, became a campaigner and security expert, and her original campaigning led to the development of the law.
The guidance covers smaller premises like shops and restaurants with 200-799 people, that must ensure evacuation routes are in place, staff know how to swiftly implement a lockdown in their building, and staff know how to quickly communicate with their customers were an attack to occur. Schools and colleges, whatever their size, are also required to comply with these rules.
Larger premises and events like concerts and sports stadiums, where 800 or more people will be present, will be required to take further steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism. These include having CCTV, bag search policies, or vehicle checks where appropriate.
Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said: “Martyn’s Law will help to save lives by making sure venues are ready to act if the worst happens.
“Today’s guidance is a significant step toward turning the law into action, giving organisations clear, straightforward advice to protect the public.”
The guidance was welcomed by organisations whose members will need to comply with the legislation. The law was passed last year but will not take full effect until April 2027.
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association and Chair of the UK Door Security Association, stated: “The release of the guidance for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn’s Law, marks an important step forward in strengthening the safety and resilience of public spaces across the UK. It provides a clear and proportionate framework to help venues better prepare for and respond to the evolving threat of terrorism.”
The Night Time Industries Association said it had worked closely with the Home Office and partners to help shape a practical and deliverable framework. They encouraged operators to begin familiarising themselves with the guidance ahead of commencement.
Meanwhile the Security Industry Authority (SIA) published its draft section 12 guidance on the Act at the same time as the Home Office guidance. SIA is now consulting on its guidance which spells out how it intends to fulfil its duty as regulator for the law’s requirements.
The SIA said its draft guidance sets out:
- that the SIA’s regulatory approach will be driven by its public protection objectives
- how the SIA will provide guidance to help premises comply with the law
- when the SIA may provide tailored regulatory advice in response to specific compliance concerns
- how the SIA’s powers to obtain and share information will work
- how the SIA will carry out inspections and assessments of compliance documents
- how the SIA will address non‑compliance, including how it will make compliance decisions, when it may use enforcement powers and how financial penalties will be set
Laura Gibb, Executive Director for Martyn’s Law at the SIA, said: “This consultation is an important opportunity for all premises and events in scope of Martyn’s Law to engage with us directly and understand how we intend to regulate when Martyn’s Law comes into force in Spring 2027.
“We would like your views on the elements of the SIA’s guidance that set out our intended approach and how we propose to operate against the framework set out in the legislation. We would also welcome views on whether the guidance is understandable and easy to follow.”
Interested parties have until Friday 12th June to give their views on the Martyn’s Law guidance.
We are committed to supporting organisations prepare for the implementation of Martyn’s Law. Some of the steps needed may not be as onerous as some believe if organisations combine better staff training and communication with the use of advanced technology.
As an NSI-Gold accredited designer and installer of advanced security systems, based in the West Midlands, we would be delighted to talk through the options available to help organisations be prepared for terrorist incidents or other emergencies. Please contact us to find out more.