Statutory Guidance for Martyn's Law: What the Overview Tells Venues

Irwin Mitchell has published a piece setting out the background to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn's Law, and the statutory guidance expected to sit alongside it. The Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. The guidance is intended to help those responsible for premises understand what the new duties will involve once they come into force.

The Act splits premises into two tiers. Standard tier covers places where 200 to 799 people may reasonably be expected at the same time, and enhanced tier covers 800 or more. These counts include staff. Statutory guidance is meant to explain in practical terms how the duties apply, so commentary like this is a useful way for pub landlords, church wardens, hall managers and event organisers to start getting familiar with the shape of the rules.

The duties are not in force yet. Commencement 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 live. There is nothing to comply with today — this is a chance to read, learn and prepare calmly.

Work out which tier your premises is likely to fall into based on how many people may be present at once. Keep an eye out for the official statutory guidance as it develops, and treat overviews like this as helpful background rather than the final word. Starting your preparation early gives you plenty of time before the duties begin.