Guide ยท Updated 6 November 2026
Martyn's Law for churches and places of worship
Short answer: if 200 or more people can reasonably be expected at your place of worship at the same time, it will be in the Standard Tier of Martyn's Law. Places of worship stay in the Standard Tier even if they can hold 800 or more, so the heavier Enhanced Tier duties do not apply.
Is my place of worship in scope?
Count the most people you can reasonably expect inside at once, at least occasionally. For many congregations that is not a normal weekly service but:
- Christmas, Easter, Eid, Diwali, Vaisakhi or other festivals
- weddings and funerals
- concerts, carol services or community events in the building
If those occasions bring 200 or more people, you are in scope, even if most services are much smaller. Under 200, the law does not apply.
Why are places of worship treated differently?
The Act keeps places of worship in the Standard Tier whatever their size. That reflects the fact that most are run largely by volunteers, and that they need to remain open and welcoming. The duties are about having a plan and making sure people know it, not about bag searches or security staff.
Who is the Responsible Person?
It is whoever has control of the building for worship, typically the trustees, parochial church council, management committee or the body that owns the building. Halls and rooms that are hired out may need their own arrangements if they are used separately.
What you need to do
- Notify the SIA that you are responsible for qualifying premises, within three months of the law starting.
- Have public protection procedures, so far as reasonably practicable, for:
- evacuation: getting people out safely, away from any danger
- invacuation: moving people to a safer part of the building, such as a vestry, hall or office
- lockdown: securing doors to stop an attacker getting in
- communication: how stewards, wardens or welcomers alert each other and tell the congregation what to do
- Brief your stewards, welcomers and regular volunteers, and keep a record of who has been briefed.
Many places of worship already have stewards and a fire procedure. Martyn's Law builds on that. It does not replace it.
Want it done for you? Answer one 15-minute questionnaire and we write your Standard Tier procedures, Responsible Person record, staff briefing sheet and record log, delivered within 3 working days.
General information based on the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 and the Home Office and SIA guidance as at 6 November 2026. Not legal advice. Official sources: SIA: Understanding Martyn's Law and ProtectUK.
More guides: all Martyn's Law guides.