Guide
Who Does Martyn's Law Apply To?
Learn who falls under Martyn's Law scope, including capacity thresholds, venue types, exemptions, and how to determine if your organisation needs to comply.
Read articleMARTYN'S LAW COMPLIANCE
Martyn's Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025) requires those responsible for certain public premises and events to be prepared to protect staff and the public if a terrorist attack happens.
It introduces proportionate duties linked to how many people it's reasonable to expect on site at the same time.
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Protecting People Through Preparedness
Named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, Martyn's Law seeks to improve public security by mandating counter-terrorism training, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness plans for publicly accessible venues.
The legislation introduces two key tiers based on venue capacity: Standard Tier (200-799) and Enhanced Tier (800+), each with specific requirements for protecting staff and the public.
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At a Glance
Who it applies to
Publicly accessible premises (with at least one building) mainly used for a Schedule 1 activity (e.g. shops, restaurants, venues) where it's reasonable to expect 200+ people from time to time; and qualifying public events at premises (including land without buildings) expecting 800+ people with entry checks.
Two tiers
Standard duty (200–799) and Enhanced duty (800+ premises or qualifying public events).
Regulator
The Security Industry Authority (SIA).
Sanctions
Civil penalties up to £10,000 (standard) and up to £18m or 5% of worldwide revenue (enhanced/events), plus potential daily penalties for ongoing non-compliance. Some criminal offences also apply.
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Requirements by Venue Size
Select your venue size below to understand your specific requirements and obligations under Martyn's Law.
AV Technology for Martyn's Law Compliance
Digital signage and integrated AV systems play a crucial role in fulfilling Martyn's Law duties, especially around real-time communication, public guidance, and emergency response coordination.
1
Real-Time Emergency Communication
In high-risk scenarios, the speed of communication can save lives. Integrated with emergency alert systems, digital signage networks can be instantly overridden to display urgent messages such as evacuation instructions, assembly point directions, or threat notifications.
These dynamic displays are far more effective than static signage, enabling rapid dissemination of accurate, location-specific information.
2
Crowd Management & Wayfinding
During both everyday operations and emergency events, digital signage supports effective crowd control. Strategically placed screens and kiosks can display tailored content based on live footfall data or real-time instructions from a control room.
This ensures orderly flow of people, reduces congestion, and mitigates panic in time-critical situations.
3
Staff & Visitor Education
A key aspect of Martyn's Law is ensuring that staff are trained and that the public is informed. Digital signage enables ongoing safety messaging through pre-scheduled content—such as safety tips, what-to-do infographics, and emergency protocol videos.
This reinforces preparedness in a visually engaging and accessible format.
4
Surveillance & Control Integration
Digital signage becomes even more powerful when integrated with broader AV infrastructure, including CCTV, access control, and PA systems.
This creates a seamless central command ecosystem, allowing security personnel to push messages to screens based on insights from surveillance feeds or access points.
5
Accessible, Inclusive Communication
AV solutions can support accessibility by delivering multi-language messaging and visual cues for individuals with hearing impairments.
Compliance with Martyn's Law requires a focus on inclusivity—and signage can play a key role in meeting these expectations.
6
Public Address Systems
Clear, reliable audio systems for directing people to safer areas, providing instructions and maintaining communication during emergencies.
Integrated PA systems work seamlessly with digital signage to provide both visual and auditory guidance during critical incidents.
Comprehensive Safety Ecosystem
Digital signage is only one component of a comprehensive AV strategy. At Strive AV, we work with clients to design integrated safety ecosystems—combining LED display solutions, digital displays, public address systems, and sensor-based analytics to create smart, secure environments.
Discuss Your Martyn's Law Requirements →Typical Premises and Events in Scope
(Examples, not exhaustive. Scope ultimately depends on use and expected numbers.)
Council Buildings
Educational Institutions
NHS Locations
Places of Religious Worship
Retail Outlets
Stadiums & Event Venues
Transport Hubs
Entertainment Venues
Implementation Timeline
Royal Assent
3 April 2025
The Act received Royal Assent and became law.
Coming into Force
Expected: April 2027 (earliest)
Government intends an implementation period of at least 24 months before duties apply. Statutory guidance will be issued during this period to help you comply.
Source: Greenberg Traurig
What to Do Now
1
Work out your tier
Evidence your expected numbers and whether you reach 200+ or 800+ from time to time.
2
Identify your responsible person
For enhanced tier, also identify your designated senior individual.
3
Draft or update procedures
Create procedures for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication (EILC) and brief/train staff appropriately.
4
Enhanced tier: Develop measures
Develop proportionate public protection measures and a documented plan for the SIA.
5
Prepare to notify
Prepare to notify the SIA and keep records to demonstrate compliance once the Act commences.
6
Audit your AV systems
Assess your current communication channels and invest in technologies that support rapid response and risk mitigation.
Source: GOV.UK
Why Choose Strive AV for Martyn's Law Compliance
With over 20 years of experience delivering intelligent AV solutions to public and private sector clients, we understand the unique requirements of safety-driven environments. Our integrated approach combines digital signage, public address systems, and security infrastructure to create comprehensive safety ecosystems.
As Martyn's Law moves closer to implementation, it's essential that venues act now to audit their spaces, assess communication channels, and invest in technologies that support rapid response and risk mitigation.
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