Martyn’s Law 2026: The SIA Wants Your Say (And Why It Matters for Birmingham Venues)
It is Monday, 27 of April 2026, and the UK security landscape is shifting. If you are a venue owner, a security manager, or an SIA-licensed professional in Birmingham, you need to pay attention.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has officially opened a public consultation regarding Martyn’s Law. This is not just another piece of paperwork. It is a fundamental change in how public safety is handled across the country.
The consultation is live right now and runs until June 12, 2026. This is your window to influence how the new laws will be policed and regulated. If you wait until the law is fully active in 2027, it will be too late to have your say.
WHAT IS MARTYN’S LAW?
Martyn’s Law is the common name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. It was named in honor of Martyn Hett, who was tragically killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.
The goal of this law is simple: to make sure that people are safer when they visit public places. Whether you are at a concert, a shopping center, or a local pub in Digbeth, the venue should have a plan to protect you from a terrorist attack.
The law scales based on the size of the venue:
- Standard Tier: Premises with a capacity of 100 to 799 people.
- Enhanced Tier: Premises with a capacity of 800 or more people.
Each tier has different requirements, but the core message is the same. Security is no longer optional; it is a legal requirement for public safety.
THE SIA CONSULTATION: WHY YOUR VOICE MATTERS
The SIA has been appointed as the regulator for Martyn’s Law. This means they are the ones who will check if you are following the rules.
On April 15, 2026, the SIA launched a consultation on their "Section 12 guidance." This document explains exactly how the SIA plans to regulate and enforce the law.
They are asking questions like:
- Is the guidance easy to understand?
- Are the rules practical for small business owners?
- How should the SIA handle inspections?
- What kind of penalties are fair for non-compliance?
If you work in the Birmingham security sector, you know that the "real world" is different from a government office in London. This consultation is your chance to tell the SIA what actually works on the ground.
You have until June 12, 2026 to submit your feedback. Do not miss this deadline.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR BIRMINGHAM AND THE WEST MIDLANDS
Birmingham is a hub for entertainment and business. From the NEC and the Utilita Arena to the busy bars on Broad Street, our city has a massive number of venues that fall under Martyn’s Law.
For West Midlands security professionals, this law changes everything. If you are running a venue in the Jewellery Quarter or managing a team in Solihull, you are now responsible for terrorism protection training and risk assessments.
Birmingham venues are often high-traffic. This makes us a priority for the SIA. Local business owners need to be proactive. By participating in the consultation, you can ensure that the regulations reflect the unique challenges of the Birmingham night-time economy and large-scale event spaces.
You can learn more about finding local opportunities in our insiders guide for new operatives in the West Midlands.
THE SIA'S REGULATORY APPROACH
The SIA has stated that their approach will be "supportive, proportionate, and risk-based." This sounds good, but what does it mean in practice?
- Guidance and Support: The SIA aims to help venues understand what they need to do.
- Inspections: SIA officers will visit premises to check on safety plans and staff training.
- Enforcement: If a venue fails to protect the public, the SIA has the power to issue fines or even close the premises.
This is why having an SIA License and up-to-date training is more important than ever. The SIA will be looking for licensed professionals who understand how to spot threats and manage crowds under pressure.
If your license is up for renewal, make sure you check out the SIA refresher training 2026 guide to stay compliant.
HOW ZEMS ACADEMY HELPS YOU PREPARE
At Zems Academy, we are already ahead of the curve. We know that Martyn’s Law will require a higher level of training for every security guard and door supervisor in Birmingham.
We provide high-quality SIA training courses in Birmingham that cover the essentials of public safety. Whether you are just starting out or you need to top up your skills, we have a course for you.
- Door Supervision: Learn how to manage busy Birmingham venues while following the latest safety laws.
- Security Guarding: Get the skills needed to protect property and people in the Standard Tier venues.
- CCTV Operations: Use technology to spot threats before they happen.
Preparing for Martyn’s Law isn't just about reading a book. It’s about practical skills. Our security guard class near me guide explains exactly what you can expect during your training.
THE TIMELINE: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
It is important to stay on track with the government's timeline.
- April – June 2026: Public consultation is open. This is when you give your feedback.
- Late 2026: The SIA will review the feedback and finalize the guidance.
- Spring 2027: Martyn’s Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025) is expected to come into full force.
By the time the law is active in 2027, every venue must have their "Standard" or "Enhanced" protection measures in place. This includes staff training, physical security measures, and incident response plans.
If you are a security professional, this is a huge career opportunity. The demand for well-trained, knowledgeable staff is going to skyrocket. Check out our comparison of security career paths to see where you fit in.
GET TRAINED IN BIRMINGHAM TODAY
Don't wait for the SIA to knock on your door in 2027. Start your preparation now at Zems Academy. We offer convenient, professional training right here in the West Midlands.
Our training center at Invicta House, Warwick Road, is the perfect place to get your SIA license or complete your top-up training.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR VENUE OWNERS
If you run a business in Birmingham, here is your checklist:
- Check your capacity: Do you fall into the Standard (100+) or Enhanced (800+) tier?
- Read the draft guidance: Look at what the SIA expects of you.
- Respond to the consultation: Go to the SIA website and fill out the survey before June 12.
- Audit your staff: Do your security teams have the right training? If not, send them to Zems Academy.
- Review your plans: Do you have a plan for a "marauding terrorist attack" or a "bomb threat"? Martyn’s Law will require these.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Martyn’s Law 2026 is a turning point for the UK security industry. It is about more than just compliance; it is about saving lives.
The SIA wants your help to make these rules work for everyone. Take 15 minutes this week to look at the consultation. Then, take the next step in your career by ensuring your training is up to date.
For more information on our courses or to book your spot, visit our Contact Us page or browse our full list of security trainings.
Stay safe, stay informed, and let's make Birmingham's venues the safest in the UK.
DIRECT LINKS FOR YOUR CAREER:
Participate in the SIA consultation before June 12, 2026. Your voice matters!