With Martyn’s Law expected to come into force from spring 2027, many organisations are now asking the same question: how do you comply with Martyn’s Law? The answer may be simpler than you think. While the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 introduces new legal responsibilities for certain publicly accessible premises and events, compliance is primarily focused on preparedness, planning, staff awareness and effective communication rather than the installation of complex new security systems.
Whether you manage a school, university, hotel, theatre, shopping centre, healthcare facility or other public venue, Martyn’s Law requires you to consider how your organisation would respond to a terrorist incident and what practical measures are needed to help keep people safe. This includes developing procedures for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication, ensuring staff are appropriately trained, and reviewing how your existing infrastructure can support your emergency response plans.
In this guide, we’ll explain who Martyn’s Law applies to, outline the key compliance requirements, and explore the practical steps organisations can take today to prepare for the legislation and protect the people in their care.
What is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law is the common name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, legislation introduced to help publicly accessible premises and events improve their preparedness for the threat of terrorism. The law is designed to ensure that those responsible for venues take proportionate steps to protect people and reduce harm in the event of an attack through effective planning, staff awareness and clear emergency procedures.
Named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, the legislation places new responsibilities on organisations that operate publicly accessible premises and events. Rather than focusing solely on physical security measures, Martyn’s Law emphasises preparedness, requiring duty holders to consider how they would respond to an incident and ensure appropriate procedures are in place.
The legislation adopts a tiered approach based on occupancy levels. Standard Tier premises with a capacity of 200 to 799 people must implement simple, low-cost preparedness measures, while Enhanced Tier premises and events with capacities of 800 or more people are subject to additional requirements to assess vulnerabilities and implement appropriate protective measures.
For most organisations, compliance will centre around four key areas: evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication. This means having clear procedures, training staff on how to respond and ensuring reliable methods of communicating with building occupants during an emergency.
Does Martyn's Law apply to your premises?
Martyn’s Law applies to certain publicly accessible premises and events where it is reasonable to expect 200 or more people, including staff, to be present at the same time. If your organisation operates a venue that is open to the public, it’s important to understand whether you fall within the scope of the legislation and what level of compliance may be required.
The Act uses a tiered approach, with requirements based on the maximum occupancy of the premises or event.
Standard Tier Premises (200-799 occupants)
The Standard Tier applies to publicly accessible premises where between 200 and 799 people can reasonably be expected to be present at the same time. This tier is focused on straightforward, low-cost measures that improve preparedness and help staff respond effectively during a terrorist incident. Typical requirements include developing emergency procedures, raising staff awareness and ensuring there are plans in place for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication. Physical security measures are not generally required under the Standard Tier.
Enhanced Tier Premises (800+ occupants)
The Enhanced Tier applies to larger premises and qualifying events where 800 or more people may be present. In addition to the requirements placed on Standard Tier premises, organisations must assess their vulnerability to terrorism and implement appropriate and reasonably practicable measures to reduce risks and protect occupants. These additional requirements reflect the increased complexity and potential risks associated with larger venues and events.
What types of premises could be affected?
A wide range of venues may fall within the scope of Martyn’s Law, including:
- Schools, colleges and universities
- Hotels and conference centres
- Theatres, cinemas and entertainment venues
- Shopping centres and retail destinations
- Sports and leisure facilities
- Healthcare facilities
- Museums, galleries and public buildings
- Event spaces and temporary venues hosting qualifying events
Unsure whether Martyn’s Law applies to you?
If your premises regularly accommodates 200 or more people, now is a good time to review your occupancy levels, emergency procedures and responsibilities under the Act. Even before the legislation comes into force, taking steps to improve preparedness, staff training and incident response planning can help ensure your organisation is ready for compliance and better equipped to protect the people who use your premises.
Step 1: Appoint a Responsible Person
One of the first steps towards Martyn’s Law compliance is identifying the Responsible Person for your premises or event. This is the individual or organisation with control over the premises, such as the owner, managing agent, tenant or event organiser, who is legally accountable for ensuring the required procedures and measures are in place.
