How Access Control Solutions Help You Prepare for Martyn’s Law - A Supplier’s Guide for UK Businesses
How Access Control Can Support Your Martyn's Law Preparation
If you manage a venue, school or publicly accessible premises in the UK, you've probably heard about Martyn's Law. Officially called the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, it received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. The Act introduces new expectations around security and preparedness for qualifying venues.
We talk to venue owners and facilities teams regularly who are worried about what this means for their business. The honest answer? It's not as complicated as some providers make it sound. But you do need to understand what's actually required rather than what Security companies want to sell you.
What Martyn's Law Actually Requires (and What It Doesn't)
Martyn’s Law applies where it’s reasonable to expect that 200+ individuals may be present at the same time, at least occasionally. It also applies to certain publicly accessible events.
The Government intends an implementation period of at least 24 months before the Act comes into force, so requirements are not expected to apply before April 2027.
Here’s the part some providers gloss over: Martyn’s Law is primarily about procedures — not buying specific products.
Standard tier (200–799): you must notify the SIA and have, so far as reasonably practicable, appropriate public protection procedures in place — covering evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication. There’s no requirement to put in place physical measures.
Enhanced tier (800+): you’ll need the above, plus (so far as reasonably practicable) appropriate public protection measures to reduce vulnerability and risk of harm — and you must document your procedures/measures and provide that to the SIA.
We solve YOUR problem - not sell you extras you don't need. So when we talk to venue managers about Martyn's Law, we start with what the legislation actually asks for. Not an equipment quote.
Where Access Control Fits Into Your Preparation
You're not legally required to install any particular system. But Access Control can be a practical tool in supporting your emergency procedures. Think about it from an operational perspective.
Visitor management is a good starting point. Even a straightforward sign-in process helps you keep track of who is on-site, which becomes essential during an evacuation or incident. For larger venues, electronic systems can provide instant reports and highlight patterns in your risk assessments over time.
Access Control also supports staff training. Including door procedures in your emergency drills helps ensure everyone knows what to do if the building needs securing or people need guiding to safety. When it comes to demonstrating your preparedness, clear records of your processes and reviews show that you are taking your responsibilities seriously.
As an NSI Gold accredited company, we design Access Control systems that work alongside your Fire Alarms, CCTV and Intruder Alarm systems. That integration matters. Your evacuation procedure requires electronically locked doors should be designed to release appropriately on fire alarm activation, typically in line with BS 7273-4 (the standard for Fire Alarm and Access Control door interfaces).
100+ Amber Taverns venues trust our 3am emergency response. That same joined-up approach applies here. Your Martyn's Law preparation shouldn't create another disconnected system that doesn't talk to your existing Fire and Security setup.
Best Practice Features: Going Beyond the Minimum
Some venues want to go further than the legal minimum. This is especially true for those facing higher risks or wanting to set a strong standard for safety. Advanced Access Control features can add extra layers of protection. Options include multi-factor authentication (requiring more than one credential to enter), real-time monitoring and integration with emergency services.
It's important to be clear: none of these features are mandated by Martyn's Law. They're best practice options, not legal requirements. For some venues, investing in these technologies makes sense. For others, simpler measures are perfectly adequate.
Data protection is another area where best practice and legal compliance overlap. If you’re using fingerprints or facial recognition for access control, that’s typically special category data under UK GDPR. You’ll need an Article 6 lawful basis and an Article 9 condition, and you should complete a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA). In practice, many organisations also provide a non-biometric alternative (such as a card or fob) to keep access fair and workable. Non-biometric Access Control systems still process personal data and need a lawful basis under UK GDPR, but they don't trigger the additional special category requirements. The ICO's guidance on data protection is worth reviewing alongside your Access Control planning.
What Should You Do Next?
If you're feeling unsure about where to start, you're not alone. We'd recommend beginning with your risk assessment. Look honestly at your venue, your operations and your people. From there, think about the practical steps that make your site safer. That might mean tightening up entry procedures, improving staff training or considering an Access Control system that fits your needs and budget.
Martyn's Law is about being prepared, not about buying the most expensive technology or following a rigid template. It's about showing you've thought carefully about your risks and taken reasonable, proportionate action to manage them.
The Home Office's Section 27 statutory guidance, which will provide the detailed compliance criteria, is expected for consultation during Summer 2026. Until then, the free resources on ProtectUK are a reliable starting point. Be cautious of unofficial training providers using misleading endorsements. Until the Section 27 guidance is officially released, most legitimate training resources are available free from the ProtectUK platform.
People buy from people. We'd rather have an honest conversation about what you actually need than oversell you a system that doesn't match your risk profile. Whether you need a simple visitor management process or a fully integrated Security System, we can help you find the right balance. Access Control, Fire Alarms, CCTV and lockdown procedures - all coordinated through one team.
Read our guide on Access Control system types or call us on 0121 271 0149 for a free, no-obligation conversation about your Martyn's Law preparation.
Further Reading and Official Guidance
Fire safety and security legislation, standards, guidance and enforcement practice can change. MAC Security Systems makes no representations or guarantees, express or implied, that content on this site is accurate, complete or current. For practical advice about fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, security systems or system maintenance requirements for your premises, call MAC Security Systems on 0121 271 0149. For legal advice, fire risk assessment advice or confirmation of your statutory duties, speak to an appropriately qualified legal adviser, competent fire risk assessor or competent fire safety professional.