The Terrorism (Protections of Premises) Act 2025

MARTYN’s LAW

INTRODUCTION

Martyn’s Law was introduced following the Manchester Arena attack and aims to improve public safety by requiring venues and events to be better prepared for potential terrorist incidents. The legislation will apply across the UK, including Northern Ireland, and places responsibilities on those managing publicly accessible premises and events to have appropriate security and emergency response procedures in place. This will include sports clubs, sports venues, and sporting events.

With Martyn’s Law expected to come into effect in 2027, sports organisations across Northern Ireland will need to understand their responsibilities and begin preparing for the requirements designed to enhance public safety and improve preparedness against potential terrorist threats.

The Act has created two tiers:

  • Standard Tier which applies to premises where 200–799 people may be present at one time. This tier requires venue operators to have practical procedures for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, and communication during an incident.
  • Enhanced Tier which applies to premises and events with 800 or more people. This tier requires the above procedures plus additional measures to reduce vulnerability to terrorist attacks.

For most sports organisations in Northern Ireland, the main impact will be a greater focus on planning and preparedness rather than expensive security provision. However, organisations hosting larger events with attendances of 800 or more people will face more rigorous requirements, including registering the event with the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

INFORMATION & GUIDANCE

Home Office Factsheets & Guidance: The Home Office and the SIA have produced Martyn’s Law Factsheets, Guidance on when to Notify the SIA of events, and Statutory and Non-Statutory guidance to help determine if your organisations fall within the scope of the legislation.

Frequently Asked Questions: The SIA have also been working with the Home Office to develop a Frequently Asked Questions page, which can be found on Protect UK. For anyone unsure about what Martyn’s Law means for them, this is a good place to start.

SIA Newsletter: The SIA have also published the first edition of their Martyn’s Law newsletter: SIA Martyn’s Law Update.

SIA Toolkit: The Security Industry Authority (SIA) have released a communications toolkit to help you share materials about Martyn’s Law with your networks. You will find suggested creative assets to share via your channels. The toolkit will be updated as new guidance materials are developed.

WEBINAR

An online dedicated webinar on Martyn’s Law and what the new legislation means for the sporting sector in Northern Ireland has been organised by NI Sports Forum and is scheduled for Thursday 20th August 2026 at 15.00hrs.

Places are free but advance registration is required. To register, please click here: Preparing Sport for Martyn’s Law – Understanding the New Terrorism Protection Legislation – Fill in form

The webinar is for Governing Body representatives and other relevant stakeholders who will be impacted by the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (known as Martyn’s Law).

An online dedicated webinar on Martyn’s Law (The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025) and what the new legislation means for the sporting sector in Northern Ireland is scheduled for Thursday 20th August