Briefing Paper: Martyn's Law - What Organisations Need to Know
What is Martyn's Law?
Martyn's Law is the popular name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 , which received Royal Assent on 3rd April 2025. It's named after Martyn Hett, one of 22 people killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, following a campaign lead by his mother around venue safety. The law requires certain public premises and events to be prepared and ready to keep people safe in the event of a terrorist attack, establishing a minimum legal security standard and, at its heart, that means staff who know what to do.
Who does it apply to?
Martyn's Law uses a tiered approach based on how many people could reasonably be present at once:
- Standard tier: premises where between 200 and 799 people may be present at the same time. Requirements here focus on simple, low-cost activities, things like staff training and basic emergency procedures.
- Enhanced tier: premises and events expecting 800 or more people, where organisations must also assess and, where appropriate, reduce their vulnerability to attack.
This covers a wide range of settings - from schools, halls and sports grounds to hospitality venues and large event spaces. If you're not sure which tier applies to you, RGL Safety & Resilience can help you work it out as part of a training consultation.
Is Martyn’s Law in force yet?
Not yet. The duties are not live yet; the Act is expected to come fully into force from spring 2027. While there's no legal requirement to comply until then, the organisations that will find this easiest are the ones who start building the right habits and staff confidence now, rather than scrambling in early 2027.
Who will regulate Martyn’s Law?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will act as the regulator[add hyperlink 4]. Where there's serious or persistent non-compliance, the SIA will have enforcement powers, including compliance notices, monetary penalties and restriction notices; some criminal offences are also built into the Act.
Do you need to pay for consultants?
No - and this is important. Premises and events do not need to spend money on consultants to be compliant, and neither the Home Office nor the SIA endorses any third-party products or services in respect of compliance.
What Martyn's Law actually asks for is genuine staff readiness: people who understand what to do, calmly and confidently, if the worst happens. That's exactly what proper training and planning delivers - not paperwork for its own sake, but real preparedness.
How RGL Safety & Resilience can help
Robert and his team work with schools, venues and organisations across Hampshire to build that genuine, practical readiness - not tick-box compliance. Training options include:
- Emergency response and staff preparedness training tailored to Martyn's Law requirements
- Support understanding whether your premises fall within standard or enhanced tier
- Practical, scenario-based sessions that build real confidence, not just awareness
- Ongoing refresher training to keep skills current ahead of the 2027 deadline
Get in touch
With enforcement expected from spring 2027, now is the ideal time to start preparing, while there's no pressure of an imminent deadline and while training can be planned around your organisation's schedule rather than rushed. Get in touch with RGL Safety & Resilience to discuss training options for your team. [hyperlink to contact page]
Find our readiness checklist HERE
