Martyn's Law is not only about buildings. A large public event can be a "qualifying event" in its own right, with the same requirements as enhanced tier premises, even when the venue on an ordinary day would be standard tier or out of scope.
What is a qualifying event?
According to the SIA's guidance, an event is likely to be in scope when all of these apply:
- It is open to members of the public.
- There are entry checks, such as checking tickets, passes, or club or association membership or guest status.
- 800 or more people are reasonably expected to be present at the same time, including staff.
- It is not held at premises already in the enhanced tier. Those premises are covered by their own duties.
- It is not held at premises excluded under Schedule 2 of the Act.
Entry checks are the key. An open-access event with no checks is not a qualifying event, although the premises it is held at may still be in scope on their own. Under 800, an event is not a qualifying event.
Some examples
- A ticketed outdoor festival for 1,500 people is likely to be a qualifying event.
- A charity gala for 850 ticketed guests in a standard tier hotel is likely to be a qualifying event, even though the hotel normally is not enhanced tier.
- A concert at an arena that is already enhanced tier is covered by the arena's own duties, not as a separate qualifying event.
- A free street party with open access is not a qualifying event, because there are no entry checks.
These are illustrations only. Every event depends on its own facts, so check the scope flowcharts on ProtectUK.
Who is responsible?
The responsible person is whoever has control of the event, usually the organiser. Where that is an organisation, it must designate a senior individual to oversee compliance. If you are hiring a venue, agree in writing who does what: the venue's own procedures, your stewards and security, and how the two fit together on the day.
What qualifying events must do
The same as enhanced tier premises, so far as is reasonably practicable:
- Public protection procedures: evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication.
- Public protection measures covering monitoring, movement, physical security and the security of information.
- A compliance document setting these out and assessing how they reduce the risk of harm, sent to the SIA.
- Notification to the SIA through its online portal, once it opens.
Planning a qualifying event
- Start early. Build Martyn's Law into the event plan from the outset, not the week before.
- Plan for the busiest moment: gates opening, headline acts, end of the event and dispersal.
- Brief every steward and contractor on the four procedures and who makes the call.
- Protect your plans. Site maps, security arrangements and timings are sensitive information.
- Work with others. Join up with the venue, your security provider and the local council's events team.
- Review afterwards and record what you would change next time.
Penalties
For qualifying events, the maximum penalty is £18 million or 5% of worldwide revenue, whichever is higher, with further penalties possible while a failure continues. The SIA has said it will advise and support first.
Keeping up to date. The duties are expected to come into force in spring 2027. ProtectUK has the official events scope flowchart and guidance, and the SIA's guidance is on GOV.UK.
How we can help. We can review your event plan against the qualifying event requirements and help you prepare the compliance document through our advisory services, and brief your stewards and event staff with our 2-hour Martyn's Law Staff Essentials course.
Is your event in scope?
Book a free 30-minute consultation. We will help you work out whether your event is a qualifying event and what a proportionate first step looks like.
Request a free 30-min call ↗This article is general information, not legal advice. It reflects the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, the Home Office statutory guidance published on 15 April 2026 and SIA guidance as at October 2026. Check the latest position on ProtectUK or GOV.UK, or speak to us, before relying on it for your event. Last updated October 2026.
