Law firm flags statutory guidance and SIA consultation under Martyn's Law
Published
A legal analysis sets out what duty holders should expect from the statutory guidance and the regulator's consultation as preparation for Martyn's Law continues.
What happened
Law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has published an analysis of where things stand under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, better known as Martyn's Law. The piece looks at the statutory guidance that will support the Act, the consultation being run by the regulator, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), and what these mean for the people who will hold duties once the regime is live. The Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, but its duties are not yet in force.
What it means for venues
Statutory guidance is the practical detail that explains how the duties are expected to work in everyday settings. A consultation is a chance for the regulator to gather views before the rules are finalised. For pubs, churches, halls, cinemas and event organisers, this is a sign that the framework is being filled in step by step ahead of commencement. Nothing here changes your obligations today.
A reminder on the tiers
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. The enhanced tier covers 800 or more. Knowing roughly which tier your venue falls into is a sensible early step.
What to do now
There is no action required under the law yet. Commencement is expected in spring 2027, with the exact date still to be confirmed, and the SIA's notification process is not yet live. Use this time to estimate your likely numbers, note which tier you would sit in, and keep an eye out for the final statutory guidance when it is published.
This is our plain-English summary. Read the original in full at Norton Rose Fulbright.