{"id":17250,"date":"2025-08-12T11:49:36","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T11:49:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.chubbfs.com\/uk-en\/?p=17250"},"modified":"2025-08-12T11:49:36","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T11:49:36","slug":"martyns-law-what-it-means-for-public-venue-owners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.chubbfs.com\/uk-en\/martyns-law-what-it-means-for-public-venue-owners\/","title":{"rendered":"Martyn\u2019s Law: What It Means for Public Venue Owners"},"content":{"rendered":"
Martyn\u2019s Law received Royal Assent on Thursday 3 April 2025 \u2013 a significant step forward in helping to protect public spaces and events venues.<\/p>\n
This legislation, born from tragedy in 2017 and driven by a national campaign for better public safety, introduces a legal obligation for many public-facing businesses to assess and mitigate terrorist threats.<\/p>\n
With over two decades of experience supporting commercial public-facing organisations, Greg Lambert, Commercial Director and leading voice on Martyn\u2019s Law at Chubb, has helped businesses strengthen their safety culture and stay aligned with evolving fire and security legislation.<\/p>\n
Here, Greg Lambert takes a look at what the law, officially titled the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025<\/em>, entails, who it applies to and how you can prepare and begin to implement it now \u2013 not only to remain compliant but to lead with confidence in your industry.<\/p>\n Martyn\u2019s Law is the result of tireless campaigning by Figen Murray following the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, which claimed the life of her son Martyn Hett. While terrorism may feel like a remote threat, the duty to plan, protect and respond effectively is now becoming a formal responsibility \u2013 one that can\u2019t be overlooked.<\/p>\n Chubb Fire and Security supports hospitality operators and public venues with regulatory shifts and best practice and sees Martyn\u2019s Law as a defining moment for how we think about security in the UK.<\/p>\n The law introduces a tiered approach to compliance, based on the number of people reasonably expected to be present on-site.<\/p>\n To fall within scope, your premises must:<\/p>\n Events are also covered if they attract 800+ attendees and involve controlled access.<\/p>\n All four criteria must be met for premises to be within scope of Martyn\u2019s Law. If, for example, your premises do not have a building, do not serve a Schedule 1 public-facing function or do not expect 200+ people at once, then you do not fall within scope as a qualifying premises.<\/p>\n Standard Tier (200\u2013799 individuals):<\/p>\n Enhanced Tier (800+ individuals or qualifying events):<\/p>\n This legal test, familiar to those with fire or health and safety responsibilities, ensures that obligations remain proportionate. You’re not expected to invest beyond your means, but you must take logical, effective steps to reduce harm based on your resources and operational context.<\/p>\n This is where expert support can make all the difference. A tailored, risk-based approach will not only help you meet expectations but also demonstrate due diligence in the eyes of regulators.<\/p>\n For most venues, this will be the person or organisation controlling day-to-day operations. In the case of events, it could be the promoter or managing body with control of the site.<\/p>\n For larger operators, a senior individual must be named \u2013 someone who sits at director or partner level and is ultimately accountable for compliance.<\/p>\n The SIA will oversee implementation and offer advice and support while ensuring compliance. Enforcement powers will include:<\/p>\n Implementation is expected to take around 24 months, giving venues time to plan and adjust. However, you shouldn\u2019t wait. Making adjustments now will mean your business and visitors are protected sooner, building trust and enabling you to lead with credibility.<\/p>\n Yes. While national security is a reserved matter, the Act applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, with collaboration from devolved governments to ensure smooth operation.<\/p>\n Special provisions apply:<\/p>\n While no specific courses are mandated, the law requires that staff responsible for implementing protective measures are appropriately trained or instructed. The emphasis is on real-world readiness, not compliance box-ticking.<\/p>\n Use any reliable method such as fire safety occupancy limits, historical data, ticket sales or anticipated event capacity. The phrase \u201cfrom time to time\u201d<\/em> means that if thresholds are met during busy periods (e.g. weekends, holidays), the law still applies even if those numbers aren\u2019t reached daily.<\/p>\n At present, the Government has no plans to offer direct funding. However, extensive statutory guidance is promised, and expert partnerships can help you deploy smart, efficient solutions.<\/p>\n Absolutely. Martyn\u2019s Law sets a new benchmark, and even venues not formally in scope are being encouraged to adopt its principles. Free resources such as ProtectUK\u2019s<\/a> eLearning tools and resources are a good starting point.<\/p>\n If your business is open and welcomes the public, then we recommend taking this opportunity to reassess your readiness and strengthen your safety plans.<\/p>\n Smart solutions can fast-track your readiness. For example, Chubb\u2019s SafeZone<\/a>\u00ae<\/sup> is a cloud-based safety app offering:<\/p>\n With SafeZone, you can gain control, clarity and peace of mind that your people, property and assets are protected.<\/p>\n Martyn\u2019s Law will reshape how the UK manages public safety and presents a chance for businesses to stand out. The best-prepared venues won\u2019t just meet minimum standards, they\u2019ll embed a culture of preparedness, earn the trust of visitors and lead the way in their sectors.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re managing a busy hospitality venue or planning large-scale public events, now is the time to act. Not because the law demands it, but because it\u2019s the right thing to do.<\/p>\n Do you need some expert advice on preparing your venue or event for Martyn\u2019s Law? Let\u2019s talk<\/a>.<\/p>\n Here at Chubb, we can support you with everything from a strategic review of your security to installation of tailored solutions.<\/p>\nWhy Was Martyn\u2019s Law Introduced \u2013 and Why Should You Take Notice?<\/h2>\n
Who is Affected by Martyn\u2019s Law?<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
What Are the Standard and Enhanced Tiers \u2013 and What do They Require?<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
What Does \u201cReasonably Practicable\u201d Really Mean in Practice?<\/h2>\n
Who is Considered the \u2018Responsible Person\u2019?<\/h2>\n
What\u2019s the Role of the Security Industry Authority (SIA)?<\/h2>\n
\n
Does the Law Apply Across all Nations of the UK?<\/h2>\n
What if You Run a School, Church, or Volunteer-led Space?<\/h2>\n
\n
Do You Need to Train Staff Under Martyn\u2019s Law?<\/h2>\n
How Should You Calculate Attendance Thresholds?<\/h2>\n
Will Financial Support be Available?<\/h2>\n
What if Your Venue or Event isn\u2019t Covered? Should You Still Act?<\/h2>\n
How Can Digital Tools Help You Comply?<\/h2>\n
\n
Lead With Confidence in a Changing Security Landscape<\/h2>\n