Home Office publishes Martyn's Law guidance while the SIA opens a consultation

Two developments have been reported together. The Home Office has issued guidance to help premises understand the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn's Law. At the same time, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which will act as the regulator, has launched a consultation. A consultation is a formal way of gathering views before decisions are finalised.

This is a step towards clearer detail on how the regime will work in practice. It does not change the timing: the duties are still expected to commence in spring 2027, and the exact date has not been confirmed. Nothing is enforceable now. The guidance and consultation are there to help operators familiarise themselves and to shape how the rules are applied.

The Act splits premises into two tiers based on how many people may reasonably be expected at the same time, including staff. The standard tier covers 200 to 799 people, and the enhanced tier covers 800 or more. Knowing roughly which tier your venue falls into is a sensible starting point.

There is no action forced by these announcements. If you have time, read the Home Office guidance and consider whether the SIA consultation is relevant to your venue or sector — responding is one way to have a say. Otherwise, keep preparing calmly: estimate your likely capacity, note who is responsible, and stay in the loop as more detail is confirmed.