Posted by Mike Isherwood on 9th Aug 2025

Martyn's Law Explained: What Every UK Venue Owner Needs to Know by April 2027

Published: 09/08/25 | Reading time: 8 minutes | Author: Mike Isherwood

In April 2025, a piece of legislation quietly received Royal Assent that will fundamentally change how UK venues prepare for the unthinkable. Named after Martyn Hett, one of 22 people killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, Martyn's Law will affect over 280,000 venues across Britain – and the compliance clock is already ticking.

If you operate a venue with 200 or more people, this isn't just another regulation to file away. It's a legal requirement that could mean the difference between staying open and facing closure, between protecting your community and risking devastating consequences.

The Manchester Legacy: Why This Matters Beyond Compliance

Martyn Hett was 29 years old when he attended an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017. Like thousands of others that night, he was simply enjoying live music with friends. The terrorist attack that followed killed 22 people and injured over 500 more, forever changing how we think about public safety in the UK.

"Martyn's Law will significantly strengthen public safety across our country," said Home Secretary Yvette Cooper when the legislation received Royal Assent on April 3, 2025.

But this isn't just about compliance – it's about ensuring that what happened in Manchester never happens again. Since March 2017, security services have disrupted 43 late-stage terrorist plots, while 15 domestic terror attacks have sadly occurred. The UK's current threat level remains SUBSTANTIAL, meaning an attack is likely.

The Manchester Arena Inquiry and London Bridge Inquests both called for legislation to protect the public and clarify venue owners' duties regarding protective security. Martyn's Law is the government's response – placing public protection on a legal footing similar to health and safety requirements.

Who Must Comply? The Numbers Are Staggering

If you think Martyn's Law only affects large stadiums and concert halls, think again. The legislation uses a two-tier system based on reasonable expected attendance:

Standard Tier: 200-799 People

278,880 venues across the UK fall into this category
65% are retail and hospitality venues (restaurants, shops, pubs)
16% are places of worship (churches, mosques, synagogues, temples)
11% are schools and educational facilities
Plus leisure centers, libraries, community halls, and more

Enhanced Tier: 800+ People

Major entertainment venues (theaters, cinemas, concert halls)
Large sports grounds and stadiums
Significant retail centers and shopping malls
Conference centers and exhibition halls
Large hotels and hospitality complexes

Important note: Capacity includes both staff and visitors. A restaurant with 180 customer seats but 25 staff members would fall under Standard Tier requirements.

What Venues Are Exempt?

Not every building needs to comply. Key exemptions include:

Private offices without public access
Residential premises
Government buildings (separate security arrangements)
Transport hubs with existing security legislation (airports, major rail stations)
Public parks and gardens (unless entry is controlled or ticketed)

However, there are important special cases:

Places of worship → Always Standard Tier (unless charging admission)
Schools → Standard Tier regardless of size (even if 2,000+ students)
Childcare facilities → Standard Tier

The Critical Timeline: Why Urgency Matters

Here's what venue operators need to know about the implementation schedule:

✅ Completed

September 2024: Bill introduced to Parliament
April 3, 2025: Royal Assent granted

? Upcoming Critical Dates

2025-2026: Government publishes statutory guidance
Now - April 2027: 24-month implementation period
April 2027: Full compliance required
April 2027+: SIA enforcement begins with inspection powers

⚠️ Don't wait until 2026 to start planning. Early-moving venues are already securing preferred installers and spreading costs over the implementation period. Those waiting until the final year will face:

Limited installer availability
Premium pricing for urgent projects
Rushed implementations that may not meet requirements
Potential compliance delays

What Does Compliance Actually Require?

