Institute of Licensing Publishes Martyn’s Law Guidance

The Institute of Licensing (IoL) is pleased to announce the publication of its Martyn’s Law guidance, produced to support licensing professionals, operators, regulators and partners as the UK prepares for the implementation of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.

The intention of the Guidance, which has no statutory or legal status, is that it should operate as a basic initial guide to what is known – and yet to be announced – in relation to this important new regime. It will be an evolving document, developing as feedback is received from operators, councils, police and members of the public. 

The IoL believes it has a unique contribution to make, given the extensive combined expertise of its membership.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025—commonly known as Martyn’s Law—was introduced to strengthen the security and preparedness of public premises and events across the UK. The legislation requires those responsible for certain premises and qualifying events to consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack, and for larger premises to take proportionate steps to reduce vulnerability. It introduces a tiered approach based on the number of individuals reasonably expected to be present and establishes a new regulatory function within the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to oversee compliance and provide guidance.

The Institute of Licensing is grateful to Sir John Saunders, who chaired the Manchester Arena Inquiry, for his assistance and for providing the foreword to this Guidance. Sincere thanks are also extended to the IoL’s Special Interest Committee for Martyn’s Law, and in particular Jeremy Phillips KC of Francis Taylor Building, for their leadership and expertise.

Jeremy Phillips KC, Chair of the IoL’s Special Interest Committee for Martyn’s Law, said:

“Whilst so much time has passed since the terrible events of 22 May 2017 that has not lessened the importance of everyone playing their part in the fight against terrorism within our society. It is for that reason I am so pleased to be able finally to offer some guidance to members of the Institute of Licensing on key aspects of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, properly now known to all simply as ‘Martyn’s Law’.

“Although the legislation received Royal Assent last year it is still a long way from being brought into full effect. Both the Home Office and the Security Industry Authority still have a great deal of work to undertake to put in place the necessarily complex statutory scheme.

“Nonetheless, the need for vigilance never diminishes and it is for that reason that I am extremely proud of the efforts made by the entire Martyn’s Law team at the IoL in producing the attached document. Whilst our guidance has no legal effect I hope it will provide a helpful guide at this stage to members anxious to begin preparing for the challenges presented by the new regime.”

The Guidance will continue to evolve as the IoL receives feedback from all quarters. Members can stay up to date via the IoL’s dedicated resources page.