What event venues need to know about Martyn’s Law
In a new era for public safety in the UK, learn about the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 and how it will affect the way event venues operate
In a shift to the UK’s approach to counter-terrorism measures, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on Thursday 3 April 2025. The act – known as Martyn’s Law, named after Martyn Hett one of the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing attacks in 2017 – applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and is set to be enforced from April 2027, providing a two-year implementation period.
How will event venues be affected?
The legislation requires venues hosting events to have specific procedures and measures in place for responding to terrorist attacks. For venues that utilise event organising companies, it’s important that they understand that the responsibility rests with the person in control of the premises – they will be deemed the ‘responsible person’.
The act has a two-tier approach, with each determined by the number of individuals the venue reasonably expects to attend an event. Each tier will have a different set of obligations to ensure the safety of attendees. The aim of the legislation is to increase organisational readiness for if a terrorist attack or similar occurs.
What next for event venues?
Landowners and CLA members welcoming 200 or more individuals to their properties for events should be aware of this legislation and ensure compliance before the enforcement date. Once in force, there will be fines for non-compliance, enforced by a new regulatory function established within the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
The CLA will be publishing a guidance note for members in Spring 2026. This guidance will provide more information on the legislation, including the different obligations due to be placed on ‘responsible persons’ categorised into either of the two tiers.
If you are concerned about the implications of the act, you are encouraged to contact emily.richardson@cla.org.uk, call us on 07702 928864 or reach out to your regional office.
