How to notify the SIA under Martyn’s Law
Every responsible person for a premises in scope of Martyn’s Law must tell the Security Industry Authority (SIA), the regulator. Notifications will be made through an online portal the SIA is building, with deadlines that start once the Act is in force.
Who has to notify
The responsible person for each qualifying premises, which is usually whoever controls it: a licensee, tenant, operating company, charity trustees or a parish council. You notify when you become responsible, and again when you stop being responsible.
You only need to notify if your premises is in scope, meaning 200 or more people could reasonably be present at the same time.
The deadlines
| Your situation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Responsible on the day the Act comes into force | Within three months |
| Become responsible during those first three months | By the end of the three months, or 28 days after becoming responsible, whichever is later |
| Become responsible after that, for example you take over a pub | Within 28 days |
| Stop being responsible | Tell the SIA that you have stopped |
Qualifying events (800 people or more) have their own 14-day deadline. Most pubs and halls are premises, not events.
What you will need
- Your name and address as the responsible person
- The premises’ details
- The maximum number of people you reasonably expect at one time, and how you worked it out
- The names and contact details of anyone you must co-ordinate with, such as a landlord or another business in the same building
The capacity figure and the co-ordination contacts take the most preparation, so gather them now.
How the portal will work
Notifications will be made online unless the SIA directs otherwise, with another route for anyone who cannot use the portal because of accessibility needs. The SIA plans to invite volunteers to test the portal from early 2027, and will publish more detail before the requirement comes into force.
Smallprint will remind you when the portal opens and keeps your capacity figure and co-ordination contacts ready to copy in.
Questions people ask
Can I notify the SIA now?
Not yet. The portal is still being built and the notification duty is not in force. The SIA plans volunteer testing from early 2027.
Do I need to notify if I hold fewer than 200 people?
No. Only premises in scope of the Act need to notify.
What happens after I notify?
The SIA uses notifications to know who is in scope. It may carry out desk-based checks or inspections, usually with at least 72 hours’ notice.
Sources
- SIA: Martyn’s Law, the SIA’s new regulatory role
- TLT: Martyn’s Law notification guidance, practical points
- Foot Anstey: Martyn’s Law after the final statutory guidance
This guide is general information to help you prepare. It is not legal advice.