What Martyn's Law Means for Hotels Ahead of 2027

Hotel Management Network has published a piece on how Martyn's Law — the everyday name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 — is likely to affect the hotel sector. The Act received Royal Assent in April 2025, but its duties are not yet in force. Commencement is expected in spring 2027, with the exact date still to be confirmed.

Hotels often hold large numbers of people across bars, restaurants, conference suites and wedding or banqueting spaces. The Act works on how many people may reasonably be expected at the same time, and that count includes staff. Premises where 200 to 799 people may be present fall into the standard tier; 800 or more falls into the enhanced tier. Many hotels will need to work out which tier applies to them.

For now this is about getting familiar, not rushing. The Security Industry Authority will be the regulator, but its notification process is not yet live. Nothing is enforceable today. The sensible step is to understand your likely capacity, think about how your spaces are used, and start planning without pressure.

Estimate the largest number of people who could be on site at once, staff included, so you know which tier is likely to apply. Note who would take the lead on preparation. Keep an eye out for the confirmed commencement date and official SIA information as it is published. There is time to prepare steadily.