Home / Martyn’s Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025): SIA update and compliance warning
17th March 2026
Claire Morris, Associate
As we move towards the new legislation coming into force, Laura Gibb, the SIA’s Executive Director for Martyn’s Law has issued a status update as well as a caution to venues that are laudably keen to ensure they are compliant in time.
Whilst Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent in April 2025, the Home Office has confirmed there is a minimum two-year implementation period. Information regarding Martyn’s Law continues to be updated. However, there is not yet a legal obligation for premises to comply with its requirements, nor does the SIA hold its new enforcement powers. Furthermore, statutory guidance by the Home Office (explaining how Martyn’s Law will work in practice) and, subsequently, the SIA (regarding its s12 regulatory functions) are yet to be published.
Even though this raft of further information is yet to be published, it is being reported that businesses are being offered products which can be purchased or offered consultancy services stating they are Martyn’s Law compliant. Also bear in mind that it has been previously stated that the requirements for businesses will vary according to their total capacity figures and their circumstances.
Gibb has warned that presently “no one can offer a full informed or accurate compliance solution” and, as a result, there is a risk that businesses are spending money unnecessarily at best, and at worst, being misled about requirements. This very concern was raised by Figan Murray at this year’s Night Time Economy Summit conference in Liverpool, where anyone who attended was subject to the most rigorous of bag searches, demonstrating how preventative measures do not have to be expensive to be effective.
Given the costs burden already suffered by the hospitality industry and the penalties for non-compliance, businesses should consider alternative and more reliable means of ensuring their preparation is effective and proportionate for the information available, and that the measures eventually put in place are ‘reasonably practicable’ for their operation.
Reassuringly, and in relation to costs, Gibb has also confirmed the SIA is committed to minimising administrative burdens and considering the impact of regulation on economic growth.
In terms of what’s next, the SIA will publish its own s12 guidance following the release of the Home Office’s guidance for Martyn’s Law. In the meantime, the SIA has stressed its commitment to providing informed and practical support to operators, as well as adopting a transparent, proportionate and impact-focussed approach to inspection and enforcement.
Progress so far includes building a secure portal for those all-important notifications and compliance documents, drafting of the guidance and also recruiting of staff to support the regulatory functions.
If you would like further information, contact Kuits’ licensing team on 0161 832 3434, or email us at [email protected].
Contributors: Rebecca Egan, Specialist Licensing Paralegal