The UK Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is here – are you ready?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2005 – also known as Martyn’s Law – was introduced following campaigning in the aftermath of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, and is designed to ensure venues and events hosting significant numbers of people have plans and measures in place in the event of a terrorist attack

Standard duty premises

The Act applies to a wide range of premises where large numbers of visitors could be expected, including retail, hospitality and entertainment venues. 

It applies to buildings, parts of buildings (such as a unit within a shopping centre) or combinations of land and buildings.

Premises with a capacity of over 200 people will be required to have appropriate public protection procedures in place to minimise harm to those in the building in the event of a terrorist incident, such as invacuation/evacuation strategies, plans to block entrances/exits, and methods of providing information to those in the building. 

The provisions are intended to be proportionate, so for premises of this size, the focus is not on changes to the building itself, but on being prepared and having plans in place in the event of a terrorist attack.

Enhanced duty premises and events 

Venues with a capacity of over 800 – or ticketed events where those numbers are expected – will be subject to enhanced provisions aimed at reducing vulnerability of the premises to terrorism, and reducing the risk to individuals if they did occur. This includes measures such as monitoring the premises/event, measures controlling those entering and leaving, the safety of those present and the security of information about the relevant premises or event. This may require measures such as CCTV, security scanners, bag searches and security patrols.  

Those responsible for enhanced duty premises and events must also document their compliance with these requirements.

What kind of properties will be affected?

The Act will have huge implications not just for venues such as concert arenas – which were the impetus for these changes – but also for shopping centres and any other properties with large capacities. 

Premises of this size will usually have multiple tenants, and shared spaces, so making these changes will require a high level of planning, coordination and perhaps even changes to the structure of the buildings themselves. 

When will the Act come into force?

While the Act received Royal Assent on 3 April, further regulations are needed to give effect to the new provisions, and the government has indicated there will be a transitional period of 2 years to allow those responsible for premises caught by the Act to put the appropriate plans in place. 

How can we help you?

We have been advising our clients on the upcoming changes for some time already – please do get in touch if you need some help navigating the new rules.

Authored by Paul Tonkin and Lucy Redman.