Martyn's Law · Standard tier

Your hall's Martyn's Law plan, done in an evening.

If your venue can hold 200 to 799 people, the new law will ask you to register with the regulator and have simple procedures ready. Answer a short questionnaire about your building and we turn it into a plan your volunteers can actually use.

Law passed 3 April 2025 Expected in force spring 2027 Applies at 200–799 people

Reserve a founding place

Built for venues no consultant is calling

Village and community halls
Churches and places of worship
Sports and social clubs
Pubs with function rooms
Scout huts and youth centres
Small theatres and arts venues

Does Martyn's Law apply to your venue?

It depends on the most people you could reasonably expect inside at the same time, counting staff and volunteers as well as visitors. Think of your busiest event, not a typical week.

Under 200 peopleNot covered. A simple plan is still good practice, and many insurers like to see one.
200 to 799 people Standard tierYou need to notify the SIA and have procedures in place. This is what Protect My Venue covers.
Places of worshipStandard tier whatever their size, apart from a small number that charge visitors for entry or hire out for large commercial events.
Schools and childcareStandard tier whatever their size.
800 people or moreEnhanced tier, with more demanding duties. You'll need specialist security advice, which we don't provide.

Read our free guides: Martyn's Law for village halls · Martyn's Law for churches

What the standard tier asks of you

There is no requirement to buy equipment or hire security. You need a responsible person, a notification to the Security Industry Authority, and procedures for four situations.

Evacuation

Getting people out safely and away from danger.

Invacuation

Bringing people inside to a safer place when outside is the risk.

Lockdown

Securing doors and stopping anyone getting in.

Communication

Telling people what is happening and what to do.

Key dates

3 April 2025The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn's Law, becomes law.
15 April 2026The Home Office publishes its final statutory guidance for venues.
June 2026The Security Industry Authority (SIA) finishes consulting on how it will regulate venues.
Early 2027The SIA's online notification service is expected to open.
Spring 2027The duties are expected to come into force. The government will confirm the exact date.

How it works

Tell us about your building

Exits, rooms, who's usually on duty, how you reach people. About 20 minutes.

Get your plan pack

A tailored plan, a one-page volunteer briefing, a door-by-door checklist and a walkthrough for registering with the SIA.

Stay current

We track updates to the official guidance and remind you when your plan or briefing is due a refresh.

Questions venues ask

Do we have to buy equipment or hire security staff?

No. The standard tier is about having sensible procedures and making sure the people on duty know them. There is no requirement to install physical measures such as barriers or cameras.

What happens if we don't comply?

The SIA regulates Martyn's Law. It expects to start with advice and support, but it can issue compliance notices and, for standard tier venues, fines of up to £10,000 plus up to £500 a day for continuing failures.

Who is the "responsible person" for our venue?

The person or organisation that controls the building. For most village halls that's the management committee or trustees, and for churches it's usually the body that looks after the building. Our questionnaire helps you confirm it.

We hire our hall out. Who's responsible during a booking?

Usually still the hall, because you control the building. Your plan pack includes a short briefing you can give hirers, so they know the procedures for the night.

Is this legal advice?

No. We turn the official guidance into practical documents for your venue. If your situation is unusual, check with a solicitor or the SIA.

When can we buy a plan pack?

We're opening to the waitlist first, well before the law comes into force. Join now and you'll lock in the founding price.