Martyn’s Law requirements explained
Martyn’s Law Standard Tier vs Enhanced Tier
The standard and enhanced tiers have different legal requirements because they apply to different circumstances. This guide explains the practical distinction for venue and event teams. It is general information, not a decision on whether a particular site or event is in scope.
At a glance: standard tier vs enhanced tier
| Question | Standard tier premises | Enhanced tier premises and qualifying events |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance guide | Usually 200–799 individuals at the same time. | Usually 800 or more individuals at the same time. |
| Notify the regulator | Yes, when the Act is in force and the premises are in scope. | Yes, when the Act is in force and the premises or event are in scope. |
| Public protection procedures | Appropriate procedures, so far as reasonably practicable. | The same requirement applies. |
| Public protection measures | There is no general enhanced-tier measure requirement. | Appropriate measures are required, so far as reasonably practicable, to reduce vulnerability and physical harm. |
| Documentation | Keep usable operational records, while following the requirements that apply to the site. | Document procedures, measures and how they reduce risk; provide the required document to the regulator. |
| Senior individual | Consider the Responsible Person’s practical governance arrangements. | Where the Responsible Person is an organisation, a senior individual involved in management or control must be assigned. |
What both tiers have in common
Both tiers require the Responsible Person to ensure appropriate public protection procedures are in place so far as is reasonably practicable. The four procedures to consider are evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication. What is appropriate depends on the particular venue or event, its operations, its people and its resources.
What enhanced tier adds
Enhanced-tier premises and qualifying events must also consider appropriate public protection measures. The statutory guidance groups those measures around monitoring, movement, physical security and security of information. The law does not prescribe a one-size-fits-all package; the Responsible Person should consider what is proportionate and reasonably practicable in the circumstances.
Why capacity is not the only test
Expected attendance is important, but it is not the only scope criterion. The type of use, whether there is a building, access conditions for events and statutory exclusions can all matter. For a qualifying event, the legislation includes specific public-access and entry-condition tests. A venue team should record the basis for its decision rather than relying on a headline capacity figure alone.
Practical preparation before commencement
- Identify the Responsible Person and, where relevant, the senior individual.
- Use the official scope material to work through the premises or event criteria.
- Make the four procedures specific to the site and the people who will use them.
- Test communication and role allocation in a proportionate way.
- For larger sites and events, begin organising the evidence needed to explain the measures considered.
Where SSS fits
SSS can support the operational side of readiness: agreed procedures, training records, security delivery and controlled client visibility through the SSS Application. The service does not make legal scope or tier determinations, and it does not certify legal compliance.
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Tier comparison FAQs
Is an 800-person event automatically a qualifying event?
No. As well as expected attendance, the statutory event criteria include public access, entry-condition checks, location and exclusion tests. Check the current statutory guidance.
Does the standard tier require physical security equipment?
Official guidance explains that standard-tier premises are not generally required to install specific physical security measures. The focus is on appropriate procedures, so far as reasonably practicable.
When does Martyn’s Law start?
The substantive duties have not yet commenced. The SIA currently expects commencement in spring 2027, with the exact date to be confirmed ahead of time.