Martyn’s Law, officially titled the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. This landmark legislation marks a significant shift in how public venues and events across the UK must prepare for—and mitigate—the risk of terrorism.
It follows a groundswell of public and political support after tragedies such as the Manchester Arena bombing, which claimed the life of Martyn Hett, and the Fishmongers’ Hall attack in London. As the Home Office states, the Act fulfils a government manifesto commitment to “strengthen the security of public premises and events.”
“This is essential legislation for anyone responsible for properties where people gather in significant numbers—particularly where events are held. Whether you’re managing a shopping centre, a place of worship, or a one-off concert, understanding your duty under Martyn’s Law isn’t optional—it’s vital.”
— Dr Shaun Lundy, Quality Assurance & Strategy Director, Tetra Consulting
A Mother’s Legacy
The legislation would not exist without the tireless efforts of Figen Murray, Martyn’s mother, whose advocacy has transformed personal grief into national change. As the government noted:
“Her campaigning has been crucial in driving this Act forward.”
Who Must Comply—and When?
Although now law, Martyn’s Law is not yet in force. The government has committed to a minimum 24-month implementation period, allowing duty holders time to understand and prepare for their obligations. During this window, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will establish a dedicated regulatory function to support, guide, and—when necessary—enforce the new requirements.
What Does Martyn’s Law Require?
The Act introduces a tiered system of duties based on the number of people a venue or event might reasonably expect at one time:
Standard Duty Premises (200–799 people)
Organisations will be required to:
- Register with the SIA
- Develop and maintain public protection procedures, covering:
- Evacuation and invacuation plans
- Lockdown procedures
- Communication strategies during an incident
These duties are designed to be simple and low-cost, focusing on preparedness rather than physical security upgrades.
Enhanced Duty Premises and Qualifying Events (800+ people)
In addition to the standard duties, duty holders must:
- Implement public protection measures to reduce:
- The vulnerability of the premises or event
- The risk of physical harm in the event of an attack
- Document and submit plans to the SIA, including a vulnerability assessment
- Appoint a senior individual to ensure compliance (for organisations)
What Kind of Locations Are in Scope?
According to the Home Office factsheet, Martyn’s Law applies to premises that:
- Contain at least one building
- Are used mainly for public functions (e.g. restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, hotels, places of worship)
- Can reasonably expect 200+ people to be present at any one time
- Are not excluded by Schedule 2 of the Act
Events may also fall under the law if:
- They occur on land or in premises accessible to the public
- They involve 800+ attendees at any point
- There are controlled entry measures (e.g. ticket checks)
A recent example shared by Shaun illustrates this distinction.
The TPI Annual Seminar hosted over 800 attendees and was held at the QEII Centre in London. In this case, the QEII—being the venue with control over the premises—would be classified as the duty holder under Martyn’s Law. However, in smaller or less formal venues, the event organiser may assume legal responsibility.
Why It Matters
The need for legislation like Martyn’s Law is grounded in the reality of ongoing threats. According to the Home Office:
“Since March 2017, Counter Terrorism Policing assesses that there have been 15 domestic terror attacks in the UK… and security services have disrupted 43 late-stage plots.”
While many interventions go unseen, they reinforce the ever-present risks in public spaces. As Shaun explains:
“People in the security services are stopping things every week. It’s not about alarming people—it’s about being realistic, prepared, and preventative.”
Supporting Clients Through the Transition
At Tetra, we see this not only as a legal shift but as a cultural and ethical moment—an opportunity to embed a mindset of responsibility and care for public safety.
Over the coming months, we will be offering:
- Awareness webinars to explain the Act and its implications
- Practical training for venue managers and event organisers
- Bespoke advice on risk assessments and procedures
We will also monitor developments as the SIA publishes further guidance and support materials. The government has committed to producing information that is “easy to follow, needing neither particular expertise nor the use of third-party products or services.”
Key Takeaways for Health & Safety Professionals
As Martyn’s Law moves from legislation to lived practice, health and safety leaders have a pivotal role to play in shaping how preparedness is embedded across their organisations. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Start early: Use the 24-month implementation window to audit your venues, events, and responsibilities.
- Clarify your role: Understand whether you are the responsible person for a site or event—and what duties this entails.
- Focus on procedures, not just hardware: Most early requirements relate to planning, communication, and response—not physical security.
- Coordinate with venues: For events, determine whether the host venue or your organisation is legally accountable under the Act.
- Train your teams: Ensure staff are aware of evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, and communication procedures.