Martyn’s Law Is Coming – Here’s What Nightclubs and Bars Need to Know

Let’s talk straight. If you run a nightclub or bar, there’s a new law coming your way – and it’s going to affect how you handle security. It’s called Martyn’s Law, and it’s designed to make public venues safer in the face of potential terror threats.

Now, before you panic – I promise this isn’t a scare story. I’m Rosie, Head of Ops here at Avon Valley Security, and I’m here to break it all down in a way that actually makes sense. We work with nightlife venues across the South West, and our job is to make sure you’re ready, compliant and confident – without losing what makes your venue special.

So, what is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law (officially the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025) is a new bit of UK legislation brought in to make sure venues are properly prepared for acts of terrorism. It’s named after Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the Manchester Arena attack. His mum campaigned for change, and this law is part of that legacy.

What it means in practice is this: if you run a bar or nightclub with a capacity of 200+ people (so, most of you reading this), you’ll soon be legally required to do some basic but important things – like assessing security risks, training your staff, and having a clear plan in case of an emergency.

Don’t worry - you’re not expected to turn your venue into a fortress or fork out thousands on fancy tech. It’s about being aware, being prepared, and showing that you’ve taken some reasonable steps to protect your staff and guests.

Why this matters – and why now

Even though Martyn’s Law won’t be enforced for a little while (it’s likely to come into effect within the next two years), now is the time to act.

Let’s be real - the nightlife industry is already busy enough without having to scramble at the last minute to meet new rules. If you get ahead of the game now, you can make changes gradually, train your team properly, and feel a whole lot more in control.

More importantly though, this is about keeping people safe. Nightclubs and bars are lively, vibrant places – but that also makes them potential targets. If something ever did happen, wouldn’t you want to know that you’d done everything you could?

How we help – and why we’re different

At Avon Valley Security, we specialise in nightclub security and bar security - it’s what we do best. We work with venues across Bristol, Bath, and beyond, and we know how to balance safety with good vibes.

Here’s how we can help you get ready for Martyn’s Law:

✅ Free Security Check-Ups

Yep – totally free. We’ll visit your venue, do a walk-through, and give you a clear idea of what’s working and what needs tightening up. No jargon, no pressure – just a friendly expert giving you solid advice.

✅ Clear, Practical Action Plans

If there are things you need to tweak – whether it’s your entry procedures, lighting, CCTV, or how your staff respond to incidents – we’ll help you build a plan that fits your space and your crowd.

✅ Staff Training That Actually Sticks

We offer training for bar and club teams that’s engaging, relevant, and easy to understand. No death-by-PowerPoint – just real-life scenarios and practical responses. Your team will know what to do if something goes wrong, and that peace of mind is invaluable.

✅ Trusted Door Supervision

Need more support on the night? Our SIA-licensed door supervisors are skilled, friendly, and great at keeping things calm while giving your guests a warm welcome. We only hire people who know how to handle themselves and handle customers well.

✅ Ongoing Support

We’re not the kind of company that sets things up and disappears. We’re here for the long haul – giving advice, updates, and support as Martyn’s Law gets rolled out. We’ll make sure you’re always a step ahead.