Up to 400 venues across the Isle of Wight could face new legal responsibilities under Martyn’s Law, with pubs, hotels, restaurants, visitor attractions, schools and major events among those potentially affected by legislation designed to protect the public from terrorist attacks.
With the law expected to come into force in Spring 2027, Isle of Wight-based Blueline Group Services has joined forces with national risk and security consultancy United Outcomes to help local businesses understand their responsibilities and prepare for the changes.
The 2 organisations are hosting free information webinars in November and December, giving Isle of Wight business owners an opportunity to find out what is required before the new duties take effect.
Martyn’s Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, was introduced following the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in May 2017, in which 22 people lost their lives. Named after victim Martyn Hett, whose mother Figen Murray campaigned for improved public safety, the legislation aims to ensure venues and events are better prepared to protect people in the event of a terrorist attack.
Blueline estimates that between 350 and 400 Isle of Wight venues could fall within the legislation, with the law generally applying to qualifying premises where 200 or more people could reasonably be expected at the same time, including customers and staff.
This means even smaller venues could be brought into scope by the Isle of Wight’s busy summer season.
The legislation has 2 tiers. The standard tier covers qualifying premises with 200-799 people, requiring operators to notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and have emergency procedures for evacuation, lockdown, invacuation and communication. These requirements focus on preparation rather than expensive equipment, with no automatic requirement for security guards, CCTV or major building alterations.
Larger venues with 800 or more people, along with qualifying controlled-entry public events of the same size, face enhanced duties including additional protective measures, documented security plans and senior oversight. Schools, further education colleges, childcare settings and places of worship remain in the standard tier regardless of size.
Responsibility rests with the person or organisation controlling the venue or event, while non-compliance could result in penalties of up to £10,000 for standard-tier premises, or £18 million or 5% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater, for larger venues and events.
Dominic Rann, Managing Director of Blueline Group Services, has said:
“Martyn’s Law comes into force in Spring 2027, at the earliest, and we estimate between 350 and 400 places on the Island will need to comply – pubs, hotels, attractions, holiday parks, schools, churches and our biggest events. Many still don’t know where to start, and with penalties of up to £18 million for larger venues, people are understandably worried.
“We’ve partnered with United Outcomes because they are one of the leading names nationally on Martyn’s Law. That gives Island businesses national-level expertise, delivered by a local team they already know.”
Through the partnership, businesses can access assessments to establish whether the law applies to them, assistance with emergency procedures, staff awareness training and more detailed security planning for larger venues and events.
Blueline can also provide first aid training and licensed security personnel where appropriate, drawing on a team with backgrounds in policing, the military and emergency services.
The free Martyn’s Law webinars are open to business owners, venue managers, event organisers, schools, charities and community organisations. The online sessions will explain who is affected, what the law requires and how organisations can begin preparing, often at little or no cost.
The webinars will take place on Wednesday 18th November from 10:30-11:30 and Monday 7th December from 16:00-17:00.
Places can be booked online at united-outcomes.webinargeek.com/martyns-law-venues.
Attendance is free, with no obligation to purchase any services. For further information, email [email protected].
