Does it apply to us?
Martyn's Law covers places of worship with at least one building where 200 or more people may be present at the same time, from time to time. Count your busiest regular occasions, such as main services and festivals, including volunteers, stewards and clergy.
Places of worship are treated differently from other large venues: they stay in the standard tier even if 800 or more people may attend. So the duties are the same, simple ones, whatever your size.
What you need to do
Whoever is responsible for the premises notifies the SIA and makes sure there are simple procedures for evacuation, bringing people inside, lockdown and communication, so far as is reasonably practicable, with stewards and volunteers who know them.
- Agree who decides. Usually the lead steward or minister on duty, with a named back-up.
- Plan for a threat inside or outside, including people arriving and leaving, which is often when most people are gathered by the doors.
- Pick safer areas inside, away from glass and the main doors.
- Agree what you say, calmly and briefly, and a discreet signal for stewards.
- Brief stewards and volunteers, and anyone who hires your hall or rooms.
Things places of worship often miss
- Festivals and special services. Plan for your busiest regular occasions, not an ordinary week.
- Open doors. Being welcoming matters. The aim is a calm plan that does not change how you welcome people.
- Halls and rooms hired out. Give hirers a short notice so they know the plan.
Common questions
Are large places of worship in the enhanced tier?
No. Places of worship stay in the standard tier even if 800 or more people may be present.
Do we need security staff?
No. At standard tier there is nothing you have to buy or hire. Stewards and volunteers who know the plan are what matters.
Who is responsible?
Whoever controls the premises, often the trustees, the parochial church council or the managing committee.
When does it start?
From spring 2027 at the earliest. The government will confirm the date.
Get your procedures in place
Check your venue in two minutes with our free scope checker. Then answer plain-English questions in the Procedures Generator and get your procedures, staff and role cards, hirer notice and records written for you. One-off price, no subscription, and free updates until 12 months after the law comes into force. Produced by the team at 14twenty Productions, with over ten years running live events.
Sources: Home Office, Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 statutory guidance (April 2026); ProtectUK. For the full picture, read Martyn's Law explained. This page is general information, not legal advice, and is not endorsed by the Home Office or the SIA. Last reviewed 23 October 2026.