Martyn's Law for nightclubs and music venues

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is not in force yet. The SIA expects it to come into force in spring 2027 and will confirm the date. Here is how it applies to a music venue: how to count your capacity, which tier you fall into, and what has to be in place.

Counting capacity

The figure that decides the tier is the greatest number of people it is reasonable to expect to be present at the same time, from time to time, including staff. For a music venue that means the number you can reasonably expect at the busiest times across all floors and any smoking area that is part of the premises, staff included. The licensed capacity is the usual starting point. Figures vary a lot between nightclubs and music venues, so work out your own. Below 200 the Act does not apply. 200 to 799 is standard tier. 800 and over is enhanced tier.

Which tier

A club or venue where 200 to 799 people can reasonably be expected at once is standard tier. Venues where 800 or more can reasonably be expected are enhanced tier and need a written document describing their procedures and measures, with an assessment of how they reduce risk, sent to the SIA. A venue that regularly runs special nights of 800 or more is enhanced tier, not standard.

What a standard tier music venue must have

Once the Act is in force, notify the SIA of the premises and the responsible person through the SIA's online portal. Anyone already responsible on the start date has three months. Have public protection procedures in place, so far as reasonably practicable, for four situations: evacuation (getting people out), invacuation (bringing people in and keeping them inside), lockdown (securing the premises) and communication (telling people what to do). Staff who have a role in them need to know what it is. No equipment, no searches and no security staff are required at this tier. The SIA can impose a penalty of up to £10,000, and up to £500 a day if a compliance notice is not met.

What that looks like in a music venue

Many clubs already have door staff, search and CCTV. What they often lack is a written procedure for the four scenarios that stands up on paper. The pack's four procedures let you build on the existing door team and use the DJ booth or stage as the point of announcement.

Standard tier venues are not required to search or to buy equipment. The pack says what is required and leaves the rest as the venue's choice.

Enhanced tier venues need more than this pack: the written statement and risk assessment. Email us with your capacity and we will say what is involved.