Martyn's Law is coming in Spring 2027
ARE YOU READY?
Martyn’s Law, formally the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is named in tribute to Martyn Hett, one of the people killed in the Manchester Arena attack. It requires certain venues and events to be prepared to keep people safe if an attack happens. It is expected to come into force in spring 2027, with the exact date to be confirmed ahead of time.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will be the regulator.
Evacuation
Invacuation
Communication
Does this apply to you?
Venues: Premises are likely in scope if it’s reasonable to expect 200 or more people at the same time, including staff, and they’re used for a purpose listed in the Act.
Events: An event will likely be in scope if it is open to the public, has entry checks such as tickets or passes, and 800 or more people are expected at once.
What you'll need to do
SIA are currently creating an online portal for organisers to register their events and supply relevant information - further details will be announced early in 2027.
The requirements depend on size:
Standard tier (200–799 people): notify the SIA who the responsible person is, and have appropriate public protection procedures in place so far as reasonably practicable.
Enhanced tier (800+ people, and qualifying events): the same, plus public protection measures to reduce vulnerability, and a document assessing them that is sent to the SIA.
The four procedures are evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication.
The four measures for the enhanced tier are monitoring, movement, physical security and security of information. Responsibility can’t be passed on to anyone else, though you can take advice from a knowledgeable security adviser.
How Show Hire can support your planning
Good procedures depend on people being able to communicate, see what’s happening and coordinate a response. That’s where the right equipment matters.
• Public address systems – the “communication” procedure. Whether you need to evacuate, invacuate or lock down, attendees have to hear clear instructions quickly. Our PA systems cover everything from a single entrance to a whole site, and can be sited so messages reach every area, including car parks, queues and camping fields.
• Hand-held radios – coordinating your team. A procedure only works if stewards, security and event control can pass instructions instantly. Our radios give every team member a direct line to control, so an instruction to close a gate, hold a crowd or redirect people is acted on immediately.
• Control office trailers – a dedicated command point. A converted trailer gives your event control team a secure, weatherproof base with room for radio and PA operation, screens and logging. Decisions are made from one visible, recognisable location, and it’s the natural place to keep your records.
• Viewing towers, including two-storey units – monitoring and movement. Elevated vantage points let control teams watch crowd flow, entrances, exits and the surrounding area. That supports the “monitoring” and “movement” measures and helps you spot problems early, or see how an incident is developing.
A word of caution
Equipment isn’t compliance on its own. The SIA’s focus will be on whether those in scope have taken reasonable steps to comply, and only the SIA can determine compliance or non-compliance. There’s also no statutory requirement for any particular Martyn’s Law training course or qualification. Think of good kit as the foundation that lets your plans work in practice.
Plan early
Spring 2027 is closer than it looks, and summer event bookings are made months ahead. Talk to us about the PA, radios and control facilities your event will need, and we’ll help you build a setup that supports your public protection procedures.
External links for training and further information
