Martyn's Law

After the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, it became clear that many public venues had gaps in their security—especially places where large crowds gather, like concert halls, stadiums and theatres.

In the months that followed, Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett was one of the 22 victims, began campaigning for stronger protections in public spaces. Over time, her efforts gained widespread support from both the public and politicians. This ultimately led to the introduction of Martyn’s Law in the UK, which officially became law in April 2025.

This guide breaks everything down for you—what Martyn’s Law is, the latest updates, who it affects, how to prepare and the types of security measures that can help venues stay compliant.

What is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law—previously known as the Protect Duty and formally called the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025—requires certain public venues in the UK to take steps to better protect people from terrorist attacks. It officially became law on April 3, 2025, after receiving royal assent.

At its core, the law is about making sure venue operators and event organisers take practical, reasonable steps to keep people safe. That includes things like carrying out risk assessments, training staff, improving physical security and having clear plans in place for emergencies.

The goal is simple: create a consistent approach to security across public venues in the UK, reduce risks and ultimately help save lives.

What does Martyn’s Law require?

Under Martyn’s Law, some venues will need to register with the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and take steps that are proportionate to their size and risk level. The idea is to make sure staff are prepared and know what to do if something happens.

The law uses a tiered system based on how many people a venue or event can hold:

Standard tier (200–799 people) If your venue falls into this category, you’ll need to notify the SIA and take some straightforward but important steps. These include engaging with counter-terrorism guidance, raising awareness among staff, putting basic preparedness plans in place and sharing key information internally. The focus here is on practical, low-cost actions—you won’t be required to make major structural changes or invest in expensive equipment.

Enhanced tier (800+ people) Larger venues and events have additional responsibilities. Along with the standard requirements, you’ll need to carry out more detailed risk assessments, develop formal security plans and introduce physical security measures such as surveillance systems. You’ll also need to monitor your premises and surrounding areas, appoint a senior person responsible for compliance and keep clear records to share with the regulator.

Venues with a capacity of fewer than 200 people are not covered by the law.

Why does Martyn’s Law matter?

Since 2017, the UK has seen multiple terror attacks, alongside many more plots that were successfully prevented. The reality is that threats can be unpredictable and can target a wide range of locations.

Martyn’s Law is designed to make sure venues aren’t caught off guard. By requiring practical, proportionate security measures, it helps organisations prepare for the worst while reducing the potential impact of an attack and protecting the public.

Who does it affect?

Martyn’s Law applies to a wide range of public-facing venues and events across the UK, including:

• Concert halls

• Outdoor event spaces

• Museums

• Stadiums

• Restaurants and bars

• Nightclubs

• Holiday parks

In general, a venue falls within scope if it’s used for public activities, can reasonably expect 200 or more people and isn’t specifically excluded under the legislation.

For events, the rules apply more strictly when 800 or more people are expected and there are controlled entry measures, such as ticket checks.

Who is responsible?

Responsibility usually sits with whoever has control of the premises or the event. That could be a venue owner, operator or event organiser, depending on the situation.

Getting this right matters. Failing to comply could lead to penalties like fines or restrictions, as well as reputational damage.

How to prepare for Martyn’s Law

With an implementation period now underway, organisations have time to get ready. Here’s where to start:

1. Carry out a risk assessment Look closely at your venue or event and identify where vulnerabilities might exist—before, during and after it takes place.

2. Put security measures in place Once you understand the risks, take steps to reduce them. This could include bag checks, scanners, CCTV, access control systems and other appropriate technologies.

3. Build an emergency plan Make sure everyone knows what to do if something happens. Assign roles, define responsibilities and rehearse your response.

4. Train your staff Well-trained staff are one of your strongest assets. They should be able to spot suspicious behaviour and respond quickly and appropriately.

5. Strengthen communication Clear communication is essential. Make sure your team can easily share information and stay connected with local authorities and emergency services.

Need help getting compliant?

Whether you run a stadium, venue or event space, getting ready for Martyn’s Law can feel complex—but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Eclipse Digital's experts can help you assess risks, upgrade your systems and put the right measures in place. Get in touch now.