MARTYN’S LAW IS COMING INTO EFFECT: ARE YOU READY?

Martyn’s Law is expected to come into effect in April 2027. It requires qualifying public spaces to plan for what would happen in the event of a terror incident.

Is your location or event ready?

Here, we’ll tell you all you need to know about Martyn’s Law. Plus, we’ll share how a critical injury bleed control kit can help ensure you’re prepared and compliant.

WHAT IS MARTYN’S LAW?

Martyn’s Law is officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. 

Until recently, counter-terrorism preparedness was a voluntary suggestion. However, Martyn’s Law makes it a mandatory legal duty for qualifying public premises and events in the UK.

It aims to ensure the public is better protected from terrorism in the event of an attack.

The Act is nicknamed ‘Martyn’s Law’ in tribute to Martyn Hett – one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena attack. 

It was passed in April 2025, but it isn’t expected to come into full legal force until April 2027.

WHO IS AFFECTED?

Martyn’s Law applies to anyone who controls or manages public locations that gather more than 200 people for activities like:

• Retail
• Sports
• Leisure
• Worship
• Education
• Healthcare
• Entertainment 
• Food and drink

The public sector is very much affected, especially councils that manage events like concerts, markets, shows, or other large gatherings.

However, the Act also includes any venue or event that can be reasonably expected to gather 200 or more people. This will include pubs, clubs, retail spaces, hotels, sports grounds, theatres, community halls, and organised public events.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO FOR MARTYN'S LAW?

If your space or event falls within the scope of Martyn’s Law, you’ll need to consider how you would respond to a terror incident. This includes assessing risks, making emergency plans, and training staff. 

That said, your exact responsibilities will depend on which tier you fall under:

STANDARD TIER – 200-799 CAPACITY 

Can your location reasonably be expected to gather more than 200 people from time to time, including staff?

You’ll need to:

• Notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA)
• Put basic public protection procedures in place relating to:
• Evacuation 
• Invacuation (moving people to a safe place)
• Locking down the premises
• Communicating with individuals on the premises

ENHANCED TIER – 800+ CAPACITY

Can your location reasonably be expected to gather more than 800 people from time to time, including staff? 

In this case, you’ll still need to adhere to the requirements above. But you’ll also need to:

• Designate a senior individual who is responsible for ensuring compliance
• Document the public protection procedures and measures you’re putting in place
• Put protection measures in place to reduce the risk of physical harm in the event of an attack
• Put protection measures in place to reduce the location’s vulnerability to an act of terrorism
• Provide the SIA with documentation, including an assessment of how the public protection procedures and measures reduce vulnerability and risk of harm

HOW A CRITICAL INJURY BLEED CONTROL KIT CAN HELP

A critical injury bleed control kit is an emergency medical pack designed for catastrophic blood loss. It’s also known as a bleed kit, trauma kit, or critical injury pack.

Unlike a standard first aid kit, bleed kits contain items that can help control severe, life-threatening external bleeding – like haemostatic dressings and an emergency tourniquet.

These kits can help stabilise casualties until professional help arrives following terror incidents like:

• Bomb blasts
• Knife attacks
• Gunshot wounds
• Vehicle collisions

They can also be a lifeline following accidents including falls from height, heavy machinery mishaps, and structural collapses.

At SMI, our fully stocked bleed kits help ensure compliance and equip your team to act quickly in an emergency. 

Shop bleed kits today or explore our wider range of first aid kits, burns kits, and eyewash kits.

IS A BLEED KIT A LEGAL REQUIREMENT?

No. Even if your space falls under Martyn’s Law, a bleed kit isn’t a legal requirement.

However, you are legally required to take actionable steps to protect the public from terrorist incidents. 

Meanwhile, if your location falls under the enhanced tier, your responsibilities go a step further. You’re specifically required to mitigate physical harm in the event that a terrorist attack occurs.

With that in mind, bleed kits may form an important part of your location’s wider emergency response strategy.

It’s also worth remembering that legal requirements are the minimum. By being proactive about emergency supplies, you can help ensure your venues and events are as safe as possible. A bleed kit may just be the difference between life and death following a critical injury at your location.

OTHER USEFUL EQUIPMENT

As well as bleed kits, consider this safety equipment to improve your emergency preparedness:

• First aid signs – clear signs pointing to bleed control kits and other emergency equipment
• Emergency exit signs – clear signs marking emergency exit routes to guide crowds to safety

You can explore our full range of safety signage and equipment in the SMI shop. Our products include AEDs, first aid kits, safety barriers, and more.

HELPING YOU PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED

At SMI, we supply the products you need to help your team respond quickly in the event of an emergency.

Shop critical injury bleed control kits to enable quick action following a terror attack or another critical injury.

Plus, explore our wider range of first aid kits, burns kits, eyewash kits, and AEDs. So, you’re as prepared as possible for the unexpected.

Not sure what products you need?

Our team of sector experts is always happy to help with advice and compliance support. Just get in touch.

FAQs

What is a bleed kit?

A bleed kit is an emergency medical pack that can help control severe blood loss following a critical injury. It’s designed to help stabilise casualties while they wait for professional help to arrive. 

Bleed kits can form an important part of a location’s counter-terrorism response strategy.

Is Martyn's Law mandatory?

Yes, Martyn’s Law is new legislation in the UK. When it comes into effect, it will be mandatory for qualifying public spaces and events.

What are the four Cs in counter-terrorism?

The four Cs in counter-terrorism are a protocol for dealing with suspicious items. 

They are:

1. Confirm – check whether the item has suspicious characteristics
2. Clear – move everyone away from the immediate area calmly and safely
3. Communicate – call the emergency services or the site security team from a distance
4. Control – restrict access to the area and keep the public away until emergency responders arrive

When does Martyn’s Law come into effect?

Martyn’s Law is expected to come into effect in April 2027.