24 October 2026
Martin's Law — What Event Organisers Must Do Now Before Spring 2027
Statutory guidance is live — enforcement starts Spring 2027. Who is in scope, the difference between Standard and Enhanced tiers, and the steps you need to take today.
The wait is over — and the clock is ticking. ⏰
Statutory guidance for Martin’s Law (the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act) is now officially published. From Spring 2027, enforcement begins. Every venue and event expecting 200+ people must be ready — with documented plans, trained staff, and clear procedures in place.
Here’s your straightforward breakdown — who it applies to, what the tiers mean, and exactly what you need to do before enforcement starts.
Who Is In Scope?
Martin’s Law isn’t just for stadiums or major arenas. It covers any location where members of the public gather — including:
✅ Festivals, fairs, and outdoor events
✅ Sports grounds and community clubs
✅ Fireworks displays and Bonfire Night gatherings
✅ Concerts, markets, and large community celebrations
✅ Temporary venues and pop-up events
The threshold:
👥 200+ people = Standard Tier
👥 800+ people = Enhanced Tier
This applies to maximum attendance — not just who you expect at the busiest moment. If your site capacity is 800, you fall into Enhanced Tier, even if you think fewer will turn up.
Standard Tier vs Enhanced Tier — What’s The Difference?
📋 Standard Tier (200–799 people)
Focus: Basic awareness & preparation
Complete and document a risk assessment
Put in place proportionate security measures
Appoint a responsible person
Train staff in awareness — spotting, reporting, and responding
Have clear evacuation and communication plans
Keep records reviewed and updated
⚠️ Enhanced Tier (800+ people)
Focus: Formal, resourced, continuously managed protection
Everything in Standard Tier, plus:
Detailed, site-specific protective security plan
Dedicated security manager / lead
Higher-level staff training
Regular exercises and rehearsals
Coordination with local police and security partners
Annual independent review of your plan
Written security policy approved by senior management
What This Means For Your Medical Cover
Your medical team is not separate from Martin’s Law — we’re an integrated part of your compliance:
✅ Trained eyes on site — our staff are trained to spot and report suspicious activity, helping you meet awareness requirements
✅ Communication links — direct radio/phone contact with event control means fast, coordinated response to any incident
✅ Evacuation integration — medical stations are included in your evacuation plan; routes and capacities factored in
✅ Documentation — our presence, procedures, and briefings are recorded, ready to show authorities
✅ Rehearsals — we participate in joint drills, ensuring safety and security work together
When you book us, you’re not just getting first aid — you’re getting a team that understands and supports your Martin’s Law obligations.
5 Steps To Take Before Spring 2027
Don’t wait until the new year — start now so you’re fully prepared:
📊 Count your numbers — confirm your maximum capacity and which tier you fall into
📝 Review your risk assessment — does it explicitly cover security threats as well as medical risks?
👥 Nominate your responsible person — someone with clear authority to make decisions
📞 Talk to your medical provider — confirm they’re Martin’s Law trained and can support your plan
📅 Schedule training — book staff awareness sessions before your next event
Don’t Leave It Until Enforcement Starts
Once Spring 2027 arrives, authorities will have the power to:
✅ Request and review your plans and documentation
✅ Carry out spot checks
✅ Issue improvement notices
✅ Issue fines if requirements aren’t met
The guidance is clear — compliance is about being able to show you’ve taken reasonable steps, not having perfect security. But you do need to have taken those steps, written them down, and trained your people.
We’re Ready — And We Can Help You Be Too
We’ve updated our procedures, trained our teams, and aligned our documentation to support Martin’s Law compliance. When you work with us:
✅ All staff trained to recognised Martin’s Law awareness standards
✅ Our plans integrate directly with your event security
✅ Clear documentation provided for your licensing and authority reviews
✅ We can guide you on what to include in your medical & safety sections
✅ Available for pre-event planning calls and reviews
Don’t let Martin’s Law be a worry — let’s make it something you’re confidently prepared for.
Get in touch today — let’s build your compliant, safe, and ready event together. ⚖️
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