Standard Tier vs Enhanced Tier
The two capacity thresholds, the duties under each tier, and worked examples to help you determine which applies to your premises.
The threshold is 200 people. Premises with a reasonably expected capacity of 200 to 799 fall under the standard duty. Premises and events with a capacity of 800 or more fall under the enhanced duty. The standard duty requires simple public protection procedures. The enhanced duty adds a terrorism risk assessment, public protection measures, a designated senior individual, and full inspectable documentation.
Last reviewed: 8 July 2026
Comparison Table
| Feature | Standard Duty (200–799) | Enhanced Duty (800+) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity threshold | 200–799 people | 800+ people |
| Staff awareness | Required | Required |
| Public protection procedures | Required (evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, communication) | Required (same, plus more) |
| Terrorism risk assessment | Not required | Required and documented |
| Public protection measures | Not required | Required (physical and procedural) |
| Written documentation | Simple written procedures | Full documented measures and risk assessment |
| Designated Senior Individual | Not required | Must be appointed |
| Inspection by regulator | Yes | Yes, with higher documentation standards |
What Are the 5 Key Requirements?
Every qualifying premises must meet these requirements. The scope increases for enhanced-tier premises.
Awareness
Ensure relevant staff are aware of the threat from terrorism and what to do if an attack occurs. This is the baseline duty for all premises in scope.
Public Protection Procedures
Put in place and maintain procedures that could reduce the risk of harm to the public. These include evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, and communication plans.
Public Protection Measures (enhanced only)
For premises with a capacity of 800 or more, go beyond procedures and implement documented physical and procedural measures informed by a terrorism risk assessment.
Documentation
Keep written records of the procedures and measures in place. Enhanced-tier premises must maintain a full, inspectable document set.
Responsible Person
Identify the responsible person — the individual or organisation with control of the premises. Enhanced-tier premises must also appoint a designated senior individual accountable for compliance.
Worked Examples
A 250-capacity live music venue
The venue has a reasonably expected capacity of 250 people, which is above the 200-person threshold but below 800. It falls under the standard duty. The responsible person must ensure staff awareness, put in place public protection procedures (evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, communication), and maintain simple written documentation. A terrorism risk assessment is not required, and a DSI does not need to be appointed.
An 850-capacity conference centre
The conference centre has a reasonably expected capacity of 850 people, which is above the 800-person threshold. It falls under the enhanced duty. The responsible person must meet all standard-tier requirements, plus carry out a documented terrorism risk assessment, implement public protection measures, appoint a designated senior individual (DSI), and maintain full inspectable documentation. The measures must be regularly reviewed and updated.
Tiers — Common Questions
What is the threshold for Martyn's Law?
The threshold is a reasonably expected capacity of 200 or more people. Premises with a capacity of 200 to 799 fall under the standard duty. Premises and events with a capacity of 800 or more fall under the enhanced duty. The capacity test considers the number of people the premises or event can reasonably be expected to hold at any one time, including staff, visitors, and members of the public.
What are the requirements of Martyn's Law?
All qualifying premises must ensure staff awareness of terrorism threats, put in place public protection procedures (evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, and communication), and maintain written documentation. Enhanced-tier premises (800+ capacity) must additionally carry out a terrorism risk assessment, implement public protection measures, and appoint a designated senior individual accountable for compliance. The requirements are proportionate to capacity and risk.
What are the 5 key requirements of Martyn's Law?
The five key requirements are: (1) staff awareness of terrorism threats; (2) public protection procedures — evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, and communication; (3) public protection measures for enhanced-tier premises (800+), informed by a terrorism risk assessment; (4) written documentation of all procedures and measures; and (5) identification of a responsible person, with enhanced-tier premises also appointing a designated senior individual.
What is the difference between standard tier and enhanced tier?
Standard-tier premises (200–799 capacity) must put in place simple, low-cost public protection procedures — evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, and communication — and ensure staff awareness. Enhanced-tier premises and events (800+ capacity) must additionally carry out a documented terrorism risk assessment, implement physical and procedural public protection measures, appoint a designated senior individual (DSI), and maintain full inspectable documentation. The enhanced duty carries a higher standard of preparation, documentation, and accountability.