Law firm flags the countdown to Martyn's Law going 'live'
Published
A legal commentary from Burges Salmon looks ahead to the point when Martyn's Law duties begin to apply, with commencement still expected in spring 2027. Here is what the timeline means for everyday venues.
What happened
Law firm Burges Salmon has published a piece on the road towards Martyn's Law taking practical effect. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, but its duties are not yet in force. Commentary like this reflects a wider trend of advisers helping organisations think ahead, since the start date is approaching but has not yet arrived.
What it means for venues
Nothing changes for your premises today. The duties are still expected to commence in spring 2027, and the exact date has not been confirmed. The Security Industry Authority will be the regulator, and its notification process is not yet open. The growing volume of professional discussion is simply a sign that the lead-in period is a good time to get familiar, not a sign that anything is now enforceable.
A reminder of the tiers
It helps to know roughly where your premises might sit. The standard tier covers places where 200 to 799 people may reasonably be expected at the same time. The enhanced tier covers 800 or more. Both counts include staff, not just the public.
What to do now
Use this window to prepare calmly. Get a feel for how many people gather at your busiest times, and start thinking about simple, sensible steps your team could take. There is no need to register, certify or rush. Keep an eye out for official confirmation of the commencement date and for SIA guidance as it appears.
This is our plain-English summary. Read the original in full at Burges Salmon.