What is Martin's Law?

A comprehensive guide to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 and what it means for UK businesses

Understanding Martin's Law (TPPA 2025)

Martin's Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is landmark UK legislation that requires publicly accessible venues with a capacity of 100 or more people to implement protective security measures against terrorist threats.

The legislation is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017. His mother, Figen Murray, campaigned tirelessly for this law to help protect people at public venues.

Key Points:

  • Applies to all UK premises with 100+ capacity
  • Requires documented risk assessments
  • Mandates Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)
  • Staff must receive security awareness training
  • Non-compliance can result in significant penalties

Who Does Martin's Law Apply To?

Martin's Law applies to a wide range of premises across all sectors. If your venue can accommodate 100 or more people at any time, you are likely subject to this legislation.

Affected Sectors Include:

  • Corporate: Office buildings, business parks, conference centres
  • Education: Schools, colleges, universities
  • Retail: Shopping centres, large stores, supermarkets
  • Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, care homes
  • Entertainment: Theatres, cinemas, concert venues, nightclubs
  • Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars
  • Public: Libraries, council buildings, leisure centres
  • Religious: Churches, mosques, synagogues, temples
  • Sports: Stadiums, gyms, sports halls

Compliance Tiers Explained

Martin's Law creates two tiers of compliance based on venue capacity:

📋 Standard Tier

Capacity: 100-799 people

  • Terrorism risk assessment
  • Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
  • Staff awareness training
  • Documentation and record keeping

🏢 Enhanced Tier

Capacity: 800+ people

  • All Standard Tier requirements
  • Designated Senior Person (DSP)
  • Annual compliance reviews
  • Enhanced security procedures
  • More detailed documentation

Emergency Action Plan Requirements

A core requirement of Martin's Law is having a documented Emergency Action Plan. Your EAP must address the "Run, Hide, Tell" protocol:

🏃 RUN — Evacuation Procedures

Clear procedures for safely evacuating the premises, including designated routes, assembly points, and procedures for assisting those with mobility needs.

🔒 HIDE — Lockdown Protocols

Procedures for securing the premises when evacuation isn't safe, including identification of safe spaces and barricading techniques.

📞 TELL — Communication Systems

How to alert emergency services and communicate with staff, visitors, and relevant authorities during an incident.

Implementation Timeline

  • Early 2025: Standard Tier requirements came into effect
  • Mid 2025: Enhanced Tier requirements became mandatory
  • Ongoing: Regular reviews and updates required to maintain compliance

⚠️ Important:

Non-compliance with Martin's Law can result in significant penalties, including fines and potential closure notices. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is responsible for enforcement.

Need Help With Compliance?

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How We Can Help

  • Comprehensive site walkthroughs and risk assessments
  • Custom Emergency Action Plans tailored to your premises
  • Staff training and awareness programmes
  • Annual reviews and compliance monitoring
  • Full documentation and evidence management
  • Ongoing support as requirements evolve

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