Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty) FAQ: What UK Venues & Events Must Know

Martyn’s Law (formally the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025) is a new UK event security law designed to improve venue safety at public spaces.  Often called the “Protect Duty,” it was named in tribute to Martyn Hett (a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack) and championed by his mother, Figen Murray.  The legislation received Royal Assent in April 2025 and entered UK law on the 3rd April 2025.  In practice, Martyn’s Law requires owners and operators of venues and events to plan for terrorist attacks and protect people on their premises.  For example, official guidance on ProtectUK explains the Act’s tiered requirements and how to comply with the new security obligations

Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent in April 2025, making it legally enforceable across the UK. Full implementation will be phased in over time, but organisations are strongly encouraged to begin preparing now to ensure compliance.

Martyn’s Law fills a gap in event security by formalising a venue operator’s duty of care under the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy.  Under this Act, a qualifying premises – such as theatres, stadiums, shopping centres, transport hubs or hotels – must review its preparedness for a terrorist incident.  All covered venues are required to assess how they would respond to an attack and implement basic protective measures.  In effect, Martyn’s Law makes venue safety a legal requirement: venue owners and event organisers must ensure emergency plans and staff training are in place.  For larger sites, the law goes further: venues with high capacity must also take additional steps to reduce their vulnerability to terrorism (for example by tightening access controls or hardening target points).  In short, Martyn’s Law makes “Protect Duty” compliance mandatory – venues must now treat terrorism preparedness like other health & safety obligations.

Compliance involves understanding official guidance. The UK Government and ProtectUK (the official police security guidance site) have published resources to help venues interpret the new law. For instance, the ProtectUK guidance describes how qualifying venues should implement proportionate security procedures to keep people safe. Martyn’s Law is intended to strike a balance – it strengthens venue safety without imposing undue burdens on smaller sites.  However, failure to comply could have serious consequences, so it is important for organisations to begin planning now.

Martyn’s Law establishes a tiered approach based on venue capacity.  The Act sets two main levels of obligation, depending on how many people a premises or event can hold.

• Standard Tier (200–799 people): This tier applies to venues and events where it is reasonable to expect between 200 and 799 visitors at any one time. Responsible persons must notify the new regulator (the Security Industry Authority) and put in place basic protective procedures to reduce harm.  The emphasis is on simple, low-cost security actions: for example, staff training, emergency plans and routine checks.  Practical steps might include locking doors, running drills or identifying safe escape routes.  Notably, no expensive physical installations are mandated at this level – the law focuses on common-sense preparedness.  In other words, under the Standard Tier, compliance is about smart planning and vigilance rather than heavy infrastructure.

• Enhanced Tier (800+ people): This tier targets larger venues and events where 800 or more people could gather.  All Standard Tier duties still apply, but additional security requirements come into force.  Operators must implement measures designed to reduce vulnerability to a terrorist act.  Examples include bag checks, CCTV monitoring or vehicle screening.  Enhanced Tier venues must also document their security procedures and share this information with the regulator.  In practice, this means creating a comprehensive security and emergency plan and keeping it updated.  By meeting these requirements, large venues will demonstrate Martyn’s Law compliance and a robust level of event security.

Together, these tiers ensure that all in-scope premises are improving safety commensurate with their size.  Smaller venues follow streamlined Protect Duty steps, while big venues carry out more comprehensive risk reduction.  Whether in the Standard Tier or Enhanced Tier, the new law obligates venue operators to take terrorism preparedness seriously as part of their overall venue safety.

1705 Consultancy is an experienced security partner helping organisations achieve full Martyn’s Law compliance.  We offer a range of services tailored to event security and venue safety:

• Risk Assessments: We conduct detailed venue risk assessments to identify potential security vulnerabilities.  Our team evaluates threats and recommends mitigation strategies that align with Martyn’s Law requirements.
• Security Planning: We develop custom security and emergency response plans for venues and events.  Our consultants integrate the new legal requirements into practical procedures and checks, ensuring that security planning meets the Protect Duty standards.
• Event Security Training: We provide training programs for staff and security teams.  Topics include threat awareness, emergency response, and crowd management under Martyn’s Law.  Our training ensures personnel know how to implement protective procedures effectively.
• Venue Compliance Consultancy: We advise on all aspects of legal compliance.  From policy development to documentation, we help venues and event organisers understand their obligations and update their security practices.  Our guidance covers how to register with the regulator, maintain records, and demonstrate ongoing compliance.

By partnering with 1705 Consultancy, organisations can confidently meet the new legislation’s demands.  We work proactively to ensure your venue not only complies with Martyn’s Law but also strengthens overall public safety.  With expert support in risk assessment, planning, training and compliance, 1705 helps turn the Protect Duty from a legal requirement into a practical programme that protects people and reputation.

Failure to comply may result in regulatory enforcement, civil liability, and significant reputational damage.  In the event of an incident, lack of preparedness could lead to criminal charges or loss of life.  Compliance is essential for legal, ethical, and operational reasons.

We work with a wide range of clients across the UK, including:

• Concert venues and stadiums
• Festivals and outdoor events
• Theatres and cinemas
• Corporate event spaces
• Transport hubs and shopping centres

You should begin preparing now.  Although full implementation is being phased in, starting early allows time for training, risk assessments, and documentation.  It also demonstrates proactive responsibility and protects your organisation from future legal exposure.