The numbers depend on your tier. The SIA says its focus is on whether you have taken reasonable steps.
The maximum penalty for standard tier premises is £10,000. For enhanced tier premises and qualifying events it is £18 million or 5% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater. Daily penalties apply only if a compliance or restriction notice is breached. Nothing is enforceable until the Act comes into force, expected in spring 2027.
| Tier | Maximum penalty | Daily penalty (only after a notice is breached) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (200–799) | £10,000 | Up to £500 a day |
| Enhanced (800+) and qualifying events | £18m or 5% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater | Up to £50,000 a day |
Source: sections 18 and 19 of the Act. The SIA says it will take a risk-based approach, will usually give at least 72 hours’ notice of an inspection, and will use compliance notices and restriction notices before penalties. The Home Office says enforcement is aimed at serious or persistent failures.
The best protection is simple: procedures that fit the building, staff who know them, and a record of what you did.
Before you pay anyone: the Home Office says premises do not need to buy consultancy to meet the standard tier, and its guidance, the SIA’s guidance and the ProtectUK training are free. Neither the Home Office nor the SIA endorses any provider, including us. The legal responsibility stays with the person responsible for the premises; we help with the work, we do not take the duty off you.
Send the venue type, the most people you would expect in at once, and how many sites you run. We will tell you which tier you look to be in and whether the free route is enough before quoting anything.
No. There is no legal requirement to comply until the Act comes into force, which the SIA expects in spring 2027.