New Martyn’s Law tools launched as regulator steps up preparation support for venues and events

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has unveiled a suite of practical planning tools designed to help qualifying premises and events prepare for the implementation of Martyn’s Law, while reaffirming its commitment to working closely with businesses, venues and event organisers as the new regulatory regime takes shape.

Martyn’s Law, formally the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, is expected to come into force in spring 2027 and will require certain publicly accessible premises and events to take proportionate steps to improve preparedness for a terrorist attack. The SIA has been appointed as the regulator and says preparation, testing and engagement remain central to its approach.

The newly released resources include a planning tool aimed at organisations that fall within the standard tier and a template intended for enhanced-tier premises and events. According to the SIA, both resources have been developed with input from volunteers from qualifying premises and events, alongside protective security partners.

For standard-tier premises, the planning tool is intended to help operators consider how they will establish procedures covering evacuation, lockdown, invacuation and communications during a terrorist incident. The enhanced-tier template is designed to support organisations in documenting compliance arrangements, assessing vulnerabilities and considering measures such as monitoring, movement of people, physical security and information security.

The announcement comes as the SIA expands its programme of pilot inspections and engagement activity. Early testing has included venues such as a nightclub, university and heritage site, while the regulator says it has lined up more than 30 additional premises and events to further test inspection processes. It is also preparing to trial its new digital service with organisations from across the sectors that will be covered by the legislation.

The regulator has also sought to address concerns that Martyn’s Law could result in the cancellation of community events. It notes that not all public gatherings will be qualifying events under the legislation and stresses that organisers should first determine whether they fall within scope before assuming additional requirements apply.

The SIA continues to direct organisations to existing guidance and flowcharts available through ProtectUK to help determine whether a premises or event is covered by the legislation. It has also highlighted that, while there is no legal requirement to complete specific training courses, staff involved in delivering public protection procedures must understand their responsibilities and be capable of carrying them out effectively.

Laura Gibb, Executive Director for Martyn’s Law at the SIA, said the new resources represent the first step in providing practical support for those preparing to comply with the legislation and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with the organisations that will be affected by the new requirements.

The regulator is inviting feedback on the tools until 23 December and is encouraging venues, event organisers and other responsible persons to begin reviewing their arrangements now, identifying any gaps and testing procedures before the law comes into force.