Martyn's Law For Event Organisers

Published 28 October 2026 · Facts checked 28 October 2026

Martyn's Law, formally the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is the biggest change to event and venue security in the UK for a generation. It received Royal Assent in April 2025 and is expected to come into force around April 2027, after an implementation period of at least 24 months. Here is what it means for event organisers, planners and venues, in plain terms.

Why the law exists

The Act is named after Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. It follows a long campaign led by his mother, Figen Murray, for venues and events to be better prepared for terrorism. Its aim is simple: that people responsible for busy places think ahead, plan and train, so that staff know what to do if the worst happens.

Who it applies to

The Act applies to publicly accessible premises and to certain events, based on how many people are expected to be there at the same time, including staff. There are two tiers.

Standard tier: premises where 200 to 799 people could be present at the same time
Enhanced tier: premises where 800 or more people could be present at the same time
Qualifying events: events where 800 or more people, including staff, are reasonably expected at the same time and where entry is checked, for example by tickets

What the standard tier requires

The standard tier is about procedures rather than equipment. The duties are designed to be simple and low cost, and there is no requirement to install physical measures. In practice that means having clear procedures that staff understand, such as how to evacuate, how to move people to safety inside the building, how to lock down, and how to communicate with people on site during an incident.

What the enhanced tier and qualifying events require

Larger premises and qualifying events carry more responsibility. As well as procedures, those responsible must put in place appropriate public protection measures, document what they have done and why, and share that documentation with the regulator. A senior individual may need to be designated with responsibility for compliance.

Appropriate public protection measures, such as monitoring, entry checks and managing how people arrive and leave
A written record of the measures and the reasoning behind them
Notifying the regulator and providing that documentation
A designated senior individual where the Act requires one

Who enforces it

The Security Industry Authority (SIA), which already licenses security officers, will regulate the new regime. It will give advice, carry out inspections and take enforcement action for serious or persistent failures. Its powers include compliance notices, restriction notices and monetary penalties. Published guidance from law firms describes maximum fines of up to £18 million or 5% of worldwide revenue, whichever is higher, and daily penalties for continued non-compliance.

What event organisers should do now

Spring 2027 sounds a long way off, but events being booked today will run under the new rules. Organisers who plan now will find compliance routine rather than rushed.

Work out which tier your venues and events fall into, using realistic peak numbers including staff
Ask your venues how they plan to meet their duties, and how your event fits into that
Write down your procedures for evacuation, moving people to safety, lockdown and communication
Brief your staff and suppliers so everyone knows their role
Review your security provider's approach to entry checks, monitoring and crowd management
Keep records of decisions, because the enhanced tier requires documentation

How Opord Group can help

We plan event security around your venue, your guest numbers and your running order. For organisers preparing for Martyn's Law, we can help you think through procedures, staff briefings, entry checks and crowd flow, and provide SIA-licensed officers on the day. This article is general information, not legal advice: for formal compliance decisions, take advice from a qualified adviser and follow the SIA's official guidance.

Martyn's Law: What Event Organisers Need To Know