A new law is changing how public-facing premises across the UK prepare for terrorist attacks. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 — known as Martyn's Law — introduces, for the first time, a legal duty on many venues to be ready to protect the public. Here's a clear explanation of what it is, who it affects, and what you may need to do.
What is Martyn's Law?
Martyn's Law is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. After years of campaigning led by his mother, Figen Murray OBE, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. It establishes a minimum standard of protective security at qualifying public premises and events across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — making sure organisations are better prepared to keep people safe if a terrorist attack happens.
When does it come into force?
The Act is law, but its requirements are not yet active. There is an implementation period of at least 24 months from April 2025, meaning the duties are expected to come into force no earlier than 2027. This gives organisations time to understand and prepare for their obligations. The Home Office published its statutory guidance in April 2026.
Does it apply to my premises?
The law applies to premises used for certain activities — including shops, food and drink venues, entertainment and leisure, sports grounds, hotels, places of worship, healthcare, education, childcare and visitor attractions — that meet capacity thresholds. It's split into two tiers.
200–799
Standard Tier
Premises where it's reasonable to expect 200–799 people at the same time. The focus is on simple, low-cost procedures — not physical security infrastructure.
800+
Enhanced Tier
Larger premises and events expecting 800 or more people. These carry additional duties, including taking measures to reduce the premises' vulnerability to an attack.
Premises expecting fewer than 200 people are outside the scope of the Act, though they're encouraged to follow good security practice.
What will I need to do?
For standard tier premises, the requirements are procedural and proportionate:
- Notify the regulator — the Security Industry Authority (SIA) — that you're responsible for qualifying premises
- Put in place simple public protection procedures — such as evacuation, invacuation (moving people to safety inside), and lockdown plans
- Ensure staff receive appropriate training to recognise and respond to a potential incident
For enhanced tier premises, the above applies — plus a duty to put in place appropriate measures to reduce both the vulnerability of the premises to an attack and the risk of harm if one occurs, and to document these and provide them to the SIA. These measures can include monitoring, access control, and physical security considerations.
Who is responsible?
The "responsible person" is the person or organisation in control of the premises. Where that's a company, enhanced tier premises must designate a senior individual accountable for compliance. The SIA is the regulator, with powers to issue compliance notices and penalties for serious or persistent non-compliance.
An honest note on compliance
The Government has been clear that organisations do not need to buy specialist services to comply with Martyn's Law, and the SIA does not endorse any third-party products. Much of the duty — particularly at standard tier — is about planning, procedures and staff awareness, which responsible persons can put in place themselves using the free official guidance. Be wary of anyone using this law to scare you into unnecessary spending.
Supporting your plan: lockdown alert systems
One effective way to support a premises' protective security procedures — particularly for schools, nurseries, and larger venues — is a dedicated lockdown alert system. Rather than relying on shouting, phone trees, or a standard fire alarm (which tells people to leave — the opposite of what's needed in a lockdown), a lockdown system lets a single trigger instantly alert everyone across the whole site to move to safety and secure their area.
A typical system includes a central lockdown panel, distinct alert tones and beacons in every zone or room, and a simple activation point that staff can reach quickly. Crucially, it uses a clearly different signal from the fire alarm, so there's no confusion about whether to evacuate or shelter in place.
These systems aren't a legal requirement under Martyn's Law — but where a premises decides one would strengthen its procedures, we can specify, install and maintain it as part of our electrical and security work. If a lockdown alert system might suit your premises, get in touch — we're happy to advise with no obligation.
Where PropCare fits
We're not here to sell you "compliance in a box" — that's not how this law works. What we can help with is the part where protective security systems support your plan. For premises considering how CCTV, access control, intruder detection or lockdown-capable systems fit into their protective security measures — particularly enhanced tier sites — we can advise on, install and maintain the physical security infrastructure that underpins a well-prepared premises. As an electrical, fire and security specialist, we help make sure the systems you rely on are properly installed, working, and maintained.
Resources
This article is general information, not legal advice. Always refer to the official statutory guidance to understand your specific obligations.