Trade press takes stock of Martyn's Law as venues start to prepare

Counter Terror Business has published an overview on navigating Martyn's Law — the everyday name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, which became law on 3 April 2025. Coverage like this is a sign that awareness is building across sectors as the start date approaches. The duties are not yet in force. Commencement is expected in spring 2027, and the exact date has not been confirmed.

The Act will set up two groups. Standard tier covers premises where 200 to 799 people may reasonably be expected at the same time. Enhanced tier covers those expecting 800 or more. The headcount includes staff, not just customers or visitors. Knowing roughly which band your venue falls into is a useful first step.

For pubs, churches, halls, cinemas and event spaces, the main message is that there is still time to get familiar without rushing. The Security Industry Authority will be the regulator, but its notification process is not yet live, so there is nothing to register today. Articles like this are background reading, not official guidance on what the law requires.

Use the lead-in period to estimate your likely capacity, note which tier that points to, and start thinking about simple, sensible steps your team could take. Treat third-party coverage as helpful context and watch for official updates from the Home Office and the SIA as the start date firms up. This is preparation, not a legal obligation you need to meet yet.