Martyn's Law, answered plainly.
The questions operators ask most, with the answer drawn from the Act and the Home Office statutory guidance. Every dated fact is stamped as at 12 July 2026.
When does Martyn's Law come into force?
The commencement date is not yet fixed in law. The Home Office has committed to an implementation period of at least 24 months from Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, and commencement is expected around spring 2027, with the earliest possible being April 2027. The exact date is set by regulations and confirmed to Parliament. Treat it as expected spring 2027, not yet fixed (as at 12 July 2026).
What is the capacity threshold for standard tier?
Standard tier covers qualifying premises where 200 to 799 individuals may reasonably be expected to be present at the same time, from time to time, for a Schedule 1 use.
What is the threshold for enhanced tier?
Enhanced tier covers qualifying premises where 800 or more individuals may reasonably be expected to be present at the same time. Qualifying events (800 or more people with controlled access) also sit in the enhanced tier.
Do I count staff and volunteers in my capacity?
Yes. The assessment is of the greatest number of individuals reasonably expected to be present at the same time, and it must include workers and volunteers, not just members of the public. Recurring seasonal or day-of-week peaks count; a genuine one-off unexpected spike does not.
Do I have to buy equipment or make building changes at standard tier?
No. The Act does not require physical alterations or the purchase of equipment for standard tier procedures. Standard tier is about having appropriate procedures in place across evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication.
Do I need a written plan or document?
At standard tier there is no statutory requirement for a written document, though procedures must be communicated to those who would carry them out, and a short written summary is good practice. At enhanced tier documentation is mandatory: record procedures and measures, keep the document up to date, and provide it to the SIA within 30 days of any revision.
Who is the regulator for Martyn's Law?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the UK-wide regulator, operating a new regulatory function for Martyn's Law. Its section 12 enforcement guidance is still in development as at 12 July 2026.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Once in force, the standard tier maximum monetary penalty is £10,000. For enhanced tier premises and qualifying events it is £18 million or 5% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater. Daily penalties for continuing non-compliance run up to £500 per day (standard) and up to £50,000 per day (enhanced and events). There are also criminal offences for providing false information to the SIA or obstructing an inspector.
Are churches, schools, and community halls in scope?
They can be. Places of worship, education premises, and halls and community venues are Schedule 1 uses, so a premises in one of those categories that meets the capacity threshold is in scope. Some events at places of worship, childcare and primary, secondary and further education premises are excluded from being qualifying events, but the premises themselves may still be qualifying premises under their use. Confirm the exact exclusion wording before relying on it.
Who counts as the responsible person?
For qualifying premises, it is the individual, organisation or company with control of the premises for the purpose of its Schedule 1 use. For qualifying events, it is the person with control of the premises for the event. Where more than one person has control, responsibility can be shared. At enhanced tier, if the responsible person is an organisation, a senior individual must be designated to oversee compliance.