A plain-English refresher on what Martyn's Law will mean for your venue

Counter Terror Business has published an overview explaining what Martyn's Law — the everyday name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 — will mean for the people who run public premises. It is a recap of the main points rather than new rules. The Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, but its duties are not in force yet. Commencement is expected in spring 2027, with the exact date still to be confirmed.

The law sorts premises into two tiers based on how many people may reasonably be expected at the same time, counting staff as well as the public. The standard tier covers premises where 200 to 799 people may be present. The enhanced tier covers 800 or more. The Security Industry Authority will be the regulator, though its notification process is not yet live.

For pubs, churches, halls, cinemas and event spaces, the headline message is simple: there is time to get familiar before anything bites. Articles like this are useful for explaining the shape of the law in plain terms. Treat them as background reading, not as formal guidance on your duties.

Work out roughly how many people your premises holds at its busiest, including staff, so you know which tier you are likely to fall into. Keep an eye on official updates from the Home Office and the SIA for confirmed dates and detail. There is nothing to file or register yet — this is a moment to read, understand and start planning at your own pace.