With the April 2027 deadline approaching, Martyn’s Law enforcement isn’t going to be gentle. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) now has unprecedented powers to ensure venue compliance, including fines up to £18 million and the ability to close non-compliant venues.
Many installers and operators are turning to trusted partners like System Q to help them meet these requirements efficiently and avoid costly risks.
For operators, this isn’t just regulatory red tape – it’s a serious business risk.
SIA Oversight: What You Need to Know
The SIA’s role under Martyn’s Law goes beyond licensing private security. They now oversee life-safety compliance across qualifying venues. Their powers include:
- Inspections: 72-hour notice for Standard Tier, unannounced for serious concerns.
- System and Staff Checks: Examination of procedures, staff competence, and technology functionality.
- Enforcement Actions: Compliance notices, fines, operational restrictions, and criminal prosecution for severe violations.
Penalties: Why Non-Compliance Isn’t Worth the Risk
Non-compliance carries significant consequences, and the penalties reflect the potential risk posed by different venue sizes. For Standard Tier venues, minor violations may initially trigger compliance notices, giving you time to correct issues without immediate fines.
If these are not addressed, financial penalties of up to £10,000 can be imposed, along with daily charges for ongoing non-compliance. More serious or persistent breaches can result in operational restrictions, such as reduced capacity or SIA-supervised operations.
Enhanced Tier venues face even stiffer consequences due to the higher risks associated with large crowds. Fines can reach £18 million or 5% of annual turnover, whichever is higher, with daily penalties potentially hitting £50,000. Severe violations may trigger immediate closure orders, capacity limitations, or operational oversight.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
- Documentation Gaps: Keep procedures, training records, and risk assessments accurate and up to date.
- Staff Training Failures: Use standardised, role-specific programmes with regular drills.
- Technology Shortfalls: Ensure full coverage, proper maintenance, and system integration.
Preparing for Inspections
Success isn’t last-minute. Regular audits, staff training, system checks, and leadership commitment are essential. Establish a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.
Next Steps for Venue Operators and Security Installers
Start by downloading System Q’s Martyn’s Law Operators’ Guide and Installers’ Guide. Conduct an internal audit, verify system functionality, and ensure staff are fully trained and confident in procedures.
Looking Ahead
Martyn’s Law compliance isn’t just a legal obligation, but instead a commitment to the safety of your visitors and your business. To learn more about preparing your venue and see real-world examples, make sure to register for our upcoming webinar in January.
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System Q: Your Partner in Martyn’s Law Compliance
System Q has built a suite of solutions designed to support venues on their journey toward Martyn’s Law compliance. Their offering spans professional-grade CCTV, AI-driven analytics, crowd-flow monitoring, and emergency alert tools, all adaptable to environments such as entertainment venues, schools, places of worship, and hospitality settings.
Installers benefit from System Q’s training programmes, certifications, and hands-on technical guidance, making system integration and ongoing maintenance smoother and more reliable. For venue operators, the technology enhances day-to-day safety, delivers meaningful security insights, and keeps compliance records organised and up to date.
By working with suppliers like System Q, both installers and operators gain the expertise, technology, and support needed to translate complex legal requirements into clear, effective security practices.