How you'll tell the SIA your venue is in scope: new notification guidance
Published
The government has published guidance on the duty to notify the Security Industry Authority about premises covered by Martyn's Law. The process is not yet live, but the detail is now clearer.
What happened
GOV.UK has released guidance explaining the notification requirement under section 9 of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. In simple terms, this covers how responsible people for premises in scope will need to let the Security Industry Authority (SIA) know their venue is covered. The SIA is the regulator for the new rules.
What it means for venues
If your premises fall within the standard tier (200 to 799 people who may reasonably be expected at once, including staff) or the enhanced tier (800 or more), you will at some point need to notify the SIA. This new guidance gives an early look at what that step will involve, so you can plan ahead rather than be caught out later.
Remember the timing
The duties are not in force yet. Commencement is expected in spring 2027, and the exact date is still to be confirmed. The SIA's notification process is also not live at this stage. Nothing here requires action from you today.
What to do now
Work out roughly how many people your venue can hold at peak times, staff included, so you know which tier is likely to apply. Read the guidance so the notification step is familiar when it opens. Keep a note of who in your organisation would be responsible for making the notification.
This is our plain-English summary. Read the original in full at GOV.UK.