Martyn’s Law: What Event Organisers Need to Know About the New Legislation
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, more commonly known as Martyn’s Law, has received Royal Assent and will soon introduce a legal requirement for certain public premises and events to enhance their preparedness against terrorist attacks. Named in tribute to Martyn Hett, who was tragically killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, the law is designed to ensure consistent protective security standards across the UK. Although the Act is now law, the government has announced an implementation period of at least 24 months before it comes into effect. This time is intended to allow event organisers and venue operators to understand their new obligations and prepare accordingly.
A Tiered Approach to Obligations
The law takes a proportionate, tiered approach based on the capacity of a venue or event. The measures required are determined by what is “reasonably practicable” for each specific circumstance, considering the nature of the premises and available resources.
- Standard Tier: This applies to qualifying premises and events with a capacity of 200 to 799 individuals at any given time. The requirements are centred on simple, low-cost activities and procedures. Organisers must have appropriate public protection procedures in place. These are reactive measures to be followed by staff if an attack occurs, and may include:
- Evacuation and invacuation plans.
- Procedures for locking down the premises.
- Communicating with individuals on-site.
- Enhanced Tier: This applies to larger premises and qualifying events with a capacity of 800 or more individuals. These venues will have additional, proactive security obligations. Organisers for enhanced tier events must:
- Formally notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
- Appoint a designated senior individual to oversee compliance.
- Implement appropriate public protection measures to reduce the vulnerability of the venue. These can include physical security enhancements and procedures such as bag searches, CCTV monitoring, and vehicle checks.
Steps Event Organisers Can Take to Prepare
While the law is not yet in force, event organisers can use the implementation period to streamline the integration of these new duties. Being proactive now will help avoid last-minute stress and costs.
- Conduct a Threat and Vulnerability Assessment: Start by assessing your event site and its potential vulnerabilities. This is different from a general safety risk assessment. Consider all aspects, from the approach to the perimeter and the event space itself.
- Develop a Robust Security Plan: Based on your assessment, create a comprehensive plan that outlines procedures for deterring, detecting, delaying, mitigating, and responding to a terrorist attack. This plan should include clear roles for staff, communication protocols, and procedures for liaising with emergency services.
- Invest in Staff Training: Staff members are a critical line of defence. Ensure that all employees and volunteers are trained to recognise and report suspicious activity. The government’s ACT Awareness E-Learning is a free and effective resource for this purpose.
- Utilise Official Resources: The government and police have created resources to help organisers comply with the new law. The ProtectUK website is a central hub for advice and guidance, providing digital toolkits and interactive exercises to help you rehearse your response to a potential incident. Remember, the government has explicitly stated that event organisers do not need to spend money on consultants to be compliant, as official statutory guidance will be published to assist them.
For more information visit, The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 Fact Sheet here.