The UK Government has introduced the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, more widely known as Protect Duty or Martyn’s Law. This legislation, named after Martyn Hett who tragically lost his life in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, places new legal responsibilities on those who operate public venues and organise events.
The aim is simple: to improve public safety by ensuring that organisations take proportionate steps to protect staff and visitors from the threat of terrorism.
Who Does Protect Duty Apply To?
Protect Duty applies to qualifying premises and events where large numbers of people gather. Specifically:
- Standard Tier (200–799 capacity) – smaller venues and events.
- Enhanced Tier (800+ capacity) – larger venues and events.
This means that whether you run a community hall, theatre, sports stadium, concert, festival, or temporary event site, you may have new legal obligations.
Standard Duty Requirements
For premises and events in the 200–799 capacity range, you will be expected to:
- Have basic protective security procedures in place (e.g., evacuation, lockdown, and communication plans).
- Train staff and contractors so they know what to do in an emergency.
- Demonstrate that you’ve considered the risks and put proportionate measures in place.
Enhanced Duty Requirements
For venues and events of 800 or more people, the requirements go further and include:
- Conducting a vulnerability assessment of your site or event.
- Developing detailed security plans addressing potential risks.
- Appointing a senior responsible individual to oversee compliance.
- Documenting your processes and being able to show evidence of compliance.
- Submitting relevant information to the Security Industry Authority (SIA), the regulator.
Responsibilities and Enforcement
The responsible person – usually the event organiser, venue operator, or senior manager – will be held accountable for compliance.
Failure to comply can result in serious consequences, including:
- Fines of up to £18 million or 5% of global turnover (whichever is higher).
- Restriction notices that may prevent your event from operating.
Why This Matters for Event Organisers
Even before Protect Duty becomes enforceable (expected from April 2027), there are strong reasons to start preparing:
- Safety of the public – terrorism may be rare, but being unprepared can have devastating consequences.
- Reputation – audiences expect safe and secure venues.
- Insurance – insurers are likely to check your compliance.
- Event approvals – Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs) and licensing bodies will expect evidence of planning.
How to Prepare Now
Event organisers and venue operators should take proactive steps to be ready for Protect Duty:
- Understand your tier – is your event/premises standard or enhanced?
- Review your risk assessments – incorporate terrorism as a foreseeable risk.
- Develop proportionate security measures – evacuation plans, access controls, stewarding, CCTV, and communication protocols.
- Train your team – staff and contractors must know what to do if the worst happens.
- Appoint a lead person – for larger venues/events, designate someone responsible for compliance.
- Engage with local agencies – liaise with police, local authorities, and SAGs for best practice advice.
Final Thoughts
Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law) will change the way events and venues in the UK manage safety and security. While the law is not yet in force, preparing early gives you a clear advantage. By embedding proportionate protective measures now, you’ll not only comply with the law when it arrives – you’ll also strengthen public confidence in your event or venue.
Protecting people is not just a legal obligation – it’s a moral one.
