Government publishes plain-English factsheets on Martyn's Law

GOV.UK has published a collection of factsheets covering the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, better known as Martyn's Law. The documents set out the aims of the Act and how it is intended to work. They sit alongside the legislation, which received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, and give a shorter, more readable overview than the full text of the law.

If you run a pub, church, hall, cinema or organise events, these factsheets are a straightforward starting point. They explain the two tiers: the standard tier for premises where 200 to 799 people may reasonably be expected at the same time, and the enhanced tier for 800 or more. Remember that the count includes your staff. The factsheets are background reading, not the law itself, and they are not a substitute for professional advice.

The duties under the Act are not active. Commencement is expected in spring 2027, and the exact date is still to be confirmed. The Security Industry Authority will be the regulator, but its notification process is not yet live. There is no action you must take today and no deadline to meet right now — this is about familiarising yourself early.

Read the factsheets to understand which tier is likely to apply to your premises. Start a rough headcount of your busiest realistic occupancy, staff included, so you know roughly where you stand. Keep the link handy and check back for updates, as more detail is expected before commencement.