For UC Advanced’s avid readers, we covered Martyn’s Law in issue 12. At that time, UC Advanced suggested some of the UCC devices that could be considered necessary, such as headsets, speakers, uninterruptible power supplies and CCTV systems. Now that Martyn’s Law has come into effect, 3 April 2025, we look at the details of the Bill.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 will require public premises where 200 or more individuals may be present, to be better prepared and have plans in place to keep people safe in the event of an attack.
Larger premises and events where 800 or more people will be present will be required to take further steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism, such as having CCTV, bag search policies or vehicle checks where appropriate.
Those Responsible and Certain Public Premises
The Act requires those responsible for certain public premises and events to take reasonably practicable steps to be prepared and ready to keep people safe in the event of an attack. Certain larger premises will be required to consider and, where appropriate, take steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism.
If you are wondering which “certain” public premises are involved, the categories of use set out in Schedule 1 to the Act are:
🏛 shops etc
🏛 food and drink
🏛 entertainment and leisure activities
🏛 sports grounds
🏛 libraries, museums and galleries
🏛 halls etc
🏛 visitor attractions
🏛 hotels etc
🏛 places of Worship
🏛 health care
🏛 bus stations, railway stations etc
🏛 aerodromes
🏛 childcare
🏛 primary and secondary education
🏛 further education
🏛 higher education
🏛 public authorities
A Venue’s Predominant Use
The test of whether premises are mainly used for Schedule 1 purposes is to be determined based on the circumstances of each set of premises. The point is to determine what the premises are mainly used for – this may be a question of how the premises are used most of the time, or if there is a predominant use. An otherwise private garden opened very occasionally for visitors to come e.g. as part of an “open gardens” event, would not be caught if the main use was as a private garden. However, the garden of a stately home may be qualifying premises if it is mainly used as a visitor attraction (rather than as a private garden).
Where the qualifying premises is not mainly used for Schedule 1 activities, the premises may still meet the qualifying event criteria.
Those Responsible
The Bill’s factsheet does not specifically name “those responsible”, but states: “Those responsible for many premises and events will be familiar with this exercise of judgement through their duties under health and safety legislation. Reasonably practicable will allow those responsible for premises and events to take into account the nature of their activities, operating environment, and available resources when fulfilling their obligations under the legislation, ensuring a proportionate and premises specific approach.
Guidance, advice, and inspection
The bill will establish a regulator to oversee compliance, through a new function of the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The core principle of the regulator’s activity will be to support, advise and guide businesses to implement the legislation’s requirements. The regulator will only use its toolkit of powers and sanctions to address serious and persistent cases of non-compliance. This will include the power to fine those who fail to fulfil the requirements and shut down premises and events in the enhanced tier in the most serious cases of non-compliance.
Actions, Hints & Tips for MSPs and Resellers
👍 Determine which of your customers are in scope
👍 Have conversations with customers offering information and advice
👍 Offer information that relates to the Terrorism Act 2025 only, do not exaggerate or make up facts
👍 Offer helpful advice such as keeping records of the venue’s events and attendance numbers, and offering to do a premises’ survey suggesting areas of vulnerability
👍 Consider the UCC devices and related ranges and offerings you have for customers, and possibly prepare leaflets, brochures or emails with a broad offering such as dedicated premises’ mobile phones, headsets, earpieces, walkie talkies, CCTV systems, speakers, uninterruptible power supplies and other associated communication tools
👍 Remember to offer batteries or back-up batteries
👍 Consider equipment packages and bundle deals for customers
👍 Use distributors who offer good customer service and those that offer
training or installation programmes
👍 Do not use scaremongering selling tactics, but rather encourage customers
to make a commitment to have a minimum standard of care for public safety
