Security body nudges venues to start preparing for Martyn's Law
Published
A piece from a university security association raises a simple question: are premises ready for Martyn's Law? It is a useful prompt to begin familiarising yourself now, well before the duties take effect.
What happened
Security Journal UK has reported on the Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO) asking whether organisations are ready for Martyn's Law. The piece is a readiness prompt rather than new rules. It reflects a wider push across the security community to get people thinking early about the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, which received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025.
What it means for venues
The question applies well beyond universities. Pubs, churches, halls, cinemas and event spaces will all sit somewhere in the new framework. Premises where 200 to 799 people may reasonably be expected at the same time fall into the standard tier; 800 or more falls into the enhanced tier. The count includes staff. The duties are not yet in force, so there is nothing to comply with today.
The timing
Commencement of the duties is expected in spring 2027, and the exact date is still to be confirmed. The Security Industry Authority will be the regulator, but its notification process is not yet live. So this is a window to learn and plan calmly, not a deadline to race against.
What to do now
Work out roughly how many people could be on your premises at once, so you know which tier is likely to apply. Have a quiet conversation with the people who run your site about simple, low-cost steps. Keep an eye out for official guidance as it is published. There is no need to buy equipment or rush changes yet.
This is our plain-English summary. Read the original in full at Security Journal UK.