When does Martyn’s Law come into force?
Not yet — but the implementation period is running, and the useful work can be done now.
Martyn’s Law is expected to come into force in spring 2027. The Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025 with an implementation period of at least 24 months, and the SIA has said it will confirm the exact date. Until then there is no legal requirement to comply, but venues can prepare their procedures now.
What has already happened?
- 3 April 2025: Royal Assent.
- 15 April 2026: Home Office statutory guidance published; SIA consultation opened.
- July 2026: SIA guidance on its role as regulator.
- September 2026: principal-use guidance and an SIA update on the scope tool and templates.
What is still to come?
- SIA final guidance, expected autumn 2026.
- An online scope tool, expected in the new year.
- Optional templates for procedures and the enhanced-tier document.
- The notification portal, with testing from early 2027.
- Commencement regulations setting the start date.
Full dated list on the guidance updates page.
Should we wait for the date?
You do not have to act before the law starts. But the standard tier is mostly thinking and writing, and doing it early means staff have practised before anyone asks. Venues that start in the last few weeks will be doing it at the same time as everyone else.
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.
Want a second pair of eyes on it?
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.
Common questions
Has Martyn's Law been passed?
Yes. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025.
Can I be fined before it comes into force?
No. Penalties can only apply once the Act is in force, which is expected in spring 2027.