200–799
Standard tier premises
Procedural readiness
Eligible premises within this attendance range will need to notify the SIA and, so far as reasonably practicable, have appropriate public-protection procedures in place.
London venue & event security
Martyn’s Law readiness, already built into SSS.
Practical preparation for London venues and events—supported by the people, procedures and client visibility that are already included with every Special Service Security deployment.
Legal positionAct passed; duties have not yet commenced
Expected timingThe SIA currently expects commencement in spring 2027
SSS approachReadiness tools included with every client contract
A measured response
Preparation is not panic. It is operational clarity.
Martyn’s Law is the name commonly used for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. It is intended to improve protective security and organisational preparedness at certain publicly accessible premises and events. For London operators, the priority is not a generic compliance exercise; it is knowing who has responsibility, what procedures are needed and whether the people who will deliver them are ready.
SSS has already made the smaller, essential readiness tasks part of its client operating model. The SSS Application is included with every SSS contract and gives clients visibility over site-tier classification, procedures, training completion and security operations—at no additional platform licence or implementation charge.
Read the detailed Martyn’s Law guide for London venue operators.
Understanding likely scope
Two tiers. One proportionate approach.
Whether a particular venue or event is in scope depends on the detailed statutory tests, including its use, exclusions and expected attendance. The Responsible Person should assess each site against the latest official guidance. The threshold is not a shortcut for legal advice; it is the starting point for the right conversation.
800+
Enhanced tier & qualifying events
Measures, governance & evidence
Enhanced-tier premises and qualifying events will need the standard-tier foundations, appropriate protective measures and a security document explaining their procedures and measures.
The Act also sets separate qualifying-event criteria, including conditions around public access and entry checks. A security provider can support delivery, but legal responsibility remains with the Responsible Person.
Included for SSS clients
The readiness framework is already in place.
The SSS Application brings operational information into one transparent client environment. It does not replace the Responsible Person’s legal duties; it helps keep the practical foundations visible, current and accountable.
Site-tier classification
Keep a clear record of the tier assessment and the site-specific considerations that inform operational planning.
Procedure tracking
Maintain visibility of the procedures agreed for the venue as conditions, risks and operating arrangements evolve.
Training evidence
SSS officer training is delivered through the platform, with completion, score and certificate records tracked automatically.
Client visibility
Live rotas, SIA verification, incident logs, shift booking and compliance views make the deployment easier to oversee.
Included, not upsold. The SSS Application is provided as standard with every SSS contract, with no separate platform licensing or implementation charge.
Calm presence. Commanding results.
The right people make procedures work in the real world.
Written procedures only matter when the people on site can recognise the situation, communicate decisively and follow the plan without compromising the customer experience.
SSS combines visible operational discipline with the composed, professional service expected at premium hospitality venues, events and private locations across London.
A readiness pathway for your actual venue.
There is no responsible one-size-fits-all checklist. SSS begins with the operational reality of your venue, event or portfolio.
Clarify the site
Identify the operating model, attendance profile, likely tier and the person who controls the site or event.
Agree the plan
Establish the practical procedures and proportionate security arrangements that make sense for the venue.
Prepare the team
Ensure security personnel have current, site-specific instructions and training completion is recorded.
Maintain visibility
Keep documentation, rotas, incidents and operational updates visible through the SSS client environment.
The Responsible Person
Owns the statutory duty.
The Responsible Person is generally the individual, company or organisation that controls the premises or qualifying event. They retain legal responsibility under the Act and should use the latest official guidance and appropriate professional advice for their circumstances.
Special Service Security
Supports the operational delivery.
SSS can support planning, site readiness, staffing and the ongoing delivery of security arrangements. We do not take over the Responsible Person’s legal responsibility or certify a venue as legally compliant.
The operational essentials
Four procedures to make clear and workable.
For premises within scope, the statutory guidance identifies four public-protection procedures to consider. SSS helps translate these from a generic requirement into site-specific, usable instructions.
Evacuation
Move people away from the premises or event area safely and decisively.
Invacuation
Move people to a safer area inside the premises or event site.
Lockdown
Secure access points and minimise exposure where appropriate.
Communication
Provide clear, timely instructions to staff, guests and relevant responders.
Questions answered
What venue operators are asking now.
The answers below are general information only. Decisions about a particular venue or event should be based on the current statutory guidance and the organisation’s own circumstances.
Is Martyn’s Law already in force?
No. The Act has received Royal Assent, but its statutory duties have not yet commenced. The SIA currently expects commencement in spring 2027 and will confirm the date ahead of time.
Does every London bar, club or restaurant fall in scope?
No. Scope depends on the detailed statutory tests, including the use of the premises, expected attendance and exclusions. Operators should assess their own site using the current Home Office and ProtectUK guidance.
Do I have to hire security guards under Martyn’s Law?
Not necessarily. The Act does not create a universal requirement to employ security personnel. Any procedures and protective measures should be appropriate and reasonably practicable for the particular venue or event.
Can responsibility be passed to a security company?
No. A security company can support delivery, but the Responsible Person retains the statutory responsibility assigned by the Act.
Is SSS Martyn’s Law readiness support an additional charge?
No. The SSS Application is included as standard with every SSS contract, without a separate platform licence or implementation charge.
Start with a practical conversation
Be ready for what matters, before it matters.
Talk to SSS about a calm, operationally grounded approach to security readiness for your London venue, event or portfolio.
Important: This page provides general information and operational context; it is not legal advice or a confirmation of legal compliance. The Responsible Person retains statutory responsibility. Review the latest guidance from the legislation, Home Office, SIA and ProtectUK when assessing your own circumstances.