The law applies to public ‘Premises’ and ‘Events’.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is UK legislation designed to ensure the public is better protected from terrorism. It aims to dos this by requiring certain public premises and events to be prepared and ready to keep people safe in the event of an attack. The Act is commonly called ‘Martyn’s Law’ in tribute to Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena attack.

The Act establishes the SIA as the regulator of Martyn’s Law. It is expected that the Act will come into force in spring 2027. HM government will confirm the exact date ahead of when this happens.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-terrorism-protection-of-premises-act-2025

For premises and events to be in scope, they must meet specific conditions and be used for activities listed in the Act.

They are separated into two categories: the Standard Tier and Enhanced Tier.

Are your ‘premises’ in scope?

Is your ‘event’ in scope?

Please read the following guidance:

https://www.protectuk.police.uk/martyns-law

https://www.protectuk.police.uk/martyns-law/scope

https://www.protectuk.police.uk/martyns-law/martyns-law-frequently-asked-questions

Martyn’s Law explained: scope infographics

Premises: Infographic Scope-Premises NM HD WEB (002).pdf

Events: CS NM Infographic Scope- Events [WEB].pdf

Martyn’s Law explained: animations

Who is in scope protectuk.police.uk/sites/default/files/2026-04/32.34_ho_mlaw_animation_01_v6_subbed_0.mp4

What are the different tiers of the Act protectuk.police.uk/sites/default/files/2026-04/32.34_ho_mlaw_animation_02_v5_subbed.mp4

What are the legal requirements under the Act protectuk.police.uk/sites/default/files/2026-04/32.34_ho_mlaw_animation_03_v5_subbed.mp4

Security Industry Authority (SIA)

The SIA is the regulator for Martyn’s Law Understanding Martyn’s Law and the SIA’s role as regulator – GOV.UK

The role of the regulator is to enforce Martyn’s Law by:

• helping those responsible for qualifying premises and qualifying events comply with the law
• assessing compliance
• identifying non-compliance and bringing premises and events in scope into compliance

Their approach to assessing compliance will involve desk-based assessments and on-site inspections. They will use a risk-based approach, informed by intelligence and their compliance assessments. Their focus will be on whether those in scope of the Act have taken reasonable steps to comply. The SIA will consider the particular circumstances of all premises and each event when assessing compliance.

The SIA will typically give at least 72 hours’ notice before an on-site inspection. They can ask a court to give us a warrant to enter premises without notice in some circumstances.