Martyn’s Law glossary
The Act uses a handful of terms in very specific ways — and getting them right is half the battle. Here is each one in plain English, with who it affects and where to go next.
Capacity (number reasonably expected)
The number of people reasonably expected at the same time — including staff — not your seating, licensed or fire capacity.
Read moreEnhanced tier
Premises or events where 800 or more people may reasonably be expected. Requires procedures plus additional measures and documentation.
Read moreFrom time to time
The capacity test looks at your predictable peaks, not your average — a busy night that happens occasionally still counts.
Read moreInvacuation
Bringing people inside, or moving them to a safer place within the building, when it is safer than evacuating.
Read moreMartyn's Law
The everyday name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, which asks larger UK venues and events to prepare for a terrorist attack.
Read morePublic protection measures
The additional, enhanced-tier requirements on top of procedures: monitoring, movement, physical safety and security of information.
Read morePublic protection procedures
The four simple procedures every in-scope venue needs: evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication.
Read moreQualifying event
An event at premises, open to the public with controlled entry, where 800 or more people may be present at some point.
Read moreQualifying premises
A building or site mainly used for a Schedule 1 activity where 200 or more people may reasonably be expected at once.
Read moreResponsible person
Whoever has control of the premises or event for its main use — the person who holds the Martyn's Law duty.
Read moreSchedule 1 (qualifying uses)
The list in the Act of the kinds of use — hospitality, entertainment, retail, worship, education and more — that can bring premises into scope.
Read moreSecurity Industry Authority (SIA)
The regulator for Martyn's Law. It will oversee the duties, advise, and (for serious failures) enforce.
Read moreSo far as reasonably practicable
The standard the Act uses for enhanced measures — proportionate to the venue, its risks and what is feasible, not a fixed checklist.
Read moreStandard tier
Premises where 200 to 799 people may reasonably be expected at the same time. Requires simple, low-cost public protection procedures.
Read moreTerrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025
The formal name for Martyn's Law — the UK Act of Parliament that creates the duties on premises and events.
Read more
Not legal advice or a guarantee of compliance. Review and approve all documents before use.