Martyn's Law 2026: What Businesses and Venue Operators Need to Know

Martyn's Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, represents one of the most significant changes to public venue security legislation in recent years.

Introduced to strengthen protective security and improve preparedness against potential terrorist attacks, the Act places responsibilities on those responsible for certain publicly accessible premises and events across the UK. While the legislation is now law, organisations still have time to prepare before its requirements come into force.

What Is Martyn's Law?

Martyn's Law was introduced following years of campaigning led by Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, who was one of the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.

The legislation aims to improve organisational preparedness and protective security by ensuring that qualifying premises and events have appropriate plans, procedures and awareness measures in place to help protect the public should a terrorist incident occur.

The Act adopts a proportionate approach, with requirements varying depending on the size and nature of the premises or event.

Current Implementation Timeline

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. However, the legislation is not expected to become enforceable immediately. The Government has confirmed an implementation period of at least 24 months, allowing organisations sufficient time to understand their obligations and prepare accordingly.

This means businesses, venue operators, event organisers and other duty holders should use this period to review their current arrangements and begin planning for compliance.

Who May Be Affected?

The legislation is expected to apply to a range of publicly accessible premises and qualifying events where members of the public gather.

Depending on the size and type of premises, organisations may be required to implement preparedness measures, staff awareness procedures and, in some cases, additional protective security considerations designed to reduce vulnerabilities and improve response capabilities.

Understanding whether your premises or events fall within scope should be a priority for organisations that regularly host members of the public.

Resources Available to Support Organisations

A range of official guidance materials are available through ProtectUK to help organisations understand the legislation and begin preparing for future compliance.

Resources include:

• Premises Scope Infographic

• Event Scope Infographic

• Top Tips Guidance

• One Page Information Leaflet

• Martyn's Law Mythbuster Document

• Additional implementation guidance and updates

These resources are designed to help organisations assess their responsibilities and develop practical, proportionate approaches to preparedness.

Why Organisations Should Start Preparing Now

Although compliance is not yet mandatory, early preparation can help organisations identify gaps in their current procedures, improve staff awareness and ensure a smoother transition when the legislation comes into force.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is expected to act as the regulator for the Act, and further guidance will continue to be released throughout the implementation period. Organisations that begin planning now will be in a stronger position to meet future requirements while demonstrating a commitment to public safety and operational resilience.

Looking Ahead

Martyn's Law marks an important shift towards greater preparedness and accountability for publicly accessible premises and events throughout the UK.

While enforcement remains some time away, organisations should take advantage of the implementation period to familiarise themselves with the legislation, review available guidance and begin taking practical steps towards compliance.

As further guidance becomes available, businesses and venue operators should continue to monitor developments and ensure their preparedness plans remain up to date.

For organisations looking to better understand their responsibilities and prepare for future compliance, the ProtectUK's Martyn's Law guidance hub provides the latest official guidance, implementation updates and practical resources to support readiness planning.