A plain-English guide to what the law is, whether it applies to your venue, and exactly what you need to do — without the jargon or the expensive consultants.
Martyn's Law is the common name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. It requires venues and events that meet certain capacity thresholds to take steps to be better prepared for, and protected from, terrorist attacks.
It's named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of 22 people killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. The law received Royal Assent in April 2025, and enforcement is expected to begin no earlier than spring 2027 — giving venues time to get ready.
The law has two tiers, based on how many people your premises can hold:
Standard tier
200–799 people
Simple, low-cost steps: a written procedure, staff awareness, and being ready. No expensive physical security required. This is most venues — and what Verith is built for.
Enhanced tier
800+ people
More detailed requirements, including a documented security plan. Larger venues and major events fall here.
Capacity is about the maximum number of people who could be present — so seasonal peaks, functions and busy nights count, even if your average is lower. Use the free checker to get a straight answer in about a minute.
The Home Office has been clear that standard-tier venues can comply without buying specialist services. In practice it comes down to three things:
A written plan covering what your team would do in an emergency — evacuation, moving people to safety inside (invacuation), lockdown, and communication.
The people working at your venue need to understand the procedure and their role in it — no security background required.
Keep records — training logs, drills, your procedure document — so you can show a regulator you've done what's required.
How Martyn's Law applies to your kind of venue, with examples and what to do next.
Answer three quick questions and get a straight answer. If it applies, Verith guides you through your Public Protection Procedure, staff training and drills — most venues are compliant within a week.
No card needed · 14-day free trial · Made for standard-tier venues
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