The Responsible Person plays a central role in coordinating compliance activities, reviewing risks and ensuring that staff understand how to respond in the event of a terrorist incident. They may not carry out every task themselves, but they are ultimately responsible for ensuring appropriate plans, procedures and training are implemented and maintained.
To support compliance, the Responsible Person should work with relevant stakeholders across facilities, health and safety, security, estates and operations teams to review existing emergency arrangements and identify any gaps. This includes considering how the organisation would respond to scenarios such as evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication during an incident.
By clearly assigning responsibility from the outset, organisations can create accountability, streamline decision-making and ensure a coordinated approach to Martyn’s Law compliance. This provides a strong foundation for the planning, training and procedural measures required under the legislation.
Step 2: Develop public protection procedures
Once a Responsible Person has been appointed, the next step is to develop clear public protection procedures that can help reduce harm and support an effective response during a terrorist incident. Martyn’s Law is centred on preparedness, meaning businesses should consider how they would respond in different scenarios and ensure staff understand the actions they need to take.
The specific procedures required will vary depending on the type of premises, its layout and occupancy levels, but most organisations should consider four key response strategies: evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication. Together, these procedures form the foundation of a coordinated emergency response plan.
Evacuation
Evacuation involves moving people away from danger and directing them to a place of relative safety. While many organisations already have evacuation plans in place for fire emergencies, Martyn’s Law requires duty holders to consider how evacuation procedures would work during a terrorist incident and whether any adaptations may be needed.
Invacuation
In some situations, bringing people inside a building may provide greater protection than evacuating. Known as invacuation, this procedure involves moving occupants from outdoor areas into a safer location within the premises and securing access points where appropriate. Organisations should identify suitable areas in advance and ensure staff understand when and how invacuation procedures should be implemented.
Lockdown
A lockdown procedure is designed to protect occupants from an external threat by securing all or part of a building and limiting movement until the risk has passed. This may involve locking doors, closing shutters, restricting access and directing people away from entrances and other vulnerable areas. Lockdown procedures should be practical, clearly documented and regularly reviewed to ensure they remain effective.
Communication
Clear communication is critical during any emergency. Staff and occupants need timely, reliable information that helps them understand the situation and take appropriate action. Organisations should review how emergency messages will be delivered, whether through fire systems, public address systems, voice alarms, mobile notifications or other communication channels. Effective communication can help reduce confusion, improve coordination and support safer outcomes during an incident.
Regardless of the size of the premises, public protection procedures should be documented, communicated to employees and tested regularly. By establishing clear plans for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication, companies can create a more prepared environment and take an important step towards Martyn’s Law compliance.
Step 3: Train staff and raise awareness
Having documented procedures is only part of Martyn’s Law compliance. Staff must also understand those procedures and know how to respond if an incident occurs. The legislation places a strong emphasis on preparedness and awareness, making staff training a key element of an effective public protection strategy.
All employees should be familiar with the emergency procedures relevant to their role, including evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication protocols. They should understand how to recognise potential threats, how to raise the alarm, and what actions to take to help keep themselves and others safe during an incident.
Training should be proportionate to the nature of the premises and the level of risk involved. This may include induction training for new employees, refresher sessions for existing staff, and practical exercises that test emergency procedures in realistic scenarios. Regular reviews can help ensure procedures remain up to date and that staff maintain confidence in their ability to respond effectively.
Organisations should also consider raising awareness beyond designated safety teams. Front-of-house staff, facilities personnel, managers and other employees who interact with building occupants may all have an important role to play during an emergency. Ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities can help create a coordinated and effective response when it matters most.
Ultimately, Martyn’s Law is about people as much as procedures. Well-trained staff who understand the risks and know how to act are essential to reducing confusion, supporting emergency response efforts and helping to protect building occupants during a terrorist incident.
Step 4: Review your existing life safety systems
When considering how to comply with Martyn’s Law, it can be tempting to assume that entirely new life safety systems will be required. However, the legislation focuses on preparedness, communication and proportionate response rather than prescribing specific technologies. Before investing in additional equipment, organisations should review the systems they already have in place and consider how they may support their public protection procedures.
