epub Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is a UK legislative measure designed to improve public safety by mandating counter-terrorism preparations at publicly accessible venues and events. It establishes duties for those responsible for certain premises or events to take steps to mitigate risks of physical harm from acts of terrorism. The Act applies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

1. Scope and Application:

• Applies to “qualifying premises” and “qualifying events” that are open to the public and meet specific attendance thresholds.

  • Standard Duty Premises: where 200+ individuals are reasonably expected.

  • Enhanced Duty Premises: where 800+ individuals are expected.

  • Qualifying Events: public events expecting 800+ attendees, with controlled entry (e.g. ticketed or membership-based).

2. Requirements for Responsible Persons:

• Designate a senior individual (if the responsible entity is not a person).

• Implement public protection procedures such as evacuation plans and communication protocols.

• For enhanced duty premises and events, conduct risk assessments and enforce security measures like surveillance, crowd control, and cyber-security.

• Keep documentation up to date and share it with the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

3. Coordination and Notification:

• Entities sharing responsibility must coordinate and cooperate.

• Mandatory notification to SIA of becoming or ceasing to be responsible for qualifying premises or events.

4. Enforcement:

• The SIA oversees compliance, with investigatory powers including site inspections and the ability to demand information.

• Non-compliance can trigger:

  • Compliance Notices (to rectify failures),

  • Restriction Notices (limiting use or attendance),

  • Penalty Notices with fines up to £18 million or 5% of worldwide revenue for severe breaches.

5. Offences and Penalties:

• Offences include failing to comply with notices, providing false information, obstructing inspectors, or impersonating officials.

• Individuals or corporate bodies can face criminal charges with imprisonment and/or fines.

6. Licensing and Disclosure Controls:

• Amends licensing laws to regulate access to architectural plans of licensed venues, limiting potential misuse by terrorists.

• Plans must comply with new security standards and may be excluded from public registers unless specific conditions are met.

7. General Provisions:

• The Secretary of State has powers to make further regulations and amend thresholds and duties.

• Civil liability is generally excluded unless explicitly provided.

In essence, this Act introduces a statutory "Protect Duty" requiring proactive safety planning to reduce vulnerability to terrorism at large venues and public events.