Martyn's Law for restaurants
Martyn's Law for Restaurants: A Practical Operator Guide
Restaurants may fall within Martyn's Law where they meet the statutory premises criteria and enough people may reasonably be expected at the same time. For ordinary qualifying premises, the Standard Tier generally covers 200 to 799 people.
Quick answer
Restaurant operators should consider the people who may reasonably be present together during busy service — not only seated diners. Staff, contractors, private events and other people working at the premises can affect the relevant headcount.
Does Martyn's Law apply to restaurants?
It may. Food-and-drink premises can come within the legislation where the statutory requirements are met. The assessment should reflect the greatest number of people it is reasonable to expect may be present at the same time from time to time.
Do kitchen and front-of-house staff count?
Yes. Current statutory guidance includes staff in the relevant number. For restaurants that can mean chefs, kitchen porters, waiting staff, bar staff, managers, cleaners, contractors and others working at the premises.
This is why simply multiplying covers or counting dining-room seats may not tell the whole story.
Restaurant situations worth considering
Peak service
Friday and Saturday service may involve full dining areas, waiting customers, bar areas and the largest staff team.
Private dining
Separate rooms and functions can create overlapping groups of customers rather than replacing ordinary trade.
Weddings and events
Event-style service may change attendance, contractors, entertainers and how parts of the building are used.
Shared spaces
Restaurant, bar, lobby, terrace and function areas may need to be considered as part of the real operating picture.
What procedures matter for a Standard Tier restaurant?
Standard Tier public protection procedures cover evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication, so far as reasonably practicable.
Restaurant procedures should account for the fact that many customers will be unfamiliar with the building and may depend on staff for clear instructions.
Think operationally, not just administratively
A procedure that exists only in a manager's folder is of limited practical value. Managers need to consider who may need to act, how instructions would be communicated during service and how current staff are kept familiar with the arrangements.
Hospli combines procedure versioning, staff briefing records, evidence and reviews so those activities remain connected.
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 material
- Security Industry Authority — Understanding Martyn's Law and the SIA's role
This page provides general readiness information, not legal advice or a binding determination about a particular restaurant.