Martyn’s Law Two Tiers Explained: Is Your Premises Standard or Enhanced Duty?

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) published the new Martyn’s Law guidance on 17 July 2026. This legislation changes how venues manage public safety. It is now essential to understand which tier your premises falls into. Compliance is mandatory by Spring 2027.

Zems Academy provides the essential course security training you need to stay compliant. We help you prepare your staff and your premises.

WHAT IS MARTYN’S LAW?

Martyn’s Law is officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill. It ensures that venues are better prepared for a terrorist attack. The law applies to 179,000 premises and events across the UK.

You must take action if you manage a public venue. You must ensure your staff have completed a security course birmingham or equivalent training.

THE TWO-TIER SYSTEM

The new guidance splits premises into two categories: Standard and Enhanced. Your tier depends entirely on your venue’s capacity.

THE STANDARD TIER

The Standard Tier applies to smaller venues.

• Capacity: 200 to 799 people.
• Focus: Basic preparedness and staff awareness.
• Requirement: Notify the SIA of your responsible person.
• Training: All staff must understand emergency procedures.

THE ENHANCED TIER

The Enhanced Tier applies to large venues and high-capacity events.

• Capacity: 800 or more people.
• Focus: Advanced risk management and physical security.
• Requirement: Appoint a "senior individual" for compliance.
• Requirement: Submit a documented security plan to the SIA.

PLACES OF WORSHIP EXCEPTION

All places of worship fall into the Standard Tier. This applies regardless of their actual capacity. A cathedral with 1,000 seats is still treated as a Standard Tier premises. This keeps compliance costs lower for community faith groups.

ARE YOU IN SCOPE?

You are in scope if you operate a venue used for purposes such as:

• Entertainment and leisure.
• Retail and food and drink.
• Sports and fitness.
• Healthcare and education.
• Public transport hubs.

If your capacity is under 200, the law does not currently mandate these duties. However, best practice is still recommended. Get your team enrolled in security training birmingham to ensure safety.

STANDARD TIER DUTIES

If you fall into the Standard Tier, you must meet specific requirements by Spring 2027.

1. NOTIFY THE SIA
You must register on the new digital portal. You will identify the "responsible person" for the premises.

2. ESTABLISH PROCEDURES
You must have clear plans for:

• Evacuation: How to get people out safely.
• Invacuation: How to move people to a safe area inside.
• Lockdown: How to secure the building quickly.
• Communication: How to alert staff and visitors of a threat.

3. STAFF TRAINING
Every staff member must know these procedures. Training is the foundation of Martyn’s Law. Book your sia training course birmingham today to start this process.

ENHANCED TIER DUTIES

Enhanced Tier premises face stricter regulations. You must take a proactive approach to security.

1. PUBLIC PROTECTION ASSESSMENT
You must complete a full risk assessment. This must be documented. It must identify how your venue could be attacked and how you prevent it.

2. PROTECTION MEASURES
You must implement physical and procedural measures. This includes:

• CCTV monitoring and surveillance.
• Crowd management strategies.
• Physical security barriers or locks.
• Enhanced vetting for staff.

3. REGULAR DRILLS
You must test your plans. Regular drills ensure that your security measures actually work in a crisis.

4. SENIOR INDIVIDUAL
You must appoint a senior leader. This person is legally responsible for ensuring the venue meets its duties.

TIER ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST

Use this checklist to determine your immediate actions.

• Calculate the maximum capacity of your premises.
• Determine if you are a "Place of Worship" (Standard Tier automatic).
• Identify the "Responsible Person" for your venue.
• For Enhanced Tier: Identify a "Senior Individual".
• Check current staff training records.
• Review existing evacuation and lockdown plans.
• Sign up for the SIA digital notification portal (available Autumn 2026).

PREPARATION TIMELINE

Do not wait until the law is in force. Start preparing now to avoid penalties.

JULY 2026: GUIDANCE PUBLISHED
The SIA released the final guidance on 17 July 2026. Review this document immediately.

AUTUMN 2026: DIGITAL PORTAL OPENS
The SIA will launch the portal for registrations. You should register your venue as soon as it opens.

WINTER 2026: TRAINING & DRILLS
Use the winter months to train your staff. Zems Academy offers specialized course security training for all levels.

SPRING 2027: COMPLIANCE MANDATORY
The law officially commences. Inspections by the SIA will begin. Non-compliant venues may face heavy fines.

WHY TRAINING MATTERS

Training is the most important part of Martyn's Law. Even the best security plan fails if staff do not know what to do.

Zems Academy provides SIA Security Training that covers:

• Conflict management.
• Physical intervention.
• Terrorism awareness (ACT training).
• Emergency first aid.

Our security training birmingham programs are designed for real-world scenarios. We prepare your team to act fast and save lives.

BOOK YOUR SECURITY TRAINING TODAY

Compliance starts with a qualified workforce. Zems Academy is your partner for Martyn’s Law readiness.

We offer:

• Professional security course birmingham locations.
• Nationwide training available for large groups.
• Accredited SIA certifications.
• Direct support for venue managers.

GET STARTED NOW:

• Browse all Security Courses
• Contact Zems Academy
• Call us for group bookings in the West Midlands.

Ensure your venue is ready for 2027. Get security trained. Build your professional career with Zems Academy.