The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn’s Law, will introduce new responsibilities for publicly accessible venues. While enforcement is not expected until 2027, organisations should start preparing now. Use this Martyn’s Law checklist to assess whether your building is ready.
Step 1: Determine Whether Your Building Is In Scope
Does the building allow public access?
✔ Could 200 or more people be present at the same time?
✔ Is the building used for any of the following?
- entertainment venues
- hospitality venues
- retail centres
- places of worship
- education settings
- healthcare buildings
- public buildings (libraries, town halls, etc.)
If yes, the premises may fall within Martyn’s Law scope.
Step 2: Identify Likely Tier Classification
Standard Tier (200–799 capacity)
You will need to:
✔ Notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA)
✔ Develop documented terror incident procedures
✔ Train staff on emergency responses
✔ Plan for evacuation, invacuation and lockdown
Physical security upgrades are not automatically required.
Enhanced Tier (800+ capacity)
In addition to the above:
✔ Conduct a formal security risk assessment
✔ Implement proportionate physical security measures
✔ Document security procedures
✔ Assign senior management responsibility
This may involve upgrades to access control, surveillance or building hardware.
Step 3: Review Your Emergency Procedures
Use our Martyn’s Law Checklist to ask yourself these questions:
✔ Is there a terror incident response plan in place?
✔ Are there procedures for:
- evacuation
- invacuation
- lockdown
- communication with occupants
✔ Have staff been trained on these procedures?
✔ Are drills carried out periodically?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, then these should be addressed before enforcement begins.
Step 4: Assess Building Security Measures
Consider whether your building currently provides:
✔ Controlled access to staff areas
✔ Secure entry points
✔ Visitor management procedures
✔ CCTV coverage of entrances
✔ Monitoring of high-risk areas
✔ Ability to lock down parts of the building quickly
Enhanced-tier venues will likely require documented justification for chosen security measures.
Step 5: Review Door Hardware and Access Control
Doors play a critical role in both security and life safety.
Check whether your building has:
✔ Access control on key entrances
✔ Panic hardware compliant with BS EN 1125 / EN 179
✔ Electrically controlled exit systems compliant with BS EN 13637
✔ Integration between access control and alarm systems
✔ Ability to secure entrances during lockdown
✔ Reliable emergency escape routes
Security measures must never compromise fire evacuation.
Step 6: Consider Retrofit Challenges
Many buildings affected by Martyn’s Law are existing venues, which can introduce complexities.
Potential challenges include:
- fire door compliance
- heritage building constraints
- integration with existing systems
- accessibility requirements
- maintaining operational continuity
A site-specific assessment is usually required.
Step 7: Document Your Security Approach
Enhanced-tier premises must produce documentation, including:
✔ Risk assessment
✔ Security procedures
✔ Evidence of implemented measures
✔ Assigned responsible persons
Increasingly, organisations will also need:
✔ product certification
✔ installation records
✔ maintenance documentation
Step 8: Plan Ahead for Compliance with this Martyn’s Law Checklist
Enforcement is expected to begin in 2027, but preparation should begin now.
Early planning allows:
✔ phased upgrades
✔ integration with refurbishment projects
✔ budget allocation
✔ staff training
✔ compliance documentation
Leaving preparation until the final year could lead to rushed, unsuitable or expensive solutions.
How Did You Score?
Download our Martyn’s Law checklist to review your building or venue.
If you answer ‘No or ‘Not sure’ to any of the questions, it may indicate areas where further assessment is needed to ensure compliance with the requirements of Martyn’s Law.
Because every building, venue, and public space is different, the most effective approach is always a site-specific risk assessment followed by a tailored strategy.
At Em-B, we help building owners, facilities managers and design teams assess:
- door security and access points
- access control and lockdown capability
- safe emergency egress during incidents
- integration with fire and life-safety systems
- compliant architectural ironmongery solutions
Our team can review your building and recommend practical measures that balance security, accessibility and life safety.
Need a Professional Assessment?
If you would like help reviewing your building’s readiness for Martyn’s Law, our specialists can carry out a site assessment and provide practical recommendations.
📧 enquiries@em-b.co.uk
📞 0113 245 9559
🌐 www.em-b.co.uk
Or simply send us your floor plans or project brief and we can start the conversation.
