Brighton venues preparing for Martyn’s Law can now use new official planning tools released by the Security Industry Authority on 9 November 2026. The materials are aimed at operators of premises and events within the legislation’s scope, helping them turn public-protection responsibilities into workable procedures.
Last updated: 9 November 2026, 18:19 GMT. Initial report on today’s tool release. The announcement is a preparation milestone, not confirmation that the law has commenced.
Brighton venues: what the new Martyn’s Law tools do
The SIA’s original announcement describes a standard-tier planning tool for thinking through evacuation, lockdown, communications and invacuation, meaning movement to safer areas within a building.
The enhanced-tier template helps operators document procedures and consider vulnerabilities and protective measures. The release says the tools were developed with volunteers from premises and events and protective-security partners.
Who should check the guidance?
The ProtectUK official FAQs explain that most premises used wholly or mainly for a qualifying purpose are likely to fall into the standard tier where 200–799 people, including staff, are reasonably expected at the busiest times. At 800 or more, the enhanced tier may apply. Exceptions and special rules mean a capacity figure alone is not a complete legal assessment.
For Brighton’s venue managers, community organisations and event organisers, the useful task is to check their own circumstances against the official scope guidance. This article does not determine the status of any individual Brighton venue.
What operators should do
Check scope first, then choose the corresponding official tool. Work through the procedures with the people who would actually carry them out, rather than treating a completed template as proof that arrangements will work.
The SIA invites users to test the materials and submit feedback through the form linked in its announcement by 23 December. It says premises and events in scope will need to notify the regulator when the law commences; standard-tier operators will not routinely need to send compliance documents at that point unless asked.
Brighton Locals’ view
Our assessment: practical, proportionate planning tools are useful for organisations translating legal requirements into day-to-day arrangements. The important distinction is between starting preparation now and claiming that today creates an immediate new compliance deadline. Operators need to use the correct tier and current official guidance, including any exceptions.
What happens next
Watch for the SIA’s response to feedback and confirmed commencement arrangements. The release describes spring 2027 as expected timing, not a fixed commencement date.
Bottom line: Brighton operators have new material to work with now, while the legal start date and each organisation’s precise responsibilities still need careful checking.
Archive illustration of a Brighton venue: Brighton Dome and the Royal Pavilion North Gate, Church Street, 3 March 2013. Hassocks5489 / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0. The photograph does not establish the venue’s legal tier or show today’s announcement. Related: local places directory.
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