Hospitality businesses that expect to host 200 or more people at the same time, including staff and customers, must comply with Martyn's Law. This includes a range of venues such as restaurants, pubs, bars, hotels, nightclubs, and entertainment venues. The law aims to ensure these places are prepared for potential terrorist attacks by implementing specific security measures.
Common misunderstanding: Only venues in large cities need to comply with Martyn's Law.
Regardless of location, any venue that meets the size threshold must comply. It's not just about being in a big city; it's about the capacity and the potential risk.
Common misunderstanding: All hospitality venues, regardless of size, must comply with Martyn's Law.
Actually, only venues that can host 200 or more people are legally required to comply. Smaller venues, while not legally obliged, are encouraged to adopt good security practices voluntarily.
Martyn's Law covers venues that are "wholly or mainly used" for hospitality and leisure activities. This includes restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, nightclubs, hotels, theatres, cinemas, concert halls, sports grounds, and other entertainment or visitor attractions. The law applies if these venues are open to the public or host public events.
Common misunderstanding: Private clubs and invitation-only venues must comply with Martyn's Law.
Private venues that do not allow public access, such as private members’ clubs or invitation-only event spaces, are not covered by Martyn's Law.
Common misunderstanding: Retail shops are not affected by Martyn's Law.
While the focus here is on hospitality, it's important to note that retail shops are also included under the law if they meet the size and public access criteria.
The 200-person threshold includes everyone who might be in the venue at the same time—this means staff, customers, and guests. If it is reasonable to expect that your venue could host 200 or more people at once, even occasionally, then Martyn's Law applies to you. This threshold helps determine which venues need to implement the law's security measures.
Common misunderstanding: The 200-person threshold only includes paying customers.
The count includes all individuals present, not just paying customers. Staff and any other persons in the venue are also included in this total.
If your venue occasionally hosts events or gatherings that exceed 200 people, it falls under the scope of Martyn's Law for those events, even if regular operations do not typically reach this number.
UK Government Factsheets and Legislation: The Home Office has published Martyn’s Law factsheets that summarise the Act’s provisions.
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Martyn's Law categorises venues into Standard and Enhanced Tiers based on their capacity.
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.