Isle of Wight venues, schools and community organisations are being encouraged to begin preparing for the introduction of Martyn’s Law, with Newport-based Lifeline Alarm Systems already helping local operators understand the changes ahead.
Formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, Martyn’s Law was introduced following a campaign led by Figen Murray, whose son, Martyn Hett, was among the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017.
The legislation received Royal Assent in April 2025 and is due to come into force in Spring 2027. It aims to ensure those responsible for publicly accessible venues take proportionate and practical steps to improve preparedness for serious incidents.
Although official guidance has yet to be released, Lifeline Alarm Systems says it is already working with organisations across the Isle of Wight to help them assess their readiness.
The Newport-based company also plans to host free events to help those affected understand their responsibilities and the steps required to comply with the new legislation.
Under Martyn’s Law, venue operators will be expected to carry out structured risk assessments to identify threats and vulnerabilities, introducing appropriate measures to reduce risks. Staff and volunteers will also need to receive training to help them recognise potential threats and respond effectively.
Many Island venues are expected to fall within the Standard Tier category, which applies to publicly accessible premises with a capacity of between 200 and 799 people. This could include schools and colleges, theatres, community halls, places of worship and sports and leisure facilities.
Mark Lee, Managing Director of Lifeline Alarm Systems, has said:
“Martyn’s Law will transform how venues and organisations think about safety and represents the most significant change to venue and event security legislation in more than a generation.
“Making it essential that they understand how it affects both planning and live operations.”
The legislation is expected to give authorities powers to monitor compliance, with enforcement measures including compliance notices, monetary penalties and restriction notices where standards are not met.
Mark adds:
“At Lifeline our aim is simple, we want every venue across the Isle of Wight to be safer for the public to enjoy.
“In practical terms, venues should use the current implementation period to review their arrangements, assess risks and improve staff awareness, rather than leaving preparations until the last minute.
“We will be working closely with venues to help them understand the new requirements and support compliance planning across the Island.”
Lifeline says the legislation is intended to strengthen public safety without fundamentally changing the community nature of local venues, focusing instead on sensible and proportionate precautions to protect staff, visitors and residents.
