Mertyn’s Law – Quick review

Martin’s Law
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, received Royal Assent on Thursday 3 April 2025.
This Act delivers the Government’s manifesto commitment to strengthen the security of public premises and events.
How will it work?  
The Act establishes a tiered approach, linked to the number of individuals it is reasonable to expect may be present at the same time at premises and events.
Who will be in scope?
Premises that satisfy the following four criteria fall within scope of the Act:

1. There is at least one building (or the premises are in a building);
2. The premises are wholly or mainly used for one or more of the uses specified at Schedule 1 to the Act, e.g. a restaurant or a shop;
3. It is reasonable to expect that at least 200 individuals may be present at least occasionally; and
4. The premises are not excluded under Schedule 2 to the Act
   If 800 or more individuals may be expected, the premises will be an enhanced duty premises unless the Act says otherwise.
   An event that satisfies the following criteria fall within scope of the Act:
5. It will take place at premises within section 3(1)(a) of the Act, including land without buildings, that are not enhanced duty premises (or part of enhanced duty premises);
6. The relevant premises are accessible to members of the public for the purpose of the event;
7. It is reasonable to expect that there will be at least 800 individuals present for the event at once at some point during it;
8. There will be measures to check entry conditions are met, such as a ticket checks; and
9. The event is not excluded under Schedule 2 to the Act.