Martyn’s Law – Public Safety

In the history of UK public safety, few pieces of legislation have been as personally driven or as transformative as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. Known widely as Martyn’s Law, the Act is named in honor of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.

Following a years long campaign by Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, the law officially received Royal Assent on April 3, 2025. Now, in early 2026, the UK is in the heart of its implementation phase, as thousands of venues prepare for a new era of mandatory security preparedness.

Martyn’s Law does not ask business owners to become intelligence officers or to predict when an attack might happen. Instead, it mandates a culture of readiness. The goal is simple, ensure that if an attack occurs, staff at public venues know exactly how to react to save lives.

The law replaces a system of voluntary cooperation with a statutory Protect Duty, requiring venues to have clear procedures for evacuation, lockdown, and communication.

To ensure the legislation is proportionate and doesn’t bankrupt small community spaces, the Act divides venues into two categories based on their capacity:

1. The Standard Tier (200 – 799 People)

This tier covers smaller venues like mid sized restaurants, bars, and village halls.

• Requirements: Notify the regulator (the SIA), develop public protection procedures, and ensure staff are trained.

• Key Actions: Implementing simple plans for lockdown (locking doors/shutters), invacuation (moving people to a safe internal space), and clear communication.

• Cost: There is no requirement for expensive physical security like bollards or scanners in this tier.

2. The Enhanced Tier (800+ People)

This tier applies to high-capacity locations like stadiums, major concert halls, and large shopping centers. Because these venues are higher-profile targets, the requirements are more rigorous.

• Requirements: Must conduct a formal terrorism risk assessment and implement “reasonably practicable” security measures.

• Key Actions: This may include physical security enhancements, CCTV monitoring of the immediate vicinity, and bag search policies.

• Senior Oversight: These venues must appoint a Designated Senior Individual to be legally responsible for compliance.

Timeline: Where Are We Now? (March 2026)

While the law is officially on the books, it is currently in a 24-month “implementation window” to allow businesses to prepare.

• Summer 2026: The Home Office is expected to release the final Statutory Guidance. This will be the “rulebook” that tells venue owners exactly what their specific plans should look like.

• Early 2027: The Security Industry Authority (SIA), which has been appointed as the official regulator, is expected to have its enforcement systems fully online.

• April 2027: This is the projected date for full commencement, after which non-compliance could lead to sanctions or fines.

Moving Forward

The message from the government and safety experts in 2026 is clear: Don’t panic, but start planning. Most “Standard Tier” venues will be able to comply using free tools provided by the government and the ProtectUK platform without needing to hire expensive third-party consultants.

By making basic counter-terrorism training as standard as fire safety drills, Martyn’s Law aims to ensure that the tragedy of 2017 is never repeated due to a lack of preparation.

“With the introduction of Martyn’s Law, we are fundamentally reorganising how we approach public safety. I am overseeing a comprehensive review of our operational protocols to ensure that security is woven into the very fabric of our business, rather than being treated as an optional extra. These changes, ranging from enhanced staff training programmes to more robust risk assessments, are about more than mere compliance; they represent our unwavering commitment to protecting our community and ensuring our venues remain safe, welcoming spaces for everyone.” – Devon Petrie (Operations Director)