Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn's Law)
Martyn's Law aims to make public venues and events better prepared in the unlikely event of a terrorist attack.
The law became legislation in April 2025, but we expect it to come into force in April 2027.
For more information please see Martyn's Law | ProtectUK
Scope of the Act
Premises that satisfy the following four criteria fall within scope of the Act:
- There is at least one building (or the premises are in a building);
- The premises are wholly or mainly used for one or more of the uses specified at Schedule 1 to the Act, e.g. a restaurant or a shop;
- It is reasonable to expect that at least 200 individuals may be present at least occasionally; and
- The premises are not excluded under Schedule 2 to the Act
If 800 or more individuals may be expected, the premises will be enhanced tier premises unless the Act says otherwise.
An event that satisfies the following criteria fall within scope of the Act:
- It will take place at premises within section 3(1)(a) of the Act, including land without buildings, that are not enhanced duty premises (or part of enhanced duty premises);
- The relevant premises are accessible to members of the public for the purpose of the event;
- It is reasonable to expect that there will be at least 800 individuals present for the event at once at some point during it;
- There will be measures to check entry conditions are met, such as a ticket checks; and
- The event is not excluded under Schedule 2 to the Act.
Responsible Person
The Responsible Person is the individual or organisation that is in charge of a venue or event.
- It is usually an organisation, not one single person.
- Responsibility is based on who controls the venue or event, not who owns the land or building.
Importantly, responsibility cannot be passed on, even if security or stewarding is provided by a contractor.
The Responsible Person must ensure that:
- The SIA is notified when they are responsible for a venue or event in scope
- Appropriate emergency procedures are in place so staff know what to do (e.g. evacuation, lockdown, communication, etc.)
- Larger venues and events consider additional protective measures where reasonable
- Key decisions are recorded for larger premises and events
- There is appropriate senior oversight within the organisation
These duties are about proportionate preparedness and common sense and responsibility sits with the organisation in control, not individual staff.
Terrorism (protection of premises) Act 2025: Responsible person factsheet - GOV.UK
