Martyn’s Law checklist for pubs
If your pub can reasonably expect 200 or more people at once, Martyn’s Law will apply to you, with active regulation expected from spring 2027. This checklist covers everything a standard-tier pub needs to do, in the order that makes sense.
The checklist
- Work out your numberCount the most people who could reasonably be on the premises at the same time, including staff. Your fire risk assessment’s safe occupancy figure or past busy nights are good starting points. 200 to 799 is the standard tier.
- Decide who is responsibleUsually whoever controls the premises: the licensee, tenant or operating company. If you share the building, note who else is responsible, because you must co-ordinate with them.
- Write your evacuation procedureHow to get everyone out safely: which exits, who directs people, where you meet outside.
- Write your invacuation procedureHow to bring people inside and away from danger if the threat is outside: which room, who leads, how you keep it calm.
- Write your lockdown procedureWhich doors can be locked or blocked quickly, how you keep people away from windows, and who decides.
- Write your communication procedureHow staff alert each other and customers, who calls 999, and what you say.
- Tell your teamMake sure everyone who might be on shift knows the procedures and their part in them, including casual and agency staff.
- PractiseWalk through the procedures with your team. A ten-minute run-through before opening counts.
- Keep a recordDated procedures, who has read them and when you practised. It shows you took reasonable steps if the regulator asks.
- Be ready to notify the SIAOnce the Act is in force you will tell the Security Industry Authority that you are responsible for the premises, through its online portal.
What you do not have to do
For the standard tier there is no requirement to buy equipment, install barriers, search customers or hire security. The duty is to have appropriate procedures in place, so far as reasonably practicable, and to notify the regulator.
Enhanced-tier duties (800 people or more) go further and include physical measures and a designated senior individual. Most pubs are standard tier.
When it starts
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025 with an implementation period of at least 24 months. The Home Office published its statutory guidance in April 2026 and active regulation is expected in spring 2027. The exact date will be announced in advance.
Starting now means your team has had months to get used to the procedures before anyone checks.
Questions people ask
Does Martyn’s Law apply to small pubs?
Only if 200 or more people could reasonably be present at the same time, counting staff. Many smaller locals are below this, but function rooms, beer gardens and big match nights can push a pub over.
What is the fine for a standard-tier pub?
The regulator can issue a penalty of up to £10,000 for the standard tier, plus daily penalties if a compliance notice is ignored.
Do I need a security consultant?
No. Standard-tier duties are written procedures, a team that knows them and a notification to the SIA. Free guidance is on ProtectUK, and tools like Smallprint draft the procedures for you.
Sources
- Home Office: Martyn’s Law scope, support and what’s next
- SIA: Martyn’s Law, the SIA’s new regulatory role
- Foot Anstey: Martyn’s Law after the final statutory guidance
- ProtectUK: Martyn’s Law hub, flowcharts and FAQs
This guide is general information to help you prepare. It is not legal advice.