The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025

The Home Office has published statutory guidance for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. This guide explains what the guidance covers, who it affects, and how to use it to meet your legal duties under the Act.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 statutory guidance is the Home Office’s official manual for complying with the new law on protecting publicly accessible premises from terrorist attacks. Published on 7 August 2026, it is essential reading for anyone responsible for premises covered by the Act. It sets out your legal duties and how to meet them. This is not optional reading. Inspectors, regulators, and courts will use it as the benchmark for whether you have taken reasonable steps. This guide walks you through the key parts of the guidance, who it affects, how to apply it, and common mistakes to avoid.

At a glance

• Publication date: 7 August 2026
• Publisher: Home Office
• Type: Statutory guidance
• Applies to: Premises covered by the Act
• Purpose: Explain duties under the Act

What Is Statutory Guidance: The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 statutory guidance is a Home Office document that explains the requirements of the Act, which aims to improve security at publicly accessible locations. The guidance is ‘statutory’, meaning it carries legal weight. Courts and regulators will consider it when deciding whether you have met your duties.

The Act introduces a new framework for premises the public can access, such as shopping centres, sports venues, and other public spaces. The guidance helps you understand your obligations, whether you run a small business or a large venue. It is structured to be practical. It explains the concepts of ‘qualifying premises