Martyn's Law Guide On Preparing Your Venue
Prepare your venue for Martyn’s Law with guidance on training, risk assessments, AEDs, bleed kits, and emergency planning.
Martyn’s Law Guide On Preparing Your Venue
Martyn’s Law is a major step in protecting the public in places across the UK. Named after one of the 22 victims killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, this law places increased safety obligations on businesses in public places. Introduced in April 2025 but not going into effect until April 2027, the legislation is a prominent reminder that being prepared can be a lifesaver.
The basic message here is obvious enough, venues need to perform risk assessments, prepare for emergencies, and ensure that the staff knows how to deal in such cases. While there isn’t any legislation requiring AEDs or bleed control kits to be present, the availability of these necessities can really be a life-saver. We’ll take you through what the law means in practice and how your venue can feel confident, prepared, and ready to respond in any situation.
What Is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law aims to make public spaces safer by requiring venues to take appropriate steps to reduce the risk of terror attacks. It applies to a broad range of settings. Think schools, community centres, stadiums, retail outlets, and places of worship.
Venues are grouped into two tiers:
- Standard Tier: Premises with a capacity of 200 to 799 people
- Enhanced Tier: Venues hosting 800 or more
This law was shaped by the findings of the Manchester Arena Inquiry and supports the UK’s CONTEST counter-terrorism strategy. To learn more, including answers to questions like “What is Martyn’s Law?” or the latest Martyn’s Law update, check the Home Office’s official factsheets and other data freedom of information releases and corporate reports.
What Will Be Required Under Martyn’s Law?
Each venue’s responsibilities vary based on its tier, but the principles are consistently assess, plan, and train.
- Standard Tier venues must have a risk assessment, Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) and Prevent training, and a basic emergency plan.
- Enhanced Tier venues must have everything required in the Standard Tier, plus physical security measures such as CCTV, secure access, and locking doors.
Training is central to Martyn’s Law compliance. Online learning options like ACT e-learning, ACT Awareness Training, and Prevent Duty Training help staff understand what’s expected. Additional resources include:
- ACT Certificate
- ACT Security
- ACT Highfield
- ACT Course
- ACT Training UK
Training materials also support Prevent awareness training, ACT terrorism training, and SIA certification. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) enforces compliance.
Why Bleed Kits and AEDs Matter
Though not explicitly listed under statutory guidance, AEDs and bleed kits are widely recognised as vital emergency resources in the event of an attack. They reflect a venue’s proactive and responsible approach to protecting the public and keeping people safe in public spaces.
- AEDs can significantly boost survival rates by over 70% when used quickly and effectively during acts of terrorism or other emergencies.
- Bleed kits are designed to manage severe trauma and are especially crucial in incidents involving mass casualties or a terrorist event.
Including these tools in your emergency plan demonstrates that you’re working closely with public safety goals, aligning with Martyn’s Law guidance, and prioritising practical readiness. If you’re exploring next steps for your venue, it’s worth taking a closer look at our available bleed control kits and AED packages designed for public premises and events.
How to Get Your Venue Ready
Acting now will make all the difference later. Here’s a simple framework to follow:
- Risk assessments – Tailored to your space
- Emergency equipment – Install AEDs and trauma kits in visible spots.
- Training – Enrol in ACT learning or Prevent online training options, such as:
- Planning – Include Prevent referrals, lockdown steps, and evacuation procedures.
For accessible resources, check our learning courses or the St John Ambulance blog.
The Cost of Being Unprepared
The cost of not complying with Martyn’s Law isn’t just legal, it’s human. In the event of an attack, seconds count. Without preparation, delays can mean tragedy. Venues that embrace readiness through training, planning, and equipment show they’re committed to safeguarding their staff and the public. You can get tailored help from our team.
Support for Small Venues
Smaller organisations, whether you’re running a community hall, a local shop, a family-run café, or an independent event space, often worry about the costs of compliance. But preparing for Martyn’s Law doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. There are practical, affordable ways to move forward:
- Access Prevent Free training to educate your team without added cost
- Explore available grants and discounted packages for AEDs and bleed control kits.
- Join the Heart Safe Location scheme to show your commitment to public safety.
The goal is to help all public premises and events, regardless of size, build confidence, protect their visitors, and ensure staff are ready to respond.
Martyn’s Law isn’t just a exercise to tick off of your list. It’s a call to action, a chance to create safer, more resilient spaces for everyone.
You don’t need to do everything at once. But taking that first step, whether it’s looking into safety equipment, reviewing training options, or reaching out to us for guidance, could be the most impactful move you make today.
When you’re ready, we’re here to support your next step in helping make your venue or business stronger, safer, and ready to protect the people who matter most.
Latest News on Martyn’s Law
1. Martyn’s Law approved as Figen Murray’s campaign succeeds
Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, welcomed the law’s approval and continues urging venues to act early.
2. Legal experts advise action before the 2027 deadline.
Compliance professionals are encouraging venues to update safety plans now, not later. Read the guidance
3. New law could bring £18m fines for large venues
Enhanced-tier premises that ignore requirements may face steep financial penalties.
See full report.
