Institute of Licensing publishes guidance on Martyn’s Law

The IoL said: “The intention of the Guidance, which has no statutory or legal status, is that it should operate as a basic initial guide to what is known – and yet to be announced – in relation to this important new regime. It will be an evolving document, developing as feedback is received from operators, councils, police and members of the public.”

The 2025 Act – commonly known as Martyn’s Law – was introduced to strengthen the security and preparedness of public premises and events across the UK.

It requires those responsible for certain premises and qualifying events to consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack, and for larger premises to take proportionate steps to reduce vulnerability.

It also introduces a tiered approach based on the number of individuals reasonably expected to be present and establishes a new regulatory function within the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to oversee compliance and provide guidance.

Sir John Saunders, who chaired the Manchester Arena Inquiry, provided assistance and a foreword to the guidance.

Jeremy Phillips KC, Chair of the IoL’s Special Interest Committee for Martyn’s Law, said: “Whilst so much time has passed since the terrible events of 22 May 2017 that has not lessened the importance of everyone playing their part in the fight against terrorism within our society.

“It is for that reason I am so pleased to be able finally to offer some guidance to members of the Institute of Licensing on key aspects of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, properly now known to all simply as ‘Martyn’s Law’.”

Phillips added: "Although the legislation received Royal Assent last year it is still a long way from being brought into full effect. Both the Home Office and the Security Industry Authority still have a great deal of work to undertake to put in place the necessarily complex statutory scheme.

"Nonetheless, the need for vigilance never diminishes and it is for that reason that I am extremely proud of the efforts made by the entire Martyn’s Law team at the IoL in producing the attached document. Whilst our guidance has no legal effect I hope it will provide a helpful guide at this stage to members anxious to begin preparing for the challenges presented by the new regime.”