The countdown to Spring 2027 has begun. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025: widely known as Martyn’s Law: is no longer a "future consideration." It is the law of the land. For venue owners, operators, and event organisers across the UK, the very first step toward compliance is not buying equipment or hiring consultants; it is counting.

Your capacity determines your tier. Your tier determines your legal obligations. If you get the count wrong, you risk either being under-prepared for a security event or over-spending on unnecessary compliance measures.

At KGFM Ltd, we specialise in cutting through the legislative noise. We provide tailor-made security solutions backed by personal supervision and SIA-standard training. This guide is your first tool in mastering Martyn’s Law.

Why Capacity is the Master Key to Compliance

Martyn’s Law is designed to be proportionate. The government understands that a local village hall has different risks than a 50,000-seat stadium. To manage this, the Act splits venues into two distinct tiers based on one metric: Concurrent Capacity.

• Standard Tier (200–799 people): Focuses on low-burden, high-impact activities like staff training and basic evacuation plans.
• Enhanced Tier (800+ people): Requires rigorous risk assessments, physical security measures, and a designated senior officer for compliance.

If your venue hosts 199 people, you are currently out of scope. If you host 201, you are a Standard Tier premises. The margin for error is razor-thin, and the legal implications of misclassification are significant.

(Above: Visualising peak occupancy is essential for determining your tier under Martyn's Law.)

How to Calculate Your "Reasonable Expectation"

The law uses the phrase “reasonable expectation of individuals present.” This is not a guess. It is a calculated estimate of the maximum number of people: including customers, staff, contractors, and visitors: who might be on your premises at the same time, from time to time.

Here are the five approved methods KGFM recommends for establishing an authoritative count:

1. Fire Safety and Safe Occupancy Limits

Your existing Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is your strongest starting point. Building control and fire safety officers have already calculated how many people can safely exit your building. If your FRA states a maximum occupancy of 850, you are automatically in the Enhanced Tier unless you can prove you strictly limit entry to a lower number.

2. Historic Footfall and Attendance Data

For retail centres and museums, capacity isn't static. Use your digital footfall counters or POS data to identify your peak concurrent occupancy over the last 12-24 months. Remember: you are looking for the highest number of people in the building at once, not the total number of visitors over a day.

3. Fixed Seating + Standing Space

In theatres, cinemas, and sports venues, the math is simpler. Total your fixed seats and add the calculated capacity of your standing areas (usually calculated at 0.3 to 0.5 square metres per person). Don't forget to add your maximum staff count on a "full house" night.

4. Ticketing and Pre-Registration

For events, your ticket sales are your legal boundary. If you sell 1,000 tickets, you are Enhanced Tier. If you sell 500, you are Standard Tier. However, you must account for "walk-ins" and staff.

5. Licensing and Operational Caps

If your premises licence caps your attendance at 400 patrons, and you have 50 staff, your total is 450. You must be able to demonstrate to the Security Industry Authority (SIA) that you have active measures (like clickers and door staff) to enforce this cap.

The KGFM Professional Standard: Beyond the Numbers

Calculating capacity is the "what." Ensuring safety is the "how." This is where KGFM sets the industry benchmark. Unlike "set and forget" security firms, we provide personal supervision at all times. We don’t just count your people; we protect them.

Our guards are not just bodies in high-vis vests. They are professionally trained to The SIA Standards at our own dedicated Training Centre. When you partner with KGFM for your Martyn’s Law compliance, you are getting:

• Bespoke Consultancy: We assist non-SIA ACS companies in seeking approval and navigating the complex requirements of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act.
• Expert Risk Assessment: We don't just look at numbers; we look at vulnerabilities. From retail stores to construction sites, we tailor our deployment to your specific site geography.
• Ready-to-Submit Documentation: Our team helps you prepare the public protection procedures required by the SIA, ensuring you are audit-ready well before the 2027 deadline.

(Above: Precision counting. KGFM guards use advanced monitoring tools to ensure compliance and safety.)

Action Plan: Do This First

Do not wait for a letter from the regulator. Take control of your compliance today with these three steps:

1. Define Your Boundary: Identify exactly which areas of your land and buildings are used for "Schedule 1" purposes (e.g., the shop floor, the bar area, the gallery).
2. Run the Numbers: Use at least two of the methods listed above to find your peak concurrent capacity. If the numbers differ, the higher number is your "reasonable expectation."
3. Audit Your Staff Training: Standard Tier compliance requires that all staff have basic counter-terrorism awareness. If your team hasn't been briefed, you are already behind.

KGFM is here to help. We offer a FREE initial venue and capacity assessment to help you determine your tier without the stress.

Prepare Your Venue with Confidence

Martyn’s Law is about more than just checking boxes; it is about a duty of care. It is about ensuring that every person who enters your venue: be it a gym, a church, or a shopping mall: is as safe as possible.

KGFM is your trusted partner for proportionate compliance. We operate nationwide, bringing London-level security expertise to every corner of the UK.

CONTACT KGFM TODAY

Don't leave your compliance to chance. Get professional, SIA-standard support from the UK’s premier security specialists.

KGFM Limited 60 Tottenham Court Road, Fitzrovia, London W1T 2EW

Tel: 0203 4321635 Email: info@kgfm.co.uk Web: www.kgfm.co.uk/martyns-law

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