Martyn's Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is a UK legislation designed to enhance security in public venues to prepare for and mitigate terrorist attacks. It was introduced in response to several terrorist incidents in the UK, aiming to ensure that venues are better prepared to protect the public.
Common misunderstanding: Martyn's Law applies to all businesses across the UK.
Martyn's Law specifically targets public premises that meet certain size thresholds, focusing on venues where large crowds gather, such as restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs. It does not apply to all businesses.
Common misunderstanding: Compliance with Martyn's Law is optional.
Compliance with Martyn's Law is mandatory for venues that fall within its scope. These venues must take defined steps to prepare for and respond to terrorist threats, with enforcement measures in place for non-compliance.
Martyn Hett was one of the 22 victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. His mother, Figen Murray, became a key advocate for improved security measures at public venues, which led to the development of Martyn's Law. This law was named in his memory to honor his life and the campaign led by his mother to prevent future tragedies.
Common misunderstanding: Martyn's Law was solely the government's initiative.
While the government did enact the law, it was significantly influenced by public advocacy, particularly by Martyn Hett's mother, who campaigned tirelessly for better security measures at public venues after her son's death.
Common misunderstanding: Martyn's Law focuses only on preventing bombings.
Martyn's Law is comprehensive, addressing various forms of terrorist threats, not just bombings. It includes measures to prepare for different types of attacks, ensuring a broad scope of protection.
The creation of Martyn’s Law was primarily triggered by the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, where 22 people were killed, including Martyn Hett. This tragic event highlighted the vulnerabilities in public venue security and spurred a public demand for stricter regulations. Subsequent terrorist attacks in the UK further underscored the need for legislation like Martyn’s Law.
Common misunderstanding: Martyn’s Law was a quick response to a single event.
The development of Martyn's Law was not an immediate reaction to just one incident but was the result of years of campaigning, public consultations, and legislative processes following several terrorist attacks.
Common misunderstanding: The law was implemented immediately after the Manchester Arena attack.
It took several years of development, consultation, and legislative processes before Martyn's Law was formally enacted in 2025, reflecting the complexity and importance of getting such a law right.
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, 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.