Martyn's Law: What UK Security Professionals and Venues Need to Know — SIA News Updates 2025
The UK security landscape changed forever on April 3, 2025. Martyn's Law became official legislation. This new counter-terrorism law impacts thousands of venues across Britain.
Security professionals need to understand these changes now. Venue operators must prepare for compliance. The stakes are high. Public safety depends on proper implementation.
What Is Martyn's Law?
Martyn's Law is officially called the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. The law honors Martyn Hett, killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack alongside 21 others. His mother, Figen Murray, campaigned tirelessly for this legislation.
The law requires specific premises and events to prepare for potential terrorist attacks. Venues must take reasonable steps to safeguard the public. This isn't optional: it's legally mandated protection.
Key fact: Implementation begins in 2027, giving venues at least 24 months to prepare.
Timeline for Security Professionals and SIA Badge Renewal
Martyn's Law became legislation in April 2025. Full enforcement starts no earlier than April 2027. This gives venues time to prepare, train staff, and implement proper procedures.
Smart security professionals start preparing now. Early preparation means smoother compliance. It also means better public protection from day one.
Don't wait until 2027. Begin planning today.
The Two-Tier Approach
Martyn's Law uses a proportionate, risk-based framework. Different venues require different levels of preparedness based on capacity and risk.
Standard Tier Requirements
Standard Tier applies to premises expecting 200-799 people at any time. These venues must:
- Notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA)
- Implement appropriate public protection procedures
- Focus on staff preparedness and response capabilities
- Maintain policies that reduce physical harm risk
Important: Standard tier doesn't require physical building alterations or equipment purchases. The focus is on procedures, training, and preparedness.
Enhanced Tier Requirements
Enhanced Tier applies to premises expecting 800+ people or certain large events. These venues must:
- Meet all standard tier requirements
- Implement additional public protection measures
- Reduce venue vulnerability to terrorist attacks
- Maintain documented plans and training programs
- Designate responsible individuals for security
Enhanced tier venues carry greater responsibility. They must actively reduce attack vulnerability while ensuring measures remain "reasonably practicable."
Who Must Comply?
Martyn's Law affects anyone responsible for publicly accessible locations. This includes:
Entertainment and Leisure Venues
- Theaters and cinemas
- Concert halls and music venues
- Nightclubs and bars
- Sports stadiums and leisure centers
Retail and Commercial Spaces
- Shopping centers and department stores
- Restaurants and food courts
- Markets and retail parks
Public Buildings
- Museums and galleries
- Libraries and community centers
- Government building public areas
- Visitor attractions
Events and Temporary Venues
- Festivals and outdoor events
- Conference centers
- Exhibition halls
- Temporary structures for large gatherings
Religious and Community Spaces
- Places of worship
- Community halls
- Cultural centers
Health and Education Settings
- Hospitals and clinics (public areas)
- Universities and colleges
- Training centers and academies
Special Rules for Education Settings
Education venues receive special treatment under Martyn's Law. Schools, colleges, and universities remain in the Standard Tier even with 800+ people present.
Events held at educational premises don't qualify as Enhanced Tier events. However, the premises themselves still need Standard Tier compliance.
This recognizes the unique nature of educational environments while maintaining security standards.
Enforcement and Regulation
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates Martyn's Law compliance. The SIA operates as an arm's length body of the Home Office. They provide guidance, support, and enforcement.
The SIA will:
- Offer compliance guidance and support
- Monitor venue compliance
- Take enforcement action against non-compliance
- Help organizations understand their obligations
Remember: The SIA already regulates security licensing. Martyn's Law extends their remit to venue security preparedness.
Practical Steps for Compliance
Security professionals and venue operators should start preparing immediately. Here's your action plan:
Assess Your Venue
- Calculate maximum expected capacity
- Determine your tier level
- Identify current security measures
- Review existing emergency procedures
Develop Procedures
- Create or update emergency response plans
- Train staff on threat recognition
- Establish communication protocols
- Document all procedures clearly
Staff Training (Door Supervisor Course Birmingham)
- Provide counter-terrorism awareness training
- Conduct regular emergency drills
- Update training materials regularly
- Ensure all staff understand their roles
Documentation
- Keep detailed records of all measures
- Document staff training completion
- Maintain up-to-date emergency contacts
- Store procedures in accessible formats
Free Resources and Support
The government provides extensive support through ProtectUK. This platform offers:
- Free e-learning courses
- ACT Awareness training
- ACT Security training for professionals
- Guidance documents and templates
- Action cards for emergency responses
- Martyn's Law specific resources
Access these resources now: Visit protectuk.police.uk for comprehensive guidance.
The Business Case for Early Preparation
Starting Martyn's Law preparation early provides multiple benefits:
Risk Reduction
- Better prepared staff respond more effectively
- Improved procedures reduce vulnerability
- Enhanced public confidence in your venue
Compliance Advantages
- Smooth implementation when enforcement begins
- Reduced last-minute costs and stress
- Better relationships with regulators
Professional Development
- Staff gain valuable security skills
- Enhanced career prospects in security sector
- Improved emergency response capabilities
Training and Professional Development: SIA Top Up Course 2025
Security professionals need specialized knowledge to implement Martyn's Law effectively. Consider these training areas:
Counter-Terrorism Awareness
- Threat recognition and assessment
- Emergency response procedures
- Staff communication protocols
Risk Assessment Skills
- Venue vulnerability analysis
- Crowd management techniques
- Emergency evacuation planning
Regulatory Compliance
- SIA licensing requirements
- Documentation standards
- Audit preparation
Your Next Steps: Get Your Security Guard Licence UK
Don't wait for 2027. Start preparing for Martyn's Law compliance today.
Immediate Actions:
- Assess your venue's tier level
- Review current security procedures
- Access ProtectUK training resources
- Begin staff training programs
- Document all compliance efforts
Professional Development:
Get the training you need to excel in the evolving security sector. Zems Academy offers comprehensive security training programs designed for today's professionals.
Our SIA-approved courses prepare you for new challenges in venue security, emergency response, and regulatory compliance. From basic security training to specialized close protection, we provide the skills employers demand.
Ready to advance your security career? Explore our SIA security training courses and build expertise that matters in the post-Martyn's Law landscape.
Martyn's Law represents a new era in UK security. The venues that prepare early will lead the industry. The professionals who train properly will shape the future.
Start your preparation today. Public safety depends on it.
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