Find your chairFree evacuation assessment
GBP

Your Basket

Your basket is empty

Checkout

It’s a normal day, people arrive at your premises, building or event. Staff are busy and visitors are relaxed – everything feels routine.

Then it happens. A loud bang. Shouting. Panic. No one knows what’s going on, but the noise signals danger. People run. The crowd surges towards the exits, driven by instinct, desperate to escape.

But not everyone can. Some are left behind – unable to move fast enough or use the stairs, when the only way out is up or down.

Maybe they use a wheelchair or crutches. Maybe they’re heavily pregnant. Maybe they’re dealing with an invisible impairment – disorientation, sensory overload or confusion.

In a terrorist attack, the danger isn’t just the threat itself – it’s the chaos that follows. That’s exactly why Martyn’s Law exists, designed to strengthen public safety by ensuring premises plan for and protect against the threat of terrorism.

Below, we answer the most common questions organisations are asking about the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, what Martyn’s Law compliance looks like and how to ensure your emergency procedures protect everyone.

What is Martyn’s Law?

What is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law is the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.

The Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, meaning it has formally become law. The Government has confirmed a 24-month implementation period, with duties expected to come fully into force by April 2027.

Martyn’s Law introduces a legal duty for those responsible for certain publicly accessible premises and qualifying public events to improve preparedness for terrorist attacks and reduce the risk of physical harm to people.

Depending on the size and nature of the premises or event, the Act requires organisations to:

  • Put in place appropriate public protection procedures, such as evacuation, invacuation and lockdown, that are reasonably practicable and capable of being implemented effectively.

  • Assess terrorism risks and implement proportionate protective measures for higher-risk premises and events.

  • Ensure staff are appropriately trained and understand their roles in the event of a terrorist incident.

  • Maintain emergency procedures that are appropriate, reasonably practicable, and capable of being implemented effectively in real conditions, taking account of the nature of the premises and the people who may be present.

In short, Martyn’s Law makes terrorism preparedness a legal responsibility, rather than a voluntary consideration.

Why is it called Martyn’s Law and who was Martyn?

Martyn’s Law is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people tragically killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.

His mother, Figen Murray, campaigned tirelessly for change to make sure premises and public spaces were better prepared for emergencies. Her work helped drive this major shift in public safety in the UK.

Who does Martyn’s Law apply to?

Martyn’s Law applies to a wide range of publicly accessible premises and events.

Importantly, the legislation covers not only qualifying premises, but also certain qualifying public events – meaning organisers may also have legal responsibilities depending on capacity.

It includes locations such as:

  • Arenas, stadia and theatres
  • Hotels, restaurants and nightclubs
  • Exhibitions, Conference centres and public buildings
  • Cinemas, gyms and retail premises
  • Education, healthcare facilities and places of worship

If you operate publicly accessible premises or an event where 200 or more people could be present at the same time, Martyn’s Law may apply.

What does Martyn’s Law require premises to do?

What does Martyn’s Law require premises to do?

Martyn’s Law compliance focuses on real, practical preparedness.

Depending on the size and nature of the premises or event, organisations are expected to have in place:

  • Appropriate public protection procedures, such as evacuation, invacuation and lockdown, that can be implemented effectively.

  • Staff who are trained and aware of their roles in the event of a terrorist incident.

  • Emergency arrangements that work in practice, including under pressure and in real-world conditions.

  • Procedures that take account of the people who may be present, alongside existing accessibility and equality considerations.

For higher-risk premises and events, this also includes assessing terrorism risks and implementing proportionate protective measures.

This is not about panic – it’s about being ready. Because when the unthinkable happens, every second matters.

How premises capacity shapes your legal duty

Martyn’s Law is not one-size-fits-all.

The law recognises that different premises face different levels of risk depending on crowd size. To reflect this, the Act is divided into two tiers, with duties increasing as capacity increases.

What are the tiers under Martyn’s Law?

Standard Tier Duties (200–799 people)

The Responsible Person must, as far as reasonably practicable:

  • Notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA) that they are responsible for the premises.
  • Implement public-protection procedures, including:
    • Evacuation
    • Invacuation (moving people to safer internal spaces)
    • Lockdown procedures
    • Communication/alert protocols
  • Ensure staff are trained and aware of their roles during an incident and procedures are tested and reviewed.

 

Enhanced Tier Duties (800+ people)

Enhanced Tier premises/events must comply with all Standard Tier duties and appoint a Designated Senior Officer (DSO) to coordinate compliance:

  • Conduct a terrorism risk assessment, identifying threats and mitigation measures
  • Produce, maintain, rehearse and review a security plan to reduce risks and minimise harm, this must be documented and kept available for the regulator (SIA)
  • Provide terrorism-protection training for relevant workers
  • Implement proportionate protective security measures

These measures reflect the higher risk associated with larger, high-footfall environments.

 

Duty to co-operate in shared or multi-occupancy premises 

Martyn’s Law also recognises that responsibility is not always held by one organisation alone. 

Where premises involve multiple duty holders – such as: 

  • Shopping centres 
  • Shared public buildings 
  • Premises with tenants, contractors or multiple operators 

Those responsible must co-operate and co-ordinate to ensure joined-up emergency and security plans are in place. Preparedness must work across the whole site, not in isolation. 

Why does Martyn’s Law include evacuation, invacuation and lockdown?

In a terrorist attack, evacuation isn’t always the safest option.

Sometimes it may be safer to:

  • Lockdown and prevent access
  • Invacuate people into safer internal areas
  • Maintain clear communication to reduce confusion and panic

Martyn’s Law ensures organisations are prepared for different scenarios – not just one evacuation plan.

