The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has closed its consultation on draft guidance for Martyn’s Law and is encouraging hospitality businesses and other organisations that may be affected by the legislation to begin preparing for its introduction.
The SIA, which will act as regulator for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, received nearly 200 responses during the consultation and engaged with more than 1,800 individuals and organisations through a programme of webinars and stakeholder events.
Martyn’s Law, named in memory of Martyn Hett who was killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, is designed to improve public safety by ensuring publicly accessible premises and events are better prepared for the consequences of a terrorist attack. Many hospitality venues are expected to fall within the scope of the legislation.
The consultation focused on the SIA’s draft Section 12 guidance, which outlines how the regulator intends to carry out its responsibilities under the Act. The guidance details how the SIA plans to support compliance, gather information, conduct inspections and address non-compliance using a proportionate and risk-based approach.
The draft guidance also explains how enforcement powers may be used and how financial penalties could be determined where breaches occur.
The SIA said feedback gathered through the consultation will be used to refine the guidance before publication of the final version and a full consultation report in autumn 2026.
Although Martyn’s Law is not expected to come into force until spring 2027, the SIA is encouraging organisations to begin assessing how the legislation may affect their operations and what measures may be required to comply.
Additional guidance on the legislation, including details on scope and compliance requirements, is available through Home Office resources and Protect UK.
Laura Gibb, Executive Director for Martyn’s Law at the SIA, said: “We are grateful to all those who took the time to contribute to this consultation and have been encouraged by the strength of engagement throughout the process. The feedback gathered will help us to ensure the final guidance meets the needs of those it is intended to support, ahead of publication later this year.”
The SIA will continue its engagement programme ahead of the legislation coming into force and is encouraging organisations to sign up for future updates and guidance.
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