The requirements depend entirely on your venue's tier classification:

Standard Tier Requirements (200-799 people)

Good news: No physical alterations are mandated, but you must implement:

Registration: Register with the SIA (Security Industry Authority) as the responsible person
Four Protection Procedures:
- Evacuation - Safe exit processes for emergencies
- Invacuation - Bringing people to safer areas within the building
- Lockdown - Securing premises (locking doors, closing blinds, turning off lights)
- Communication - Alert systems for staff-to-staff and staff-to-public warnings
Staff Awareness: All employees must understand the procedures and their roles

Technology can support but isn't required for Standard Tier venues. Many choose to invest in basic CCTV and communication systems to enhance their procedures.

Enhanced Tier Requirements (800+ people)

Enhanced Tier venues must implement everything from Standard Tier PLUS:

Designated Senior Individual (DSI): Director or partner-level person responsible for compliance
Public Protection Measures:
- Monitoring - CCTV and surveillance systems
- Movement Control - Access management and crowd flow
- Physical Safety - Barriers, safety glass, protective measures
- Information Security - Protecting sensitive security data
Comprehensive Documentation: Detailed compliance report submitted to SIA within 30 days

The right technology is required for Enhanced Tier compliance. This isn't optional – it's a legal necessity.

The Real Consequences of Non-Compliance

The SIA isn't planning a "soft approach" to enforcement. Standard Tier penalties include:

Compliance notices requiring immediate action
Fines up to £10,000
Daily penalties up to £500 for ongoing non-compliance

Enhanced Tier penalties are severe:

Restriction notices (including venue closure)
Fines up to £18 million or 5% of annual revenue (whichever is higher)
Daily penalties up to £50,000
Criminal prosecution for serious violations

The SIA can conduct inspections with just 72 hours notice, so compliance can't be a last-minute effort.

Beyond Compliance: The Hidden Benefits

While the legal requirements drive initial investment, many venues discover additional benefits:

✓ Enhanced Safety - Protecting staff, visitors, and community ✓ Reduced Liability - Demonstrating due diligence in court ✓ Insurance Benefits - Potential premium reductions for enhanced security ✓ Public Confidence - Visitors feel safer in compliant venues ✓ Operational Efficiency - Integrated systems improve day-to-day management ✓ Future-Proofing - Ready for evolving security threats

Getting Started: Your Next Steps

If you operate a venue with 200+ capacity, here's what to do immediately:

1. Determine Your Exact Requirements

Use our free capacity calculator and compliance checker to understand your specific obligations. Download the comprehensive System Q Venue Operators Guide: https://systemq.com/martyns-law-operators-guide/

This expert guide includes:

Detailed capacity calculation worksheets
Tier-specific requirement checklists
Procedure templates for immediate use
Timeline planning tools
Budget estimation guidelines

2. Assess Your Current Security

Audit existing measures against Martyn's Law requirements. Most venues discover significant gaps that need addressing.

3. Get Professional Advice

The legislation uses terms like "reasonably practicable" which require expert interpretation for your specific venue type and circumstances.

4. Plan Your Implementation

With 18 months remaining, you can spread costs and ensure proper implementation rather than rushing to meet deadlines.

Don't Navigate This Alone

Martyn's Law represents the biggest change to UK venue security in decades. Getting it wrong risks your business, your community, and potentially lives.

System Q has been manufacturing security solutions for over 30 years and has already helped hundreds of venues begin their Martyn's Law preparation. Our expert team understands both the legislative requirements and the practical realities of implementation.

Ready to start your compliance journey?

? Download the complete System Q Venue Operators Guide: https://systemq.com/martyns-law-operators-guide/

? Book a free consultation: Call 01246 200 000 to speak with our Martyn's Law specialists

? Visit our showroom: See compliance solutions in action at our Chesterfield facility

Remember: Martyn's Law isn't just compliance – it's about protecting the people who matter most. Start planning today, because April 2027 will arrive faster than you think.

Next week: We'll dive deep into the differences between Standard and Enhanced Tier requirements, helping you understand exactly what your venue needs to implement.

About System Q

System Q has been manufacturing security solutions for over 30 years, helping thousands of UK venues protect their communities. Our Martyn's Law expertise combines deep legislative knowledge with practical implementation experience. Learn more at www.systemq.com