Preparing for Martyn's Law involves understanding the law's requirements and implementing necessary measures to ensure compliance. Start by assessing if your venue falls within the scope of the law, then develop or update your emergency procedures, conduct staff training, and ensure documentation is in place. It's crucial to begin these steps well before the law is enforced to ensure a smooth transition.
Common misunderstanding: Martyn's Law only applies to large venues.
While larger venues have more extensive requirements under Martyn's Law, many smaller venues that can host 200 or more people at one time also need to comply. It's important to check your venue's capacity and understand the specific obligations for your size category.
Common misunderstanding: Compliance with Martyn's Law is optional.
Compliance with Martyn's Law is mandatory for all venues that meet the specified criteria. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties, including fines and potential closure of the venue.
It's advisable that all businesses (even except businesses) carry out a terrorism risk assessment and staff training at a minimum.
To determine if your venue is in scope for Martyn's Law, check if your venue type and capacity meet the criteria set out in the law. Venues that expect 200 or more people at one time, including staff and customers, are generally in scope. This includes restaurants, bars, hotels, and other public venues. Assessing your venue's status is the first step in preparing for compliance.
Common misunderstanding: Only venues that regularly host large events are in scope.
Even if large gatherings are infrequent, venues that have the capacity to host 200 or more people at one time must comply. It's about potential capacity, not just regular usage.
Common misunderstanding: All hospitality venues need to comply regardless of size.
Smaller venues that cannot host 200 people at one time are generally not in scope, unless they host occasional events that push their capacity over this threshold.
Conducting a terrorism risk assessment involves evaluating potential threats and vulnerabilities specific to your venue. Identify how an attacker could exploit your venue and assess the impact of different attack scenarios. This assessment forms the basis of your security planning and helps in developing effective emergency procedures.
Common misunderstanding: A terrorism risk assessment needs to be extremely detailed and technical.
While thoroughness is important, the risk assessment should be practical and manageable. Focus on clear, identifiable risks and straightforward mitigation strategies that can be easily implemented and understood by your staff.
Common misunderstanding: Once done, a risk assessment does not need to be revisited.
Risk assessments should be updated regularly, especially if there are changes to the venue or new threats are identified. Continuous review ensures that your security measures remain relevant and effective.
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.
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.
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.