Compliance Guidance

Martyn's Law Guide:
Protecting Public Spaces

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. SafeHall helps you understand and meet your new legal obligations under this landmark legislation.

The Tiered System

Standard Tier

200 – 799 Capacity

Focuses on simple, low-cost activities to ensure staff are prepared. Costs are estimated at approximately £330/year.

  • Notify SIA of details
  • Basic public protection procedures
  • Staff awareness training

Enhanced Tier

800+ Capacity

Requires more proactive security obligations and physical protection measures.

  • All Standard Tier duties
  • Designated Senior Individual (DSI)
  • Detailed Security Plan & Measures

4 Lifesaving Procedures

Evacuation

Safely moving people out of the premises to a safe location.

Invacuation

Moving people safely into or within the premises to secure zones.

Lockdown

Securing the premises to restrict or prevent access by an attacker.

Communication

Alerting everyone on site to move away from danger immediately.

Myth Busters

Do I need to comply immediately?

No. The Act passed in April 2025, and there is a 24-month implementation period before duties become legally binding.

Is this going to be expensive?

The government has designed the requirements to be proportional. Standard Tier costs are estimated at only £330 per year.

Do I need to hire security consultants?

No. SafeHall and the official ProtectUK portal provide all the tools and guidance you need to self-comply.

Scope & Thresholds

Qualifying Premises

Includes retail, food/drink, entertainment, sports, and healthcare.

Note: Places of worship and schools are generally capped at Standard Tier requirements regardless of capacity.

Qualifying Events

Public events with 800+ individuals present simultaneously where entry is controlled.

Critical: Standalone events have no "Standard Tier"—they are either Enhanced (800+) or out of scope.

Legal Responsibility

The Responsible Person (RP) is the organizational entity with control over the premises or event. This duty cannot be fully delegated away.

Senior Individual (DSI)

Enhanced Tier entities must designate a Senior Individual (Director/Manager) to be personally responsible for compliance.

Duty to Cooperate

Landowners, freeholders, and shared space controllers have a legal duty to coordinate with the RP for site-wide safety.

Preparation Tips

1

Assess your tier based on maximum simultaneous occupancy.

2

Review existing evacuation and emergency plans immediately.

3

Utilize free ACT Awareness e-learning for all staff.

4

Establish robust communication channels for rapid alerts.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE:

This information is a summary provided by SafeHall based on the April 2025 Royal Assent of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. Compliance is mandatory for qualifying entities. Always refer to the official government legislation and statutory guidance onGOV.UK andProtectUK for definitive legal requirements.