Many premises already have fire alarm, voice alarm, public address or building management systems that play a critical role in communicating with occupants during an emergency. These systems may be capable of supporting procedures such as evacuation, invacuation and lockdown through configuration changes, integration or revised operating procedures. Reviewing your existing infrastructure can help identify opportunities to enhance preparedness while avoiding unnecessary cost and complexity.
As part of this review, organisations should assess whether their current systems can:
- Deliver clear and timely emergency notifications
- Distinguish between different types of incidents and responses
- Support evacuation, invacuation and lockdown procedures
- Provide reliable communication to staff and building occupants
- Integrate with other emergency response technologies where required
It’s also important to consider how systems and procedures work together. A well-designed response plan should ensure that alerts, instructions and emergency actions are coordinated, helping to reduce confusion and support a faster, more effective response during an incident.
For many organisations, Martyn’s Law compliance may be achievable by making better use of existing life safety infrastructure, supported by appropriate planning, staff training and system configuration. By understanding the capabilities of your current systems, you can take a more informed approach to preparedness and identify any gaps that need to be addressed before the legislation comes into force.
How Advanced can help you comply with Martyn’s Law
As explained above, Martyn’s Law does not dictate specific products or technologies. Instead, it requires organisations to develop appropriate procedures, communication methods and response plans that are proportionate to their premises and level of risk. This usually begins with understanding how their existing life safety infrastructure can support evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication procedures.
We encourage organisations to take a practical, proportionate approach to Martyn’s Law compliance by making better use of the Advanced systems they already have in place. Rather than introducing unnecessary complexity, our solutions can support emergency preparedness strategies through flexible configuration and clear communication.
Flexible lockdown and invacuation programming
For sites using Advanced’s MxPro 5 fire panels, cause-and-effect programming can be configured to support lockdown and invacuation procedures alongside traditional fire alarm functions. Alternative emergency responses can be triggered through manual call points (MCP), input devices or other configured system inputs, allowing organisations to create site-specific procedures that align with their risk assessments and operational requirements.
Clear emergency communication
Communication is a central element of Martyn’s Law compliance. Advanced panels can support clear emergency notification strategies through sounders, beacons and integration with other communication systems where required. Distinct alerts can help customers and staff recognise different types of incidents and respond appropriately, reducing confusion during an emergency.
Guidance and technical support
Preparing for Martyn’s Law is about more than technology alone. Our technical experts can provide guidance on system configuration, lockdown programming, integrations and emergency communication strategies, helping organisations develop practical solutions that support their wider preparedness plans. Whether you’re reviewing existing procedures or exploring how your fire system can contribute to your response strategy, our team can help you identify the most appropriate approach for your premises.
By combining flexible life safety solutions with expert support, Advanced can help organisations strengthen preparedness, improve emergency communication and make informed decisions as they work towards Martyn’s Law compliance.
Common Martyn’s Law compliance mistakes to avoid
As you begin preparing for Martyn’s Law, it’s important to understand that compliance is about more than simply ticking boxes. The legislation is designed to improve preparedness and help people respond effectively in the event of a terrorist incident. Avoiding some common mistakes can help organisations develop a more practical, proportionate and effective approach to compliance.
Assuming Martyn’s Law only applies to large venues
One of the most common misconceptions is that Martyn’s Law only affects major arenas, stadiums and entertainment venues. In reality, the legislation applies to a wide range of publicly accessible premises where 200 or more people may be present, including schools, hotels, shops, healthcare facilities and leisure centres. Businesses should carefully assess whether their premises fall within scope rather than assuming the legislation does not apply to them.
Focusing on technology instead of procedures
While technology can support preparedness, Martyn’s Law is primarily focused on people, planning and response procedures. Installing new equipment without clear emergency plans, defined responsibilities and trained staff is unlikely to deliver the intended outcomes. It’s important to develop robust evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication procedures before considering whether additional technology is required.
Neglecting staff training
Even the most comprehensive procedures are ineffective if staff do not know how to implement them. Employees should understand their roles and responsibilities, recognise potential threats, and know how to respond during an emergency. Regular training and refresher sessions can help ensure procedures remain familiar and effective.
