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Martyn’s Law: What you need to know before Spring 2027

Martyn's Law is coming into force in Spring 2027, bringing new requirements for certain premises and events across the UK. 

For businesses and venues that fall within its scope, the legislation is designed to improve protective security and organisational preparedness, ensuring they are better prepared to respond in the event of a terrorist attack. 

But what does Martyn's Law actually mean, who does it apply to, and what can businesses do now to prepare? 

What is Martyn’s Law?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. 

The legislation is designed to strengthen the security of public premises and events by requiring those responsible for certain premises and events to consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack. 

The Act is named in tribute to Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. 

The legislation will apply across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

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When does Martyn’s Law come into force?

Martyn's Law is expected to come into force in Spring 2027. 

There is currently an implementation period to give those responsible for premises and events time to understand their new obligations and prepare appropriately. 

There is no legal requirement to comply with the legislation until it comes into force, but businesses and organisations that may fall within its scope can begin considering the requirements now.

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Who does Martyn’s Law apply too?

Not every business or venue will fall within the scope of Martyn’s Law. 

Generally, the following types of establishment could be affected by this law: 

  • Shops and retail premises  
  • Pubs and bars  
  • Restaurants  
  • Educational facilities  
  • Entertainment venues  
  • Leisure venues  
  • Sports venues and stadiums  
  • Hotels and accommodation  
  • Large events  
  • Major public venues 
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The two tiers of Martyn’s Law

 Martyn’s Law uses a tiered approach, with different requirements depending on the number of people who may reasonably be expected to be present. 

Standard tier 

The standard tier applies to premises where between 200 and 799 people may be present at the same time.

When the legislation comes into force, those responsible for standard-tier premises will need to: 

  • Notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA)
  • Have appropriate public protection procedures in place, so far as is reasonably practicable 

These procedures are intended to reduce the risk of physical harm if an act of terrorism occurs at the premises or in the immediate vicinity.

There are four public protection procedures identified in the legislation: 

Evacuation
Getting people away from danger by moving them out of the premises or event. 

Invacuation
Moving people away from danger to a safer place within the premises or event. 

Lockdown
Securing the premises or event to prevent people entering or leaving. 

Communication
Ensuring information is provided to people at the premises or event. 

Enhanced tier 

Larger premises where 800 or more people may be present at the same time will generally fall within the enhanced tier. 

Qualifying events have the same requirements as enhanced-tier premises. 

As well as the requirements applying to standard-tier premises, enhanced-tier premises and qualifying events will need to have appropriate public protection measures in place, so far as reasonably practicable, to reduce vulnerability to terrorism and the risk of physical harm. 

They will also need to document their public protection procedures and measures and provide this documentation to the SIA. 

What does this mean for your business?

For businesses and venues that fall within the scope of Martyn's Law, preparation is about understanding the risks and making sure appropriate procedures are in place. 

This means considering what would happen if a terrorist attack occurred at your premises or nearby, and how your organisation would respond. 

It is also important to consider the people who would be responsible for putting those procedures into practice. 

Would your staff know what to do? 

Would they understand your evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication procedures? 

And do they have the appropriate skills and training to respond effectively in an emergency? 

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Preparing your team

Martyn's Law focuses on having appropriate public protection procedures and measures in place. It does not prescribe one specific training course that every employee must complete. 

However, appropriate training can form an important part of preparing your team to respond to an emergency. 

At Eden Custom Training, we provide a range of training that can support businesses and venues in developing their emergency response capabilities, including: 

We also supply bleed control kits, giving organisations the option to consider both the equipment they have available and the training required to use it. 

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Don’t leave preparation until 2027

Although Martyn’s Law is not expected to come into force until Spring 2027, organisations that may fall within its scope can start considering the requirements now. 

Taking the time to review your existing procedures, identify any gaps and consider whether your team has the appropriate training and equipment can help you prepare well ahead of the legislation coming into force. 

At Eden Custom Training, we provide specialist training across the UK and can help businesses develop the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively in an emergency. 

Whether you’re looking for first aid training, bespoke emergency response training, bleed control training, fire safety training, evacuation chair training or FREC Level 3, our team can help you find the right solution for your organisation. 

Need help preparing your team?

Get in touch with Eden Custom Training to discuss your requirements and request a quote. 

Important note

This article provides a general overview of Martyn’s Law based on information published by the Home Office and Security Industry Authority. Organisations should refer to the latest official guidance to establish whether their premises or event falls within the scope of the legislation and what requirements apply.