Martyn’s Law: Strengthening The Security of Public Spaces

Are You Ready for Martyn’s Law?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 will improve protective security and organisational preparedness across the UK by requiring that those responsible for certain premises and events consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack.  

In addition to this, at certain larger premises and events, appropriate steps to reduce vulnerability to terrorist attacks must also be considered. Through the Act, qualifying premises and events should be better prepared and protected, ready to respond in the event of a terrorist attack.  

The Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. While it won’t be enforced immediately, organisations have around two years to understand and act on their new responsibilities.

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Martyn’s Law: A Tiered Approach

The Act establishes a tiered approach, linked to the number of individuals it is reasonable to expect may be present at the same time at premises and events.  

The requirements for each tier are:

• Standard: will drive good preparedness outcomes. Locations with a maximum occupancy of >100 people at any time will be required to undertake simple yet effective activities to improve protective security and preparedness. This will be achieved by the development of a basic preparedness plan considering how best a location can respond to a terrorist event in their locale.

• Enhanced: focused on high-capacity locations in recognition of the potential consequences of a successful attack. Locations with an occupancy of 800+ at any time will additionally be required to conduct a risk assessment and develop and implement a security plan. Enhanced duty holders will be required to meet a reasonably practicable test.

Does Martyn’s Law Apply to Your Site or Event?

Premises that satisfy the following four criteria fall within scope of the Act:  

• There is at least one building (or the premises are in a building);  

• The premises are wholly or mainly used for one or more of the uses specified at Schedule 1 to the Act, e.g. a restaurant or a shop;  

• It is reasonable to expect that at least 200 individuals may be present at least occasionally; and  

• The premises are not excluded under Schedule 2 to the Act  

If 800 or more individuals may be expected, the premises will be an enhanced duty premises unless the Act says otherwise.  

Events that satisfy the following criteria fall within scope of the Act:  

1. It will take place at premises within section 3(1)(a) of the Act, including land without buildings, that are not enhanced duty premises (or part of enhanced duty premises);  

2. The relevant premises are accessible to members of the public for the purpose of the event;  

3. It is reasonable to expect that there will be at least 800 individuals present for the event at once at some point during it;  

4. There will be measures to check entry conditions are met, such as a ticket checks; and  

5. The event is not excluded under Schedule 2 to the Act.  

How Will the Act Be Enforced?

To support and enforce Martyn’s Law, a new regulatory function is being created within the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

The SIA’s role will be to guide, support and advise those responsible for premises and events - helping them understand the requirements and take practical steps to meet them. But it will also have the authority to take action if those responsibilities are ignored.

If there’s serious or ongoing non-compliance, the SIA will be able to issue:

• Compliance notices

• Monetary penalties

• Restriction notices

The legislation also includes some criminal offences.

Before enforcement begins, the SIA must publish official guidance explaining how it will carry out its responsibilities. This guidance will need to be signed off by the Home Secretary.

Importantly, there will be a lead-in period of at least 24 months before the law comes into force. This gives time to set up the regulator and, crucially, allows businesses and event organisers to fully understand their obligations and get ready.

The legislation will apply across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to ensure consistency in keeping the public safe across all parts of the United Kingdom.

Want to Be Fully Prepared?

Although the legislation won’t be enforced for at least two years, there’s plenty you can do now to start building stronger, smarter security practices.

ProtectUK created a checklist to help ensure that the right protective security measures are in place.

• Review your Security and Business Continuity Plans

• Increase staff vigilance: Ensure all staff are fully briefed to positively engage with customers and report any suspicious activity to security or police  

• Enhance your security presence where appropriate

• Review your Emergency Assembly Point

• Review and communicate any emergency/evacuation procedures to staff and ensure all necessary equipment, including first aid supplies, are readily available

• Review Evacuation, Invacuation and Lockdown procedures. Ensure that you have plans for vulnerable staff and visitors and designated marshals to support this activity

• Check the ability to control access points to your premises

• Check CCTV is fully operational and that you have available staff who are trained to operate it

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Wavestore: Helping You Stay Prepared for Martyn’s Law

At Wavestore, our open-platform video management system (VMS) brings together live monitoring, powerful analytics, and seamless integration with third-party systems - giving you a solution that’s built around your site’s real-world needs.

Unified Video & Security Management:

Manage video, access control, audio, and intruder systems all in one place. Our interface is designed for speed and clarity - so your team can act fast when it matters.

Smarter Risk Planning with Analytics:

Wavestore supports a range of analytics, including people counting, behaviour detection, and zone monitoring. These tools help you understand occupancy, identify risks, and inform your response plans.

Quick Access to Footage:

Need to respond to an incident or support an investigation? Our system makes it easy to search, review, and export footage quickly - so you’re never caught unprepared.

Built to Integrate:

Wavestore’s open platform works with hundreds of camera brands and third-party systems. This gives you the flexibility to expand or upgrade your setup without starting over.

Wavestore Health Monitor:

Wavestore’s camera and server health monitor empowers you with instant alerts, giving you the situational awareness you need to address faults and issues across all connected servers and cameras.

Cybersecurity Built In:

Protect your data with Linux-based security for maximum reliability.

Case Study: Wavestore’s VMS in Action at Uruguay’s Stadiums

Whether you’re assessing your obligations under Martyn’s Law or already putting a plan in place, our team is here to help you. Let’s build safer spaces, together.

References

GOV.UK Martyn's Law Factsheet

ProtectUK Security Checklist for Businesses

RM Partners Martyn’s Law The Protect Duty: A Checklist

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