Are you a building owner or property manager? You need to know about Martyn’s Law

Or to give it its full name, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.

The Act is informally named after Martyn Hett, who was tragically killed in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017. Martyn's mother, Figen Murray, has campaigned tirelessly to improve protective security measures against terrorism in public places.

Martyn's Law is the result.

It will apply to the whole of the United Kingdom, and there will be a 24-month implementation period before it comes into effect.

What will Martyn's Law mean?

In short, Martyn's Law will mandate operators of qualifying premises to develop and implement plans and procedures. You may also have a requirement to comply even if you're not running an event, but are leasing or managing a space used by the public.

To avoid being penalised, you would be well advised to plan ahead of the implementation of the Act. This will mean that:

1. You are better placed to respond in the event of a terrorist attack
2. The public are better protected in your premises against the threat of terrorism
3. Lessons from past tragedies are learned, and designed to save lives in the future.

How does Martyn's Law work?

There will be a two-tier system. For qualifying premises with a capacity of between 200 – 799 people, there will be a Standard Duty. This Duty will require fairly-simple low-cost measures, which might include locking doors, safe zones, evacuation plans etc. Physical measures will not be required.

For qualifying premises with a capacity of between 800 people or more, the requirements will be even more stringent, known as the Enhanced Duty which may include emergency plans, vulnerability reduction, bag checks, or security patrols.

In the coming months the government is expected to publish detailed guidance to help duty holders understand and comply with their obligations.

How will Martyn's Law be enforced?

A qualifying premises must nominate a responsible person – in other words, someone ultimately in control of the premises.

In a case of serious or persistent non-compliance, the Security Industry Authority will be given the power to enforce notices or potential fines and there may even be criminal offences in some circumstances – not unlike offences under the Health and Safety Act. 

Importantly, Martyn's Law places responsibility on the Responsible Person - this could include (but is not limited to) landlords or property management companies if they control over communal areas.

What does this mean for you?

If you own or manage a building that hosts public events, you will need to understand and be prepared for any proposed changes when the Act is implemented.

As ever, the devil is in the detail, and no two premises are the same so it is imperative that you clarify how it will affect you as soon as possible.

Preparing for Martyn's Law

If you manage a building, you should consider:

• Reviewing lease terms and management agreements
• Engaging with tenants to understand their use and if it is in the scope of the Act
• Documenting risk assessments and consider any measures that may need to be in place upon implementation
• Updating your building safety documents to reflect any proposed processes or procedures.

If you own a building, you should:

• Know your tier – work out whether you will have a Standard Duty or an Enhanced Duty
• Consider who will be appointed the responsible person
• Conduct a risk assessment – evaluate existing vulnerabilities, etc
• Consider staff training.