Martyn's Law categorises venues into two tiers based on their capacity to enhance security measures against potential terrorist attacks. Standard Tier venues are those that expect between 200 and 799 people at one time, while Enhanced Tier venues are larger, expecting 800 or more people. The tier determines the level of security planning and measures required to comply with the law.
Common misunderstanding: All venues, regardless of size, must meet the same security requirements under Martyn's Law.
This is incorrect. The law applies different requirements based on venue capacity to ensure measures are proportionate to the potential risk and impact of an attack.
Common misunderstanding: The distinction between tiers is based on the type of venue rather than its size.
Actually, the tier classification is strictly based on the number of people the venue can hold, not the type of venue. Whether it's a restaurant, nightclub, or hotel, the capacity determines the tier.
Standard Tier venues must implement foundational security measures without necessarily investing in extensive physical infrastructure. Key obligations include registering the venue with the Security Industry Authority (SIA), developing a terrorism response plan, and ensuring staff are trained on these procedures. The focus is on planning, training, and procedural readiness rather than costly physical security enhancements.
Common misunderstanding: Standard Tier venues need to install expensive security equipment like metal detectors.
This is not required under Martyn's Law. The law emphasizes procedural and training measures for Standard Tier venues, not mandatory installation of security hardware.
Common misunderstanding: Training isn't explicitly required for Standard Tier venues.
While not separately listed, training is implied as essential. Venues must ensure their staff are familiar with and can execute the terrorism response plan effectively.
Enhanced Tier venues, due to their larger size and capacity, face higher risks and therefore have additional security obligations. These include all the requirements of Standard Tier venues plus more proactive security measures such as enhanced surveillance, physical security enhancements, and possibly advanced screening processes. They must also document their security plans and submit these for regulatory review.
Common misunderstanding: Enhanced Tier venues just need to focus on physical security upgrades.
While physical security is more emphasized, Enhanced Tier venues also need to ensure robust procedural and staff training measures are in place.
Common misunderstanding: Once the initial security plan is submitted, no further updates are necessary.
Security plans must be regularly updated and resubmitted to reflect any changes in layout, capacity, or emerging threats, ensuring ongoing compliance and effectiveness.
UK Government Factsheets and Legislation: The Home Office has published Martyn’s Law factsheets that summarise the Act’s provisions.
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Hospitality businesses that anticipate hosting 200 or more individuals, including staff and customers, simultaneously must comply with Martyn's Law.
Martyn's Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is UK legislation aimed at enhancing security in public venues to mitigate terrorist threats.
Martyn's Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, was granted Royal Assent on 3rd April 2025. However, its requirements will not become enforceable immediately.
To prepare for Martyn's Law, hospitality operators should understand the law's requirements and implement compliance measures.
Responsibility for Martyn's Law compliance typically falls to key figures such as the owner, licensee, general manager, or event organiser in a hospitality business.
Hospitality businesses must ensure staff are comprehensively trained to respond to terrorism threats under Martyn's Law.
Under Martyn's Law, large venues that can host 800 or more people must comply with Enhanced Tier security requirements.
If your hospitality venue, such as a restaurant, bar, or hotel, accommodates between 200 and 799 people at any one time, it is required to adhere to the Standard Tier of Martyn's Law.
To comply with Martyn's Law, venues should start by assessing if they fall under the law based on capacity and public access.
The UK Security Industry Authority (SIA) will oversee the enforcement of Martyn's Law, including monitoring compliance and ensuring that venues meet the law's requirements.
Under Martyn's Law, all venues are required to maintain essential documentation to demonstrate legal compliance.
Hospitality businesses that do not comply with Martyn's Law can face stiff penalties including fines, enforcement notices, and possible closure.
Under Martyn's Law, the compliance requirements differ based on the venue size.
Hospitality operators should stay informed about Martyn's Law by regularly checking official websites like GOV.UK and ProtectUK, and subscribing to updates from relevant authorities.