Summary

Martyn’s Law, which gained Royal Assent on April 3rd 2025, requires individuals responsible for venues within its scope to implement reasonably practicable public protection measures, tailored to their premises, to reduce the risk of physical harm to people from acts of terrorism occurring at or near the venue.

Venues in scope – Standard Tier

Those venues where it is reasonable to expect, that from time to time, 200 or more individuals may be present on the premises at the following types of venues;

*N.B. Number of sites taken from government impact assessment

Public Protection procedures

Reasonably practicable public protection procedures include:

a. procedures for evacuating individuals from the premises (specific to Terrorism, this cannot be a fire evacuation plan)

b. procedures for moving individuals to a place where there is less risk of physical harm (i.e. invacuating) e.g. moving individuals away from windows and to a designated safe area

c.procedures for preventing individuals leaving or entering the premises (i.e. locking down or securing the premises)

d. procedures for providing information to those at the premises.

Reasonably Practicable

In determining whether it is appropriate and reasonably practicable to put in place particular procedures, and to the extent and detail these procedures should be established and communicated, regard should be had to all relevant circumstances surrounding the premises; including the physical nature of the premises and the resources available to the person who is responsible.  A rationale must be presented as to why an approach was taken. This is called a reasonably practicable test (RPT) or risk assessment.  The result of the RPT should denote how often and to what extent staff are trained and the plans exercised in order to satisfy the regulator that all reasonably practicable measure are being undertaken.

Penalties

For standard tier venues under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, non-compliance may result in fines of up to £10,000 per violation and daily penalties of up to £500 for continued breaches. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) enforces these measures by issuing compliance notices that outline corrective actions and deadlines. Venues have the right to appeal these notices within 28 days. Providing false information to the SIA can also lead to penalties. Unpaid fines are recoverable through civil enforcement, treated as High Court judgments. These measures focus on financial penalties to ensure timely compliance with public protection requirements.

Regulation 

Under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will regulate compliance for standard tier venues through detailed inspections. Inspectors will assess whether venues have implemented effective public protection procedures and will consider the resources available, reviewing factors such as the perceived level of risk, and the organization’s budget and turnover to determine what is reasonably practicable. 

Inspections may involve interviews with staff to confirm their understanding of safety procedures, how frequently these procedures are practiced, and the level of training provided. Inspectors will also review evidence that the plans are workable, such as documentation, records of drills, and training schedules. On-site activities include photographing premises, observing operations, and evaluating how plans function in practice. 

This process is inherently subjective, but if inspectors determine that procedures are inadequate, poorly implemented, or insufficiently supported, they may impose penalties. The emphasis is on ensuring that venues take practical and appropriate steps to mitigate risks, with the regulator focusing on how plans translate into real-world preparedness.

Please see links below for information on the Act;

• Establish capacity – safe occupancy numbers, historical data
• Standard duty requirement
• Premises in scope
• Events in scope
• Responsible persons
• Enhanced duty requirements
• Enforcement