Failing to test and review procedures
Emergency plans should not be viewed as “set and forget”. Buildings, occupancy levels, staffing structures and risks can all change over time. Regular reviews, exercises and drills can help companies identify weaknesses, improve coordination and ensure procedures remain appropriate for the premises.
Overlooking existing life safety systems
Some organisations may assume they need to invest in dedicated standalone systems to achieve compliance. However, many premises already have fire alarm, voice alarm or communication systems that can support emergency preparedness when configured appropriately. Reviewing the capabilities of existing infrastructure before purchasing additional equipment can help reduce unnecessary costs and complexity.
Waiting until the last minute to prepare
Although Martyn’s Law is not expected to come into force until 2027, compliance planning should begin well in advance. Reviewing procedures, identifying responsibilities, training staff and evaluating existing systems can take time. Organisations that start preparing early will be better placed to address any gaps and develop a coordinated approach to compliance.
By understanding these common pitfalls, organisations can focus their efforts on what matters most: improving preparedness, strengthening communication and ensuring people know how to respond effectively in an emergency.
Preparing for Martyn’s Law now
Organisations should start preparing for Martyn’s Law now ahead of its expected Spring 2027 enforcement. Compliance is unlikely to be achieved overnight, particularly for larger premises that need to review procedures, train staff, assess risks and ensure appropriate communication measures are in place. Taking proactive steps today can help create a smoother path to compliance and improve preparedness long before the legal requirements take effect.
A good starting point is to assess whether your premises fall within the scope of the legislation and identify who will be responsible for overseeing compliance. From there, organisations should review their existing emergency procedures and consider how they would respond to different scenarios, including evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication during an incident. Any gaps in planning, staff awareness or system capabilities can then be addressed as part of a structured compliance programme.
It’s also worth reviewing the life safety systems already installed across your premises. As we’ve explained, many organisations may find that their existing fire alarm, voice alarm or communication infrastructure can support key aspects of their Martyn’s Law response strategy, reducing the need for additional standalone systems. By evaluating existing capabilities early, businesses can make informed decisions about any future enhancements that may be required.
Most importantly, compliance should be viewed as an ongoing process rather than a one-off exercise. Regular reviews, staff training and procedure testing will help ensure your organisation remains prepared as guidance evolves and implementation approaches. By starting now, duty holders can build confidence in their emergency response arrangements and take meaningful steps towards protecting the people who use their premises every day.
Key actions to take now
- Confirm whether your premises or event falls within the scope of Martyn’s Law.
- Appoint a Responsible Person to oversee compliance activities.
- Review and document evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication procedures.
- Train staff and raise awareness of emergency response protocols.
- Assess your existing life safety systems and identify any gaps.
- Develop a roadmap for compliance ahead of implementation
By taking these steps today, organisations can move beyond compliance and create a safer, more resilient environment for visitors and employees.
Conclusion
Martyn’s Law represents an important shift in how publicly accessible premises prepare for the threat of terrorism. While the specific requirements vary depending on the size and nature of the premises, the core principles remain the same: preparedness, awareness, clear procedures and effective communication. Compliance is not simply about introducing new security measures. It’s about ensuring that people know what to do, when to do it and how to respond safely during an emergency.
By appointing a Responsible Person, developing public protection procedures, training staff and reviewing existing life safety infrastructure, organisations can build a strong foundation for compliance. Taking action sooner rather than later will not only help meet future legal obligations but also strengthen overall emergency preparedness and resilience across your premises.
Your existing fire and life safety systems may already support key aspects of your Martyn’s Law strategy. With the right procedures, training and system configuration in place, it may be possible to improve preparedness without introducing unnecessary complexity or cost.
At Advanced, we’re helping organisations understand how their existing fire safety equipment, such as MxPro 5, can support evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication procedures as they prepare for Martyn’s Law. Whether you’re just beginning your compliance journey or reviewing your current emergency response arrangements, our team can help you explore practical, proportionate solutions tailored to your premises and operational needs.
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