Martyn’s Law is now law, and many UK businesses will need to start preparing for what it means in practice.
Officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, Martyn’s Law introduces new duties for certain publicly accessible premises and events. Its purpose is to improve protective security and organisational preparedness, helping those responsible for premises think carefully about how they would respond in the event of a terrorist attack.
For facilities managers, property managers and business owners, this is not just a security issue. It is about readiness, responsibility and protecting the people who use your premises.
Martyn’s Law is the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.
The legislation requires those responsible for certain premises and events to consider how they would prepare for and respond to a terrorist attack. For larger premises and events, it also requires appropriate steps to be considered to reduce vulnerability and protect the public.
The Act is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people who tragically lost their lives in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. His mother, Figen Murray, campaigned for stronger public protection measures and greater preparedness across publicly accessible spaces.
At its core, Martyn’s Law is about making sure organisations are not waiting until an emergency happens to think about what they would do.
Terrorist attacks are rare, but their impact can be devastating. Publicly accessible premises can be difficult environments to manage during an emergency, particularly where large numbers of people gather.
Martyn’s Law aims to improve how organisations prepare for these situations by encouraging practical planning, staff awareness and clear emergency procedures.
The focus is not on creating fear. It is about helping organisations answer important questions before pressure hits:
These questions are especially important for commercial premises, visitor-facing environments and sites with high footfall.
Martyn’s Law applies to certain publicly accessible premises and events across the UK.
This may include, but is not limited to:
A common misconception is that Martyn’s Law only applies to large arenas or stadiums. In reality, many smaller premises may also fall within scope if enough people are reasonably expected to be present.
Martyn’s Law takes a tiered approach. This means the level of duty depends on the size and nature of the premises or event.
The Standard Tier generally applies to premises where 200 to 799 people may reasonably be expected to be present.
The focus for Standard Tier premises is on practical public protection procedures and staff awareness. This may include planning how people would be moved, protected or alerted during an incident.
Standard Tier requirements are intended to be proportionate. For many organisations, this is not about installing expensive security equipment. It is about having clear procedures in place and making sure relevant staff understand what to do.
The Enhanced Tier generally applies to premises or events where 800 or more people may reasonably be expected to be present.
Enhanced Tier duties are more detailed and reflect the greater level of risk associated with larger, high-footfall environments.
These organisations may need to consider more formal risk assessment, security planning and protective security measures, alongside emergency preparedness procedures.
The exact requirements will depend on the tier that applies, but Martyn’s Law is built around preparedness.
In practical terms, organisations may need to review areas such as:
1) Emergency procedures
This includes considering what would happen during an incident. Procedures may cover evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication with staff, visitors or emergency services.
2) Staff awareness and training
Procedures only work if people understand them. Relevant staff may need to know how to respond, how to communicate and what their responsibilities are during an incident.
3) Communication routes
Clear communication is essential in an emergency. Businesses should consider how messages would be shared quickly and accurately across the premises.
4) Security arrangements
For some premises, this may involve reviewing current security measures, access control, guarding, CCTV, visitor management or other protective arrangements.
5) Roles and responsibilities
There should be clarity around who is responsible for implementing procedures, reviewing plans and keeping records up to date.
6) Documentation and review
Preparedness should not be a one-off exercise. Plans and procedures should be reviewed, tested where appropriate and updated when premises, operations or risks change.
Many commercial buildings involve more than one organisation.
This might include shopping centres, managed office buildings, multi-let premises, shared public spaces or sites where owners, tenants, contractors and operators all play a role.
In these environments, responsibility can become unclear unless it is properly coordinated.
Martyn’s Law recognises the importance of cooperation. Those responsible for shared or multi-occupancy premises will need to work together so emergency procedures and security planning operate across the whole site, not just within individual units or teams.
For facilities and property managers, this is an important point. Preparedness needs to be joined up.
Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025.
There is an implementation period of at least 24 months, giving organisations time to understand the requirements, review their premises and prepare for compliance.
This means businesses should not wait until 2027 to start thinking about their responsibilities. The implementation period is intended to give organisations time to prepare properly.
Starting early will make it easier to identify gaps, train staff, review procedures and make proportionate improvements.
The Security Industry Authority, also known as the SIA, has been named as the regulator for Martyn’s Law.
The SIA will be responsible for supporting, monitoring and enforcing compliance once the legislation is in force.
The intention is to help organisations comply, but enforcement action may be taken where serious or persistent non-compliance puts public safety at risk.
Not necessarily. Martyn’s Law may apply to a wide range of publicly accessible premises, including smaller venues and commercial sites, depending on capacity and use.
For many premises, especially those in the Standard Tier, the focus is on procedures, preparedness and staff awareness. Measures should be proportionate to the premises and risk.
The implementation period is already underway. Organisations should use this time to understand whether they are in scope and what action may be needed.
Preparedness involves more than security staff. Facilities managers, property managers, operational teams, contractors and senior decision-makers may all have a role to play.
Martyn’s Law should be treated as an opportunity to review security and emergency preparedness before it becomes urgent.
A sensible starting point would be to:
The key is to start with practical questions. Are your procedures clear? Are they understood? Would they work under pressure?
For many organisations, Martyn’s Law will require a closer look at how security, facilities management and emergency planning work together.
Security services can support preparedness by helping organisations review areas such as site access, visitor management, patrols, CCTV, communication routes and response procedures.
Facilities management also plays an important role. Building layouts, escape routes, lockdown options, signage, staff coordination and contractor management can all affect how well a premises responds during an incident.
A joined-up approach is essential.
Martyn’s Law is more than a new legal requirement. It represents a shift in how publicly accessible premises think about security, preparedness and responsibility.
For UK businesses, the message is clear: preparation matters. Please take into consideration that this article is intended as general guidance only and should not be taken as legal advice.
By reviewing procedures, understanding responsibilities and taking practical steps now, organisations can improve readiness and help protect the people who use their premises.
If you need support reviewing your site security, the fm company provides comprehensive security services for commercial premises across the UK. Our team can help you strengthen safety, manage risk and feel more confident in your day-to-day operations.
For support with your security requirements, get in touch with the team today: info@thefmcompanyuk.co.uk 01484 507986
