The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 — commonly known as Martyn’s Law — represents one of the most significant changes to public safety legislation in the UK in recent years. Named after Martyn Hett, who lost his life in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, the Act places new legal duties on venue and event operators to prepare for and protect against terrorist threats.
If you own, manage, or operate a premises that the public has access to, this legislation will almost certainly affect you. Here is what you need to know — and what you should be doing now to prepare.
What Does Martyn’s Law Require?
At its core, Martyn’s Law requires those responsible for certain premises and events to take proportionate steps to protect the public from terrorism. The Act introduces two tiers of obligation based on the maximum capacity of your venue.
Standard Tier (200–799 capacity)
Premises within the Standard Tier must ensure that reasonably practicable procedures are in place to respond to a terrorist attack. This includes measures such as evacuation and lockdown procedures, alerting systems, and staff awareness training. The emphasis is on preparedness — knowing what to do if the worst happens and making sure your team does too.
Enhanced Tier (800+ capacity)
For larger venues and events, the Enhanced Tier goes further. In addition to the Standard Tier requirements, operators must carry out a terrorism risk assessment, develop and maintain a security plan, and appoint a designated senior individual responsible for compliance. This tier demands a more structured and documented approach to counter-terrorism preparedness.
Who Needs to Comply?
Martyn’s Law applies to a wide range of premises and events, including entertainment venues, sports grounds, conference and exhibition centres, hotels, places of worship, retail centres, parks and public spaces used for events, and educational institutions hosting public events. If your premises or event regularly attracts 200 or more people, you should be considering your obligations under this legislation.
What Happens If You Do Not Comply?
Non-compliance with Martyn’s Law can result in enforcement action, financial penalties, and — critically — reputational damage. Beyond the legal consequences, the fundamental purpose of this legislation is to save lives. Failing to prepare adequately is not simply a regulatory risk; it is a moral one.
How 1705 Consultancy Can Help
At 1705 Consultancy, we specialise in helping organisations navigate the complexities of Martyn’s Law compliance. Our team brings over 48 years of combined policing experience, counter-terrorism expertise, and hands-on event security knowledge to every engagement.
We offer a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure your venue or event meets its obligations under the Act. Our TRAMM (Terrorism Risk Assessment and Mitigation Methodology) provides a structured framework for identifying and managing threats. We develop tailored emergency plans, deliver staff training programmes covering everything from security awareness to incident command, and conduct tabletop exercises to test your preparedness under realistic conditions.
Start Preparing Now
The time to start preparing for Martyn’s Law is not when enforcement begins — it is now. Developing robust security procedures, training your staff, and building a culture of vigilance takes time. The sooner you begin, the better positioned you will be to protect the people in your care.
If you are unsure where to start, or if you want an expert assessment of your current readiness, we are here to help. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation and let us help you build a safer, more resilient operation.