A Guide to Martyn’s Law

Martyn’s Law, formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is a major UK legislative step designed to strengthen public safety at venues and events.

Named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, the law aims to ensure event organisers and venue operators take proportionate steps to reduce risk and improve emergency readiness.

Although the law has now received Royal Assent (April 2025), full implementation is expected no earlier than April 2027, meaning event organisers have valuable preparation time.

What Does Martyn’s Law Cover?

The new law applies to publicly accessible premises and events where crowds gather. Its focus is on reducing vulnerability through awareness, planning and effective response procedures.

Importantly, Martyn’s Law does not require expensive security upgrades or paid consultancy — most requirements are designed to be simple, achievable and low cost.

These requirements are especially relevant for organisers planning publicly accessible events, such as festivals and agricultural shows that require outdoor event PA hire in Yorkshire.

Key Applicability Criteria

✔ Premises with a capacity of 100+ people, including indoor and outdoor spaces used for entertainment, leisure or events.
✔ Temporary events such as festivals, concerts, fairs or markets that require controlled access.
✔ Must be open to the public, not private/invite-only.

If your event capacity or layout changes, review annually to ensure compliance.

Who Is the “Responsible Person”?

For temporary events, the responsible person is typically the event organiser or the individual/company controlling the premises for that specific event.

This may differ from the venue owner — so clarify in your hiring contracts who holds the responsibility for compliance and security planning.

At many agricultural shows and sporting events, the responsible person often operates from a central control point such as commentary units for event control.

Tiered Requirements Explained

Martyn’s Law is divided into two tiers based on expected attendance (including staff):

• Standard Tier (200–799 people)
• Enhanced Tier (800+ people)

This ensures smaller events follow simple processes while larger events adopt more structured planning.

Standard Tier Requirements (200–799 people)

Ideal for mid-sized events such as gala days, school fairs and community shows.

Organisers must:

• Be aware of terrorism threats (free learning available).
• Put simple procedures in place for:
  • Evacuation
  • Invaculation (moving people inside)
  • Lockdown
• Provide basic staff training so everyone knows the plan.

📌 No formal documentation needs to be submitted.
📌 Costs are minimal, usually limited to training time.

These tiered requirements commonly apply to organisers providing sporting event PA systems for athletics, running events, and competitions.

Enhanced Tier Requirements (800+ people)

Designed for larger events such as festivals, large halls, exhibitions and major gatherings.

Enhanced organisers must:

• Complete a risk assessment for vulnerabilities.
• Record all protective and response measures.
• Consider proportionate security controls such as:
  • Bag searches
  • Controlled access points
  • Barriers
  • CCTV monitoring (if applicable)
• Update documents as event plans change.
• Submit documentation to the regulator on request.

Clear staff communication is essential during any incident, which is why many organisers rely on two-way radios for event communication to coordinate stewards and response teams.

Tier Comparison Table

Tier	Capacity	Main Focus	Documentation?	Example Events
Standard	200–799	Staff awareness & response	No	Local fairs, school events, small concerts
Enhanced	800+	Risk assessments & protective security	Yes	Festivals, exhibitions, large conferences

Implementation Timeline

2025 (Now)

• Law passed, voluntary preparation encouraged.

2026–2027

• Government to release statutory guidance.
• SIA (Security Industry Authority) prepares to become the regulator.
• Free e-learning and toolkits published.

From April 2027 onwards

• Full enforcement begins, including:
  • Regulatory inspections
  • Penalties for serious non-compliance (Enhanced Tier only)

Useful Resources for Event Organisers

Official Government Guidance

– Martyn’s Law Factsheet
– Myth Buster documents
– Home Office updates

Free ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) Training

Available via ProtectUK:
https://www.protectuk.police.uk/martyns-law

Industry Organisations

Check Event Industry Council and AEO for further support.

Security Industry Authority (SIA)

Embedding these practices now boosts event safety, builds public confidence and prepares you for future compliance.

Conclusion

Martyn’s Law introduces clear, manageable expectations for event organisers across the UK. By taking early steps — reviewing your event operations, training staff and familiarising yourself with response procedures — you’ll be ready for full implementation in 2027.

As an event professional, your commitment to preparedness directly supports community safety.

Planning a publicly accessible event?
Martyn’s Law highlights the importance of clear communication, reliable announcements, and well-coordinated teams. At R & J PA Hire, we support organisers across Yorkshire with professional PA systems, commentary units, and two-way radio communications to help deliver safer, well-managed events.
Request a free quote or call us on 01964 624770 or 07889 438187 to discuss your event requirements.

👉 Related Reading:

• PA Hire Yorkshire – Outdoor Event Checklist
• Two-Way Radio Hire for Safe Event Communication
• Sporting Event PA Hire

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