The Complete Guide to Martyn's Law
Everything you need to know about the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, also known as Martyn's Law or the Protect Duty, coming into force in April 2027.
Important Notice
Martyn's Law is coming into force in April 2027. Now is the time to prepare your venue for compliance to avoid penalties and protect your visitors.
What is Martyn's Law?
Martyn's Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, is new UK legislation requiring venues and organisations to take steps to protect the public from terrorism.
Named in Memory
The law is named after Martyn Hett, who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in May 2017. His mother, Figen Murray OBE, has campaigned tirelessly for better security at public venues.
Key Objectives
- • Improve protective security at public venues
- • Enhance preparedness for terrorist attacks
- • Reduce vulnerability of crowded places
- • Save lives through better planning
Who It Affects
- • Entertainment venues (theatres, concerts)
- • Sports stadiums and arenas
- • Shopping centres and markets
- • Places of worship
- • Hotels and conference centres
- • Educational institutions
Compliance Requirements by Tier
Requirements vary based on your venue's capacity and risk profile
Standard Tier
Capacity: 100-799 people
Required Measures:
- Basic terrorism awareness training
- Simple security procedures
- Incident response planning
- Regular security reviews
Standard tier venues must demonstrate reasonable measures are in place.
Get Standard Tier AssessmentEnhanced Tier
Capacity: 800+ people
Required Measures:
- Comprehensive risk assessments
- Detailed security plans
- Advanced staff training
- Physical security measures
- Regular exercises and drills
Enhanced tier venues face stricter requirements and regular inspections.
Get Enhanced Tier AssessmentImplementation Timeline
Key dates for Martyn's Law implementation
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill introduced
May 2024Royal Assent Achieved
April 2025Transition Period
24 monthsFull enforcement begins
Spring 2027Don't Wait - Start Preparing Now
With enforcement beginning in April 2027, venues should begin compliance preparations now. Early preparation ensures smooth implementation and avoids last-minute scrambling when the law comes into force.
Your 6-Step Compliance Journey
A systematic approach to achieving Martyn's Law compliance
Determine Your Tier
Assess if your venue falls under Standard (100-799) or Enhanced (800+) tier requirements
Conduct Risk Assessment
Identify vulnerabilities and potential threats specific to your venue and location
Develop Security Plan
Create comprehensive procedures for prevention, detection, and response
Train Your Staff
Implement appropriate terrorism awareness and response training programmes
Implement Measures
Deploy physical security improvements and procedural changes
Test and Exercise
Regular drills and exercises to ensure readiness and compliance
Expert Martyn's Law Support
Our team of counter-terrorism experts, led by former UK Police Assistant Chief Constable Alun Maxwell Thomas QPM, provides comprehensive support for Martyn's Law compliance.
- Free initial consultation
- Tier assessment and gap analysis
- Compliance roadmap development
- Staff training programmes
- Ongoing compliance support
Get Your Free Compliance Check
Understand your Martyn's Law obligations with our free initial assessment. We'll help you determine your tier, identify gaps, and create a compliance plan.
Ready to Start Your Compliance Journey?
Our expert team is ready to help you navigate Martyn's Law requirements and ensure your venue is fully compliant before the Spring 2027 deadline.
Get Your Free Assessment