Martyn’s Law is now one of the most important public-safety topics for UK venues, hospitality businesses, clubs, education settings and other public-facing premises.

The law is formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. It is designed to improve preparedness and protective security across certain public premises and events.

For many businesses, the immediate question is not only “does this apply to us?” It is also “what should we review now before the requirements come into force?”

While Martyn’s Law is not an electrical regulation, many of the practical measures that support safer public spaces rely on electrical and building-services infrastructure. Lighting, CCTV, emergency lighting, fire alarms, access control, communications, power supplies, controls and maintenance records may all need to be reviewed as part of wider venue preparedness.

At Azure Electrical Ltd, our electrical services, electrical installation, electrical remedial work, statutory compliance and control panel services support commercial sites that need safer, more reliable and better-documented building systems.

This guide explains the electrical and building-services checks venues and public-facing premises should consider as part of early Martyn’s Law preparation.

What Is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law is the common name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.

The Act is intended to improve public safety by requiring certain premises and events to be better prepared for potential terrorist attacks.

Official reference: ProtectUK: Martyn’s Law overview

The Home Office has also published guidance to help organisations understand the requirements and begin preparing.

Official reference: GOV.UK: Martyn’s Law guidance published to help businesses

For venues and businesses, the key message is simple: start reviewing safety, communication, access and response arrangements now rather than waiting until the last minute.

Which Premises Are Likely to Be Affected?

Martyn’s Law introduces a tiered approach based on the number of people reasonably expected to be present at the same time.

The standard tier applies to smaller premises where 200 to 799 individuals may be present. The enhanced tier applies to larger premises where 800 or more individuals may be present.

Official reference: ProtectUK: Martyn’s Law overview

Relevant premises may include:

• Pubs

• Clubs

• Restaurants

• Music venues

• Event spaces

• Sports venues

• Retail spaces

• Education settings

• Community facilities

• Visitor attractions

• Public-facing commercial buildings

Azure supports a range of relevant environments, including clubs, pubs, education settings, assisted living environments and office and corporate sites.

Why Electrical Systems Matter for Venue Preparedness

Martyn’s Law is about preparedness and public protection. Electrical systems are not the whole answer, but they often support the practical measures a venue relies on in an emergency.

For example:

• CCTV needs reliable power and suitable coverage

• Emergency lighting helps people move safely if normal lighting fails

• Fire alarms and warning systems need maintenance and testing

• Security lighting can help external areas, entrances and exits

• Access control may affect lockdown or controlled movement

• Communication systems may depend on power and connectivity

• Control panels may support building systems and emergency response

• Back-up arrangements may be needed for critical systems

The aim is not to turn every venue into a fortress. The aim is to make sure important systems are suitable, maintained, documented and understood by the people responsible for the premises.

1. Review External Lighting and Public Routes

Lighting plays a major role in how people approach, move around and leave a venue.

Facilities teams should review:

• Main entrances

• Side entrances

• External routes

• Car parks

• Smoking areas

• Loading areas

• Staff entrances

• Rear exits

• Queuing areas

• Pedestrian routes

• Service yards

Poor lighting can make it harder for staff to observe activity, manage movement or direct people quickly.

For pubs, clubs and venues, this is especially important because arrivals and departures may happen at night, in busy external areas or during events.

Azure’s electrical installation services can support lighting upgrades, external lighting works and electrical infrastructure improvements.

2. Check Emergency Lighting and Escape Routes

Emergency lighting should be reviewed as part of wider life-safety and public-safety planning.

Facilities teams should check:

• Escape routes

• Final exits

• Staircases

• Corridors

• Toilets

• Back-of-house routes

• Cellars and plant areas

• Public areas

• Event spaces

• External escape routes where relevant

Emergency lighting needs to be tested, maintained and recorded properly.

London Fire Brigade highlights that nightclubs, bars and pubs can carry increased fire risk due to crowded dark spaces, loud music, alcohol and other venue factors.

Official reference: London Fire Brigade: Nightclubs, bars and pubs fire safety

Azure’s statutory compliance and electrical remedial work services are relevant where emergency lighting checks identify faults, failed fittings, poor records or remedial works.

3. Review CCTV Coverage and Electrical Infrastructure

The Home Office guidance for Martyn’s Law notes that larger premises and events may need to consider further steps, such as CCTV, bag search policies or vehicle checks where appropriate.

Official reference: GOV.UK: Martyn’s Law guidance published to help businesses

For venues that already have CCTV, the first step is often to review whether the system is still suitable.

Questions to ask include:

• Are key entrances covered?

• Are public routes covered?

• Are external areas visible?

• Are cameras powered reliably?

• Are recording devices secure?

• Are cables protected?

• Are cameras affected by poor lighting?

• Are images clear enough for their intended purpose?

• Are staff aware of how to access footage?

• Is signage and data protection compliance in place?

The Information Commissioner’s Office provides guidance on CCTV and video surveillance, including installation, operation, public awareness and signage.

Official reference: ICO: CCTV and video surveillance

Azure can support the electrical installation and infrastructure side where CCTV systems need suitable supplies, containment, access, lighting coordination or remedial electrical work.

4. Check Fire Alarm Interfaces and Warning Systems

Emergency preparedness is not limited to one system.

Venues should consider how warning systems, fire alarms and staff procedures work together.

Review:

• Fire alarm condition

• Call points

• Sounders

• Visual alarms where required

• Back-of-house coverage

• Staff response procedures

• False alarm history

• Maintenance records

• Linked systems or interfaces

• Power supplies and isolation

• Any outstanding defects

Fire alarm systems should be maintained and documented as part of the venue’s wider fire safety responsibilities.

For venues, the key issue is not only whether a system exists. It is whether it is tested, understood, maintained and supported by clear records.

5. Review Access Control and Lockdown Practicalities

The Home Office guidance includes examples around lockdown, such as staff knowing when and how to lock doors, close shutters and turn off lights.

Official reference: GOV.UK: Martyn’s Law guidance published to help businesses

If a venue uses powered access control, automatic doors, maglocks, shutters or controlled entry systems, these should be reviewed carefully.

Ask:

• Which doors are controlled electronically?

• Who can lock or release them?

• What happens during a power cut?

• Are emergency exits protected from misuse but still usable?

• Are staff trained on procedures?

• Are systems maintained?

• Are faults being recorded and corrected?

• Are door-control arrangements compatible with fire safety duties?

This is an area where venue managers should involve competent specialists. Security, fire safety, access and electrical systems need to be coordinated properly.