How does Martyn’s Law affect mobility impaired people?

Martyn’s Law places an emphasis on emergency procedures that work in practice, in real-world conditions and for the people who may be present.

This means organisations should consider how evacuation, invacuation and lockdown arrangements can be implemented effectively for people with reduced mobility or other vulnerabilities, alongside existing accessibility and equality obligations.

This may include people who:

  • Use wheelchairs or mobility aids

  • Cannot use stairs

  • Have temporary injuries or reduced mobility

  • Are pregnant

  • Have sensory, cognitive or medical conditions

  • May find their ability to self-evacuate changes under stress

In an emergency, appearing able-bodied does not always mean someone can evacuate safely.

Planning that takes account of these realities helps ensure emergency procedures are practical, proportionate and capable of protecting everyone inside a building.

Who enforces Martyn’s Law in the UK?

Martyn’s Law will be enforced by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) – the UK regulator for the private security industry.

The SIA was established under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 and has been operating since 2003. It is sponsored by the Home Office and already plays a key role in regulating security activity across the UK.

Under Martyn’s Law, the SIA’s role is to support organisations to understand their duties, monitor compliance, and take enforcement action where necessary at qualifying public premises and events.

What are the penalties for non-compliance with Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law includes a range of civil and criminal sanctions for organisations that fail to meet their legal duties. The aim isn’t to catch people out, but to ensure that preparedness measures are taken seriously – especially where public safety is at risk.

Civil enforcement

The Security Industry Authority (SIA), which regulates Martyn’s Law, can take civil enforcement action where non-compliance is identified.

This may include issuing a Contravention (Compliance) Notice, requiring the organisation responsible for a premises or event to take specific steps to address gaps or weaknesses within a set timeframe.

For higher-risk locations and events, the SIA can also issue Restriction Notices. These apply to Enhanced Duty premises and qualifying public events and may restrict the use of all or part of a premises or event where this is necessary to protect the public from the risk of terrorism.

If an organisation fails to comply with these notices, the regulator can take further action, including imposing financial penalties.

Financial penalties

Martyn’s Law allows for monetary penalties that reflect the seriousness of non-compliance:

  • Standard Duty premises may be subject to lower fixed monetary penalties.

  • Enhanced Duty premises and qualifying public events may face fines of up to £18 million or 5% of worldwide revenue, whichever is higher.

Where non-compliance continues or penalties are not paid, daily penalties may be applied until the issue is resolved, up to prescribed limits.

Criminal offences

In addition to civil sanctions, the Act creates specific criminal offences, including:

  • Intentionally obstructing an authorised SIA inspector.

  • Falsely pretending to be an authorised inspector with intent to deceive.

  • Failing to comply with a statutory notice requiring the provision of information.

Conviction can result in prosecution, fines and, in some cases, imprisonment, depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction.

A proportionate approach

The Government has been clear that Martyn’s Law is designed to support organisations to comply, not to punish those acting in good faith. Enforcement action is expected to focus on cases of serious or persistent non-compliance where failures could put public safety at risk.

How Evac+Chair Supports Emergency Preparedness under Martyn’s Law

With over 40 years of expertise, Evac+Chair is the original manufacturer of emergency evacuation chairs, supporting safe and dignified evacuation for people with mobility challenges. The Evac+Chair has been independently tested proven to be the safest and fastest method of evacuation in an emergency and is trusted by organisations worldwide.

Evac+Chair offers a range of evacuation chairs designed to suit different staircase types and layouts, helping premises plan for inclusive evacuation and meet compliance requirements.

Complimentary Evacuation Assessments

Our site assessors conduct a detailed inspection to ensure your premises is fully prepared for safe, inclusive evacuation. They will review key factors including:

  • Staircases and building layout
  • Site-specific challenges
  • Existing PEEPs and GEEPs
  • Staff and visitor mobility needs

Following this, the most suitable Evac+Chair solutions are recommended.

 

Evac+Chair Training

Evac+Chairs are only effective when people know how to use them. That’s why we offer comprehensive training options, including:

  • Operator Training – hands-on instruction to deploy and operate Evac+Chairs safely
  • Key Trainer Training – a certification designed for in-house trainers to cascade knowledge across teams

 

Maintenance for Compliance and Reliability

Evac+Chairs are a Class I Medical Device and must be maintained annually under PUWER regulations in the UK.

Our annual 1-, 3- or 5-year maintenance packages ensure continued safety and performance through:

  • Thorough inspection of all mechanical components using patented tools, the FrictionChecker™ and TensionChecker™
  • Replacement of worn or damaged parts using genuine Evac+Chair components, which no third party has access to
  • Digital service reports delivered within 24 hours to support clear compliance documentation

From plan to action

Simply purchasing equipment on its own is not enough to meet the expectations of Martyn’s Law.

The Act places an emphasis on emergency arrangements that work in practice, are reasonably practicable, and can be implemented effectively in real-world conditions.

That means:

  • Equipment should be accessible, maintained and ready for use

  • Staff must be trained and confident to use it

  • Emergency plans must function under real-world pressure

  • Enhanced Tier premises and events must also have appropriate written security documentation in place

Terrorist incidents are unpredictable and high-stress. Noise, confusion and panic can all affect how people respond. Emergency procedures must therefore be understood, tested and practical, so people know what to do when every second counts.

Preparedness cannot be theoretical – it must work in real time, for the people who may be present.

Is your organisation ready for Martyn’s Law?

Don’t leave safety to chance – book your complimentary evacuation assessment today and make sure your emergency plans protect every life.

Click here to book today!

Return to Evac Talk