Martyn’s Law was introduced following recommendations arising from the Manchester Arena Inquiry and aims to improve public safety by ensuring organisations are better prepared to protect people from terrorist threats.

The legislation does not require organisations to predict where an attack may occur. Instead, it focuses on preparedness, planning, communication, and reducing the potential impact should an incident take place.

The underlying principle is simple:

Those responsible for publicly accessible premises and events should take reasonable and proportionate steps to protect people.

One of the most common questions we receive is:

“Does Martyn’s Law apply to my venue or event?”

The answer depends on several factors, including:

• The type of premises
• Whether the location is publicly accessible
• Expected occupancy levels
• Whether an event is taking place
• The number of people reasonably expected to be present at the same time
• Who has control of the premises or event

The legislation applies to both certain premises and qualifying events, with different requirements depending on the size and nature of the operation.

Determining whether your organisation falls within scope is often the first step towards compliance.

The Standard Tier generally applies where it is reasonable to expect between 200 and 799 people to be present at the same time.

For organisations within this category, the focus is primarily on establishing and maintaining appropriate procedures that can be implemented in the event of a terrorist incident.

These procedures may include:

• Evacuation arrangements
• Invacuation procedures
• Lockdown procedures
• Emergency communications
• Staff awareness and preparedness
• Incident response planning

The emphasis is on ensuring people understand what actions should be taken during an emergency rather than implementing extensive physical security infrastructure.

Enhanced Tier requirements apply to larger premises and qualifying events where 800 or more people may be expected to attend simultaneously.

In addition to procedural requirements, organisations within the Enhanced Tier may be required to demonstrate more comprehensive planning and protective measures.

Depending on the venue, event, and circumstances involved, this may include:

• Documented security plans
• Risk assessments
• Protective security measures
• Monitoring arrangements
• Access control procedures
• Security management processes
• Record keeping and compliance documentation

Requirements should always be proportionate to the circumstances and risks involved.

A key aspect of Martyn’s Law is identifying the “Responsible Person.”

Responsibility is generally determined by control, rather than ownership.

In practice, this means responsibility may sit with:

• Venue operators
• Event organisers
• Management companies
• Occupiers of premises
• Organisations with operational control of the location or event

Where responsibilities are shared between multiple parties, effective cooperation and coordination are essential to ensure compliance.

Understanding who holds responsibility is often one of the first areas we help clients clarify.

A common misconception is that Martyn’s Law will require every organisation to install airport-style security measures.

This is not the intention of the legislation.

The statutory guidance repeatedly refers to the concept of reasonably practicable measures.

This means that expectations should be:

• Proportionate
• Realistic
• Suitable for the venue
• Suitable for the event
• Appropriate to the level of risk

What is considered reasonable for a major arena or festival will be very different from what may be appropriate for a smaller public venue.

The objective is not to create unnecessary burdens but to ensure organisations have sensible and effective arrangements in place.

Although enforcement has not yet begun, the framework is now established and organisations have a valuable opportunity to prepare ahead of implementation.

Many of the measures expected under Martyn’s Law already align with recognised best practice in security and emergency planning, including:

• Staff awareness training
• Incident response procedures
• Emergency communications
• Evacuation planning
• Lockdown procedures
• Protective security assessments

Organisations that begin reviewing their arrangements now are likely to find compliance significantly easier when the legislation comes fully into force.

Blue Diamond Security has extensive experience supporting venues, public events, productions, businesses, educational establishments and high-profile events throughout the United Kingdom.

Unlike organisations that focus solely on compliance advice, our experience is rooted in the practical delivery of security operations, event security, crowd management, venue protection and emergency response planning.

Our services can assist organisations with:

• Martyn’s Law readiness assessments
• Venue security reviews
• Event security planning
• Protective security advice
• Security risk assessments
• Lockdown and evacuation procedures
• Staff awareness guidance
• Emergency response planning
• Operational security support

Our approach focuses on practical, proportionate measures that support compliance whilst remaining realistic for your organisation.

For organisations wishing to review the legislation and supporting guidance directly, the following resources are available:

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025
https://www.legislation.gov.uk

Martyn’s Law Guidance
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/martyns-law-guidance-published-to-help-businesses

If you are unsure whether Martyn’s Law applies to your premises, venue or event, or would like professional guidance on preparing for compliance, our team is available to help.

Contact Blue Diamond Security today to discuss your requirements and arrange a Martyn’s Law readiness assessment.