What is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law – also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill – was first developed in the wake of the Manchester bombings in 2017.

It is intended to improve safety and security at a wide range of publicly accessible premises and events across the UK so that they can be enjoyed by the public without fear of the impact of terrorism.

The law’s impact will be wide-ranging. Supermarkets, shopping centres, hotels, restaurants, pubs, libraries, theatres, conference centres, universities, hospitals, and museums are just some of the types of venues that will be affected.

Anyone who has control of such premises will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the new law. This could include owner-occupiers, landlords, tenants or even receivers or mortgagees – anyone falling into these categories should be paying close attention.

 

What are the requirements of Martyn’s Law?

The responsible person will be required to implement appropriate, proportionate protection measures or face financial penalties. These measures could include additional staff training, or the implementation of surveillance and security technology (such as CCTV).

There is also the potential for committing a range of criminal offences under the Bill.

So, if your premises come within Martyn’s Law, you will need to:

  • Notify the Security Industry Authority (as regulator).
  • Ensure that public protection measures are in place to reduce the risk of physical harm to individuals if an act of terrorism occurs on the premises, at the event or in their immediate vicinity.

The Bill will establish a tiered approach, linked to the activity that takes place at the premises and/or event, and the number of people that will be present on the premises at the time. Those responsible should familiarise themselves with the requirements of the different tiers to remain compliant.

For example, any premises with a capacity of 800 or more are categorised as ‘enhanced duty premises’. Those responsible for such premises will be subject to enhanced duties with which they will need to comply in order to reduce their vulnerability to terrorism. This could include carrying out physical works to such premises as well as additional monitoring measures on the premises and the surrounding area.

For more information on the tiered approach and its requirements visit the Home Office website or consult the Government’s fact sheet.

 

Martyn’s Law – when will it come into force?

The Bill received Royal Assent in April 2025. It is currently proposed that there will be a (minimum) two-year implementation period, taking us to Spring 2027, although the government has yet to confirm the implementation date.

If Martyn’s Law is likely to impact you, then you should assess your premises and its compliance with the requirements of the new regulation, and ensure you are taking the appropriate steps to be ready by the time the implementation period is over.

The LPF webinar on Martyn’s Law will go into detail on how it affects you and will also include a Q&A with our leisure sector experts.

Thanks to Kay Desai of TLT Group for this month’s Guest Blog for The Leisure Property Forum.