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Does Martyn's Law apply to my venue?
In short
Martyn's Law covers buildings mainly used for things like food and drink eaten on site, hotels, entertainment and venues for hire, where it is reasonable to expect 200 or more people at the same time, staff included. 200 to 799 is the standard tier; 800 or more is the enhanced tier. The duties are not in force yet: the regulator expects them to start in spring 2027.
4. At your regular busiest time, how many people are on your premises at once?
A peak that happens most weeks or every season, not a one-off. Count only the part you are responsible for.
Not sure? Start from the safe occupancy figure in your fire risk assessment, your seats plus standing room, or your own busiest-night counts.
This is general guidance based on the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 and the Home Office guidance, not a legal determination. The duties are not yet in force.
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Questions people ask first
Is Martyn's Law in force yet?
Not yet. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 became law on 3 April 2025, but its duties only start when the government sets a date. The Security Industry Authority, which will regulate it, expects the Act to come into force in spring 2027.
Does Martyn's Law apply to venues under 200 people?
No. Premises are only in scope if it is reasonable to expect 200 or more people there at the same time, from time to time, staff included. Under 200, the Act does not apply to the premises, though ticketed events of 800 or more have their own rules.
Do staff count towards the 200?
Yes. The Home Office guidance says the figure must include everyone on the premises at the same time, including staff.
What does a standard tier venue have to do?
Notify the Security Industry Authority, and have appropriate public protection procedures in place so far as reasonably practicable: how staff would evacuate people, move them to a safer place inside, stop people entering or leaving, and tell them what is happening. There is no requirement to buy equipment.