Martyn’s Law is now the law. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 has fundamentally changed the landscape of venue safety across the United Kingdom. If you manage a venue with a capacity between 200 and 799 people: be it a high-end restaurant, a retail store, or a local community hall: you fall squarely into the Standard Tier.

Compliance is not optional. However, at KGFM, we believe it should not be a burden. While the legal jargon can seem overwhelming, the core requirement is clear: you must have appropriate Public Protection Procedures in place. This guide will show you how to structure those procedures in just five minutes, ensuring your business is safe, compliant, and ready for the 2027 enforcement deadline.

UNDERSTANDING THE STANDARD TIER: ARE YOU READY?

The Standard Tier is designed to be a "low-burden" but high-impact preparedness requirement. It applies to any qualifying premises where 200 or more people are expected to gather. This includes:

• Hospitality: Pubs, bars, restaurants, and hotels.
• Retail: Shops, retail centres, and shopping malls.
• Leisure: Gyms, cinemas, and theatres.
• Community: Churches and places of worship.

As the "Responsible Person" for your venue, your primary duty is to ensure that staff are briefed and that procedures are documented to reduce physical harm in the event of a terrorist attack.

THE 5-MINUTE FRAMEWORK FOR PUBLIC PROTECTION PROCEDURES

To meet the requirements of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, your procedures must cover four critical areas. You do not need a 50-page manual; you need a clear, actionable plan that your staff can execute under pressure.

1. EVACUATION: GETTING OUT SAFELY

Evacuation is not just about fire drills. In a security scenario, a standard fire assembly point might actually be a secondary target.

• The Action: Identify at least two alternative dispersal points that are away from glass facades and potential vehicle-borne threats.
• KGFM Expert Tip: Ensure your staff know to "Run" and disperse rather than gather in a tight group if a marauding attacker is suspected.

2. INVACUATION: FINDING INTERNAL SAFETY

Sometimes, the danger is outside. Invacuation involves moving staff and customers to a protected area within the building.

• The Action: Map out internal "safe zones": areas without windows and with solid walls (e.g., stock rooms or staff corridors).
• The Action: Ensure these areas have basic supplies and are accessible within seconds.

3. LOCKDOWN: SECURING THE PERIMETER

If an attack occurs in the immediate vicinity, you must be able to stop the threat from entering your premises.

• The Action: Create a "Lockdown Protocol." Who is responsible for locking the front doors? Who drops the shutters?
• The Action: Turn off music and dim lights to make the venue look unoccupied or less attractive as a target.

4. COMMUNICATION: CLARITY UNDER PRESSURE

How do you tell 500 people to move without causing a lethal stampede?

• The Action: Use clear, plain language. Avoid confusing codewords.
• The Action: Establish a hierarchy of communication: from the Duty Manager to the manned guarding team.

WHY KGFM IS YOUR PREMIER CHOICE FOR COMPLIANCE

At KGFM Ltd, we don’t just provide security; we provide peace of mind through expertise. We understand that a "one size fits all" approach fails when it comes to site-specific risks.

PERSONAL SUPERVISION AT ALL TIMES

Unlike larger, faceless agencies, KGFM provides personal supervision for every project. We don't just send guards; we send a comprehensive security strategy. Whether you need door supervisors for a high-traffic venue or retail security guards for a shopping centre, our management team stays involved in the day-to-day operations of your site.

OUR OWN SIA-STANDARD TRAINING CENTRE

Security is only as good as the training behind it. KGFM operates its own SIA-Standard Training Centre. This means every guard we deploy has been rigorously trained in-house to meet the highest industry standards.

When you partner with KGFM, you are getting professionals who are not only trained in basic security but are specialists in the new Martyn’s Law requirements. We ensure your staff are briefed, your procedures are tested, and your venue is a hard target for any threat.

YOUR ACTIONABLE CHECKLIST: START TODAY

You can begin your journey to compliance right now. Follow these steps to build your Standard Tier framework:

1. Capacity Audit: Confirm your maximum safe occupancy (including staff). If it's between 200–799, proceed with Standard Tier duties.
2. Procedure Draft: Document your Evacuation, Invacuation, Lockdown, and Communication plans using the framework above.
3. Staff Briefing: Every staff member, from the bar team to the concierge, must know their role in these procedures.
4. Register with the SIA: As the Responsible Person, you must notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA) of your status.
5. Consult the Professionals: Don't leave your legal liability to chance.

PREPARE YOUR VENUE WITH CONFIDENCE

The transition period for Martyn’s Law is underway. By Spring 2027, the SIA will be conducting inspections to ensure these procedures are not just on paper, but effectively implemented.

KGFM is here to make compliance straightforward and cost-effective. We assist non-SIA ACS companies to seek approval and offer bespoke consultancy services to help you navigate these new waters.

CONTACT KGFM TODAY

Take the first step today – no obligation. Get your FREE Martyn’s Law Compliance Checklist and a quick venue review from our expert team.

KGFM LIMITED Address: 60 Tottenham Court Road, Fitzrovia, London W1T 2EW Tel: 0203 4321635 Email: info@kgfm.co.uk Web: www.kgfm.co.uk/martyns-law

KGFM – Keeping UK public spaces safer, one venue at a time.

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