Law firm flags new statutory guidance and SIA consultation under Martyn's Law
Published
A legal analysis looks at the statutory guidance and the SIA's consultation work, and what they could mean for the people who will run premises under Martyn's Law.
What happened
Law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has published an analysis of where Martyn's Law stands. It looks at the statutory guidance that will sit alongside the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, the consultation work being done by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) as regulator, and what these mean for the people who will be responsible for premises. The Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, but its duties are not yet in force.
What it means for venues
This is commentary, not a change in the law. It is a sign that the detail behind the Act — guidance and the regulator's approach — is being worked through. For a pub, church, hall, cinema or event, the headline points still hold: the standard tier covers places where 200 to 799 people may reasonably be expected at once, and the enhanced tier covers 800 or more, counting staff. The SIA's notification process is not yet live.
On timing
Commencement of the duties is still expected in spring 2027, with the exact date to be confirmed. There is no live obligation now and no penalty for not having things in place yet. The point of items like this is to help you familiarise yourself ahead of time.
What to do now
Work out which tier your premises is likely to fall into, based on how many people could be present at once. Keep an eye out for the official statutory guidance and any SIA consultation outcomes, as these will shape the practical detail. For now, focus on getting familiar and quietly preparing — there is no need to rush.
This is our plain-English summary. Read the original in full at Norton Rose Fulbright.