Does Martyn's Law apply to my pub?

Martyn's Law applies to your pub if it is reasonable to expect 200 or more people on the premises at the same time, from time to time. Staff count towards that number, and most pubs that reach it fall in the standard tier.

The test comes from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which regulates the law. Its guidance of 17 July 2026 says the number "includes members of staff". The SIA expects the Act to come into force in spring 2027.

Is a pub a qualifying premises?

Yes, if the numbers reach the threshold. Schedule 1 of the Act lists the uses that bring premises into scope. "Food and drink", meaning the sale of food or drink to the public for eating or drinking on the premises, is one of them. Entertainment and leisure is another, which covers pubs with live music or a function room.

How do I count 200 people?

Think about your realistic busiest times. The SIA wording is "from time to time", so a big match, a quiz night that fills the room or a regular Saturday all count if they happen often enough to expect. Include your bar staff, kitchen staff and door staff.

A one-off night with a crowd you never see again is harder to judge. Write down how you reached your number. If the SIA asks, you can show your reasoning.

Which tier is my pub in?

Most pubs sit in the first two rows. A large venue pub or a pub next to a stadium can reach 800.

What does a standard tier pub have to do?

The SIA guidance sets two duties for the standard tier:

1. Notify the SIA who your responsible person is, once the law comes into effect.
2. Have appropriate public protection procedures in place, so far as is reasonably practicable.

The procedures cover four things: getting people out (evacuation), moving people to a safer place inside (invacuation), stopping people entering or leaving (lockdown), and telling people what is happening. For a pub, that usually means a short written plan, a named person on each shift and staff who know the plan.

You do not have to buy equipment for the standard tier. Physical measures such as CCTV and access control are part of the enhanced tier duty.

What will it cost my pub?

The Home Office impact assessment of 16 July 2024 puts the 10-year cost for a standard tier premises at £3,313. That is a central estimate in present value terms. It includes costs such as the time to read the guidance and to train staff.

Cost is a real worry in the trade. In the Home Office's 2024 standard tier consultation, 54% of standard tier operators were at least somewhat concerned about the cost. ProtectUK says premises "do not need to spend money on consultants to be compliant", and the SIA and ProtectUK guidance is free.

When does a pub need outside help?

Many pubs never need it. Help can save time if you run several pubs and want one set of procedures, if staff turnover is high and you want training records, or if your pub is near 800 people. No adviser can certify that your pub complies. The SIA regulates the duty, and neither the SIA nor the Home Office endorses any company.

What happens if my pub does nothing?

Section 18 of the Act sets a maximum non-compliance penalty of £10,000 for standard tier premises. Section 19 allows a daily penalty of up to £500. The SIA says it will take a risk-based approach and focus on whether you took reasonable steps.

Next step

Answer six questions in the tier check. You see your pub's likely tier and the four procedures in plain words before we ask for any details.