Martyn’s Law (i.e., the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025) intends to improve organisational preparedness and protective security across the UK. It requires that those responsible for certain premises and events take steps to prepare for potential terrorist attacks and help keep people safe in the event of an attack. In addition, certain larger premises and events are required to consider their vulnerability to acts of terrorism, and, where appropriate, take reasonably practicable steps to reduce those vulnerabilities.
Do the regulations apply to us?
The law covers both premises and events. Most Morris events are too small to be within scope of the regulations, but may take place in premises that are themselves covered. If your event takes place inside a building that usually hosts large events of any sort then the premises management should already have devised the processes and precautions required by the law. You have some responsibility as event organiser and should check with them as to whether they have particular expectations of you, as organiser, or of your guests.
Early drafts of Martyn’s Law suggested that events with more than 200, but less than 800 people in one place at one time would be subject to limited regulation. This has been removed from the final Act1.
If you do not expect to have more than 800 people in one place at one time (including your team, your guests, all hangers-on *and* the audience), then you do not need to take any particular action.
Nonetheless, you should take a look at the advice below to Recognise possible threats; Assess what should be done; and be prepared to React if trouble occurs.
If you expect more than 800 people at your event, then legal responsibility shifts to YOU and there are ‘enhanced’ precautions that you must take. Hopefully, you are already in touch with whoever owns the premises (including open ground) where the event will take place. You must take proper advice. You will need to register the event with the Security Industry Authority. Contact your local council for starters.
If the 800 person event is private (i.e., is not accessible to the public, so you and your pre-invited guests only) then the regulations do not apply, though the premises management may have precautions they insist upon – such as a check at the door to ensure only invited guests are allowed in.
If you have sold tickets to the event, even if they only form a very small proportion of the final numbers, then it is classed as a public event and will be covered by the regulations.
If your 800-person event takes place entirely outdoors, in a public place, i.e., with no restrictions on who can come and go, then the law will not apply (see step 4 on the flowchart below).
We’re out of scope but want to do the right thing…
Step One – recognise that there may be a risk. Someone riding a souped-up e-bike through your audience or even through your set may be a terrorist or may be just a jerk. It doesn’t matter, there’s a risk of injury or worse in either case. What might happen at your event?
Step two – assess. Consider the environment in which you will be performing. Will the presence of alcohol be a factor? Does your dance-out coincide with a protest march in the area? Is there a big match on? Are there likely to be lots of passers-by? Hopefully the passers-by will stop and watch, will that block the pavement? Are you going to be dancing in the road?
We provide a template risk assessment form you can use to get you started.
Step three – react. What can you do up front to reduce the likelihood of trouble? Do you need to appoint ‘traffic marshals’ to keep pedestrian ways clear or stop traffic safely? Have you got a first aid kit? And what if trouble arises anyway? How will you react – who is the best person to take charge? How will you deal with a violent incident 1:1? What if there is more than one perpetrator?
If you have particular queries or concerns about the safety of your event, you can contact the Federation’s Health & Safety Advisor (sallywearing@outlook.com) for help if you need it.
Further information
Here is the official flowchart to help you determine if your event is covered by the regulations.
NB: out of scope does NOT mean you bear no responsibility for the safety of yourselves, your friends and hangers-on and your invited guests!
