VenueReady · Martyn's Law guides · Pubs
Martyn's Law for pubs: what landlords need to do
Most busy pubs with a beer garden, function room or big screen will be in scope. The good news: for a standard tier pub it's procedures and paperwork, not new equipment.
Does Martyn's Law apply to you?
- Count everyone who could reasonably be there at your realistic busiest: inside, the beer garden or terrace, and staff on shift.
- Think match days, live music, bank holidays, Christmas and sunny Saturdays, not a quiet Tuesday.
- 200 to 799 people puts you in the standard tier. 800 or more is the enhanced tier, with much bigger duties.
Think of your busiest realistic time: a match day, live music, Christmas or a sunny Saturday.
Add your numbers to see whether Martyn's Law is likely to apply.
A quick guide, not legal advice. The law counts everyone reasonably expected to be there at the same time, including staff and outside areas like beer gardens.
What a standard tier venue has to do
- Tell the SIA about the premises and who's responsible for them. It's free, and you tell them again if the responsible person changes.
- Have four procedures, as far as reasonably practicable: evacuation (getting people out), invacuation (bringing people inside, away from a threat), lockdown (stopping an attacker getting in) and communication (warning people and calling for help).
- Make sure the people working there know them.
No new equipment is required for the standard tier. The duties are expected to start in spring 2027, and the regulator is the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
Who's responsible?
The responsible person is whoever controls the pub for its day-to-day use. For a tenancy or lease that's normally the tenant or licensee's business; for a managed house it's normally the pub company. If you're not sure, check your agreement and the official guidance.
Things to watch for
Your beer garden counts
Outside areas you control count towards your 200, and so do staff. Plenty of pubs that feel small inside go over the line on a sunny weekend.
Staff turnover
Everyone on shift needs to know the procedures. New starters are the gap, so sign them off on their first shift.
Function room hire
If you hire out a room for parties or wakes, you stay responsible. Brief the person in charge of the booking on your plan.
Beer festivals and big events
An event for 800+ people that checks tickets or takes payment on entry counts as enhanced tier, even at a standard tier pub. Check before you book it.
How VenueReady gets you ready
- Tier check using your real busiest-time numbers, saved with the date as evidence
- Procedures with suggested answers written for pubs, which you edit to fit
- Staff sign-off by QR code on the staff-room wall or a text link, about 3 minutes each
- Hirer briefing card for function room bookings, and a big-event check
See exactly what you get
A sample plan for an example venue, with all four procedures and the staff quick card.
Download sample plan (PDF)Questions
Do I need to buy CCTV, barriers or bag searches?
Not for the standard tier. The duties are procedures, notifying the SIA and making sure staff know what to do.
My pub only goes over 200 a few times a year. Am I in scope?
The test is how many people could reasonably be expected there at the same time, so regular busy peaks count. Use the calculator above, and count honestly.
When do I need to be ready?
The duties are expected to start in spring 2027. Getting it done now means your staff are trained before the busy summer.
More guides: Village halls · Sports clubs · Wedding venues · Churches · Hotels
Get it done in an afternoon
£119 a year, or £69 for your first year as a founding venue. Every plan starts with a 14-day free trial.
Join the waiting list