Martyns Law is no longer a distant proposal. With the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025 now receiving Royal Assent and enforcement expected from mid‑2027, every UK venue with public access must begin preparing for one of the most significant changes to national security legislation in decades. At MBO Safety Services, we are already supporting organisations across hospitality, education, retail, entertainment, and public services to understand what this means and how to stay compliant.
Martyns Law was created in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the Manchester Arena attack. Its purpose is simple: ensure publicly accessible venues have proportionate, practical measures in place to protect the public from terrorism. The law introduces a tiered system of duties based on venue capacity, meaning your obligations depend on how many people your premises can hold.
Understanding Your Legal Duties
Standard Duty Premises (200 to 799 capacity)
Venues in this tier must implement:
- Public protection procedures
- Staff training on how to respond to a terrorist incident
This includes clear evacuation routes, lockdown procedures, communication plans, and staff awareness training. These measures are designed to improve preparedness rather than prevention.
Enhanced Duty Premises and Events (800 plus capacity)
Enhanced Duty premises must go further by implementing:
- A terrorism risk assessment
- A detailed security plan
- A designated senior responsible individual
- Annual reviews of all security arrangements
These requirements are more comprehensive and focus on identifying vulnerabilities, assessing threats, and implementing proportionate security controls.
Why Compliance Matters
The penalties for non‑compliance are substantial.
- Standard Duty premises may face fines up to ten thousand pounds.
- Enhanced Duty premises may face fines up to eighteen million pounds or five percent of worldwide turnover.
Beyond financial penalties, responsible persons may face criminal prosecution for serious breaches.
But compliance is not just about avoiding fines. It is about protecting lives. Terrorist incidents are unpredictable, fast‑moving, and devastating. Martyns Law ensures that venues have the right procedures, training, and awareness to respond effectively if the worst happens.
How MBO Safety Services Can Support You
At MBO Safety Services, we specialise in helping organisations prepare for new safety legislation. Our team can assist with:
- Determining whether your premises fall under Standard or Enhanced Duty.
- Reviewing your current safety arrangements.
- Delivering staff training tailored to Martyns Law requirements.
- Supporting Enhanced Duty venues with risk assessments.
- Providing ongoing compliance monitoring and annual reviews.
We understand that many venues already have strong fire safety and emergency procedures. Martyns Law builds on these foundations, and we help you integrate terrorism response measures into your existing safety management systems.
NEBOSH Training Courses for Martyns Law Compliance
To support organisations in meeting the training requirements of Martyns Law, NEBOSH has introduced specialist terrorism‑protection qualifications. These courses provide responsible persons, managers, and safety professionals with the knowledge needed to implement proportionate security measures.
Register your interest in the latest NEBOSH Counter Terrorism qualifications available through MBO Safety Services:
NEBOSH National Certificate in Protecting Standard Duty Premises from Terrorism
Designed for venues with a capacity of 200 to 799 people, this qualification focuses on public protection procedures, staff awareness, and incident response.
NEBOSH National Certificate in Protecting Enhanced Duty Premises and Events from Terrorism
A more advanced qualification for venues and events with 800 plus capacity. It covers terrorism risk assessment, security planning, threat identification, and senior responsible person duties.
NEBOSH International Certificate in Protecting Premises and Events from Terrorism
Ideal for organisations operating globally or hosting international events. This course provides a broader understanding of terrorism threats and international best practice.
If your organisation is preparing for Martyns Law, these qualifications will play a vital role in ensuring your staff are competent, confident, and compliant.
The Clock Is Ticking
With enforcement expected from mid‑2027, UK venues have less than a year to prepare. The Home Office will release further guidance, but the foundations are already clear:
- Know your capacity
- Identify your responsible person
- Review your current security arrangements
- Begin developing procedures and training
- Start building staff awareness now
At MBO Safety Services, we are ready to support you through every step of this transition. Martyns Law is not just another compliance requirement. It is a commitment to public safety, resilience, and responsibility.
If you would like to register interest in the NEBOSH terrorism‑protection courses or discuss your venue’s obligations, simply get in touch with us on 08000 842 297 or info@mbo.ltd