Why it’s called Martyn’s Law
It is named after Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena attack on 22 May 2017. His mother, Figen Murray, campaigned for years for venues to be better prepared, and the law is the result (Home Office factsheet).
The short version
- Who: venues where 200 or more people may be present at once, counting staff and volunteers: places like churches, village halls, pubs, schools, sports clubs and shops (the Act).
- What: at standard tier (200 to 799 people), simple plans for evacuating, sheltering inside, locking down and telling people what’s happening; making sure staff know them; and telling the SIA, which is free. No equipment or building work.
- When: not in force yet. Expected in spring 2027; the SIA, which will regulate it, will confirm the date (SIA).
What to do next
- Check if it applies to you: a few questions, free, no account, and you get a dated record of your reasoning.
- Draft your procedures: describe your building in about 15 minutes; we draft the four plans for you to check and sign off.
- Read the guide for your type of venue, or what to check before paying anyone.
Free official help: Home Office guidance and ProtectUK.