OPINION
Martyn ' s Law: Be Prepared, Not Scared
The Home Office published statutory guidance on Martyn ' s Law in April but regulation is not expected until spring 2027. UK Crowd Management Association chair Anne Marie Chebib is calling on the industry to use that window of opportunity wisely.
The Terrorism( Protection of Premises) Act 2025, better known as Martyn ' s Law, represents a landmark moment for our industry. Named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena attack in May 2017, it is the world ' s first counterterrorism legislation of its kind for public venues and events.
That matters. The campaigning of Figen Murray OBE and so many others deserve to be acknowledged every time we discuss it. This is not bureaucracy for bureaucracy ' s sake; it is legislation born out of grief, love and an absolute determination that lessons must be learned. Now it falls to all of us to honour that emotion by making this legislation truly work.
But legislation, however vital, does not implement itself. And that is where our industry ' s focus must now lie.
Having received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, the Act introduces a tiered duty of care for qualifying premises and events. Those with a capacity of between 200 and 799 people fall under the Standard Tier, requiring public protection procedures, including evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication plans, alongside registration with the Security Industry Authority( SIA), the Act ' s appointed regulator. Those with a capacity of 800 or more, along with qualifying events at that threshold, fall under the Enhanced Tier, which goes further: documented security assessments, physical protection measures, a Designated Senior Individual, and formal submission to the SIA.
The Home Office published its statutory guidance in April 2026, and active regulation is expected from Spring 2027, giving the industry a meaningful window to prepare. That window should be used wisely, not wasted.
Here is what I want our sector to understand: Martyn ' s Law does not exist in isolation. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 already places legal responsibility on those in control of premises and events for the safety of those present. The terror threat is not new. The risk is known. Martyn ' s Law formalises and codifies the counterterrorism element of that responsibility, and in doing so it raises the floor for everyone. That can only be a good thing.
There is a real opportunity, however, for our sector to lead with integrity as the implementation period unfolds. With any significant new legislation comes a wave of consultants, training providers and technology solutions promising compliance at a price. Some of these will be excellent. Others will not. My strong advice to event professionals, venue operators and organisers right now is this: do not panic-buy compliance. The two-year implementation period exists precisely to allow thoughtful, proportionate preparation. Use it. Engage with the statutory guidance. Talk to the SIA. Connect with industry bodies. Share good practice. Do not let anyone exploit uncertainty to sell you something you do not yet need, or that a well-informed team could develop in-house.
The UKCMA has been at the centre of this conversation from the beginning,
Anne Marie Chebib
and we will continue to be. We were prepublic consultees in the drafting process. Our members work on event sites, in venues and in public spaces every day. We understand the operational realities of what this legislation asks, and we are committed to helping our sector navigate it practically and proportionately.
As the journey toward implementing Martyn ' s Law gathers pace, clarity and collaboration are paramount. The UKCMA has been working to bring the Home Office and the SIA into direct conversation with the sector, giving operators the practical insight they need to prepare with confidence. Our message is simple: be prepared, not scared. By engaging now, asking questions, understanding emerging requirements and sharing good practice, we can strengthen public safety while supporting a vibrant and resilient live events industry.
That remains the message. This is important legislation. It is also a process, one that requires careful planning from all sides and will not be resolved overnight. Start now, proceed thoughtfully, and work together. The public we serve deserves nothing less.
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