You may have heard about new rules heading towards high street stores, healthcare sites, and public venues across the UK. In spring 2027, Martyn's Law will come into force under the oversight of the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
As a store manager or business owner, keeping up with changing rules can feel like another job on your to-do list. The good news is that you don't need a team of lawyers to figure it out. With an implementation period giving businesses sufficient time before enforcement begins, getting prepared is straightforward once you know what applies to your site.
What is Martyn’s Law, and Who is in Scope?
Officially titled the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025, known as Martyn's law, aims to ensure people are safer in public spaces.
Simply put, the law applies to whoever is in charge of a public venue or event, typically the store manager, venue operator, or business owner.
For example, if you manage a retail store, run an outpatient clinic, or host events at a local venue where you expect 200 or more visitors or staff during peak hours, you hold the legal obligation to assess your scope and ensure your site or store is prepared and secure.
The act establishes a simple, two-tiered system based on site capacity:
· Standard Tier Premises (200–799 people): Smaller premises in this bracket need to notify the SIA and keep basic, written procedures for evacuation, invacuation, and lockdown.
· Enhanced Tier Premises (800+ people): Certain larger premises that regularly host many hundreds of visitors face additional responsibilities. These locations need to put physical protective security in place, manage crowds, and document their safety plans in detail.
What "Reasonably Practicable" Means for You
The government and the SIA don't expect duty holders to spend money on massive or unnecessary setups. Instead, the law asks for appropriate steps that are "reasonably practicable."
In plain terms, you need to balance risk against cost and practical effort. The focus is on good security practice and sensible preparation, rather than buying unverified third-party products offered on the market.
Before buying hardware, your first job is working out your true capacity. You can't prove which tier you fall into without accurate footfall records.
Using People Counting to Prove Compliance
This is where we come in.
At Intrepid Security, we’ve spent decades helping UK businesses track footfall and manage store safety, making us your ideal partner for Martyn’s Law compliance. Because regulators require clear proof of site capacity, we install simple, fit-for-purpose people counting systems that handle the tracking for you without interrupting daily operations.
Whether you choose battery-powered door sensors or ceiling-mounted cameras, tracking real-time occupancy gives you a low-cost way to prove capacity and meet statutory guidance requirements. That accurate data takes the guesswork out of store management, letting you know the exact moment your site crosses into the standard or enhanced tier during busy seasonal rushes.
To see which hardware best fits your premises, read our guide "How to measure footfall in retail using a people counting system".
Integrated Physical Security for Complete Protection
Once you have your capacity numbers locked down, you can focus on the physical security measures Martyn’s Law asks for.
At Intrepid Security, we help you connect modern CCTV to monitor footfall, smart access control to protect stockrooms and offices, and rapid electronic lockdown capabilities for emergencies. Connecting surveillance with access control creates a cohesive defence that satisfies SIA expectations without disrupting your daily business.
To learn more about official compliance tiers and legal expectations, you can review the government's official guidance on Martyn's Law.
Preparing Your Premises for 2027
You don't need to overhaul your store overnight. Taking small, practical steps now avoids last-minute stress. Start by checking your peak footfall, drafting clear emergency steps, and looking at your current setup.
Partnering with an experienced specialist ensures your tech fits your daily routine.
For advice on choosing a provider, read 'Choosing the right security partner is just as important as your software'.
When you're ready to review your capacity, our team can help you select the right People Counting Solutions, CCTV, and Access Control to keep your business compliant and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Martyn's Law, and why was Martyn's Law introduced?
Martyn’s Law, officially called the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025, is named in honour of Martyn Hett. It was introduced following a long campaign by Martyn's mother, Figen Murray, to make public spaces safer.
The Act was introduced to create a legal duty for venue operators and business owners to put clear, sensible emergency plans in place. This ensures organisations know exactly how to respond and keep people safe if a security incident or potential terrorist attack ever happens.
What are Martyn's Law security solutions, and how do they help with compliance?
Martyn's Law security solutions include everyday tools like people counters, CCTV cameras, and electronic Access Control. These tools help duty holders track footfall, watch for developing threats, and protect private rooms, giving you solid protective security without complicating daily business.
Who is considered a responsible person under Martyn's Law?
The responsible person is usually the business owner or manager running certain premises and events. This person handles registering the venue with the Security Industry Authority, training staff, and keeping emergency plans up to date for their site's capacity.
What is the Martyn’s Law 'protective security' compliance checklist for both standard and enhanced tier venues?
The checklist depends on your venue's peak numbers.
If you expect 200 to 799 people, you simply register your venue with the SIA, complete a quick security risk check, and write down emergency plans for evacuation and lockdown. Larger venues holding 800 or more people need to do all of that, plus put physical security measures in place, manage crowds, and keep detailed compliance records for regulators.
How can Intrepid Security help high street stores comply with Martyn's Law?
Intrepid Security provides simple, sensible tools that help high street stores reduce risks while keeping their shop friendly and open. We install accurate People Counting Solutions, integrated CCTV and smart Access Control, giving you everything you need for SIA compliance without complicating daily business.
Where can I find further information on SIA enforcement and statutory guidance?
You can find further information and official statutory guidance on GOV.UK or through the Security Industry Authority website.