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EAST OF ENGLAND · ENGLAND

Martyn’s Law in Colchester

Colchester was granted city status in 2022 and is often described as Britain's oldest recorded town, with Colchester Castle at its heart. Colchester Zoo, the University of Essex and Colchester United's stadium attract regular visitors and crowds.

Regulator
Security Industry Authority (SIA)
Licensing authority
Colchester City Council
Police force
Essex Police
Duties expected
spring 2027

Does Martyn’s Law apply to your venue?

Five quick questions. About a minute. A preliminary check, not legal advice.

2. Is that the main use of the building, or the part of it you control?
Include staff, contractors and volunteers. Count regular busy times, not a one-off you could not expect.
people
4. How many premises?
5. Do you hold events for 800 or more people?

Choose your type of premises to see your result.

A guide only, based on the Act and Home Office guidance. Your tier depends on the full rules, including exclusions and premises within larger premises.

Where the law will bite in Colchester

Venues likely to be in scope include castle and museums, zoo, football stadium, university buildings, shopping centres. Areas with a high concentration of qualifying premises include:

  • Culver Square
  • Lion Walk
  • High Street

Any premises in Colchester where 200 or more people can reasonably be present at once needs to prepare, from a single pub to a stadium. Use the free tier checker to see where you stand.

What venues in Colchester need to do

Standard tier (200 to 799 people): have procedures for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication, make sure staff know what to do, and notify the SIA. There is no legal requirement for building works. See the four procedures explained.

Enhanced tier (800 or more): all of the above, plus documented public protection measures provided to the SIA and, for organisations, a designated senior individual. See enhanced tier duties.

The Act applies across England, and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates it. Your council remains your licensing authority, but it is not the Martyn's Law regulator.

Local contacts and support

  • Colchester City Council handles your premises licence. Keep your licence conditions, fire risk assessment and Martyn’s Law procedures consistent.
  • Essex Police provides protective security advice through Counter Terrorism Security Advisers.
  • ProtectUK offers free official training, including ACT awareness e-learning. See our guide to free training and resources.

Guides for Colchester’s main venue types

Frequently asked questions

Does Martyn's Law apply to venues in Colchester?

Yes, if your premises qualifies. The law covers premises in Colchester where 200 or more people can reasonably be expected to be present at the same time, and certain events of 800 or more. Premises with 800 or more fall into the enhanced tier, except places of worship, early years settings, schools and further education, which stay in the standard tier.

Who enforces Martyn's Law in Colchester?

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates Martyn's Law across the UK, including Colchester. Colchester City Council is not the regulator for these duties, although your licensing and fire safety obligations still apply.

When do the duties start in Colchester?

The duties are expected to come into force in spring 2027, at the same time across the UK. Existing premises will then have three months to notify the SIA.

Where can venues in Colchester get local security advice?

Essex Police can provide counter terrorism protective security advice through its Counter Terrorism Security Advisers, and free training is available through ProtectUK. Report suspicious activity to the police on 999 in an emergency, or through gov.uk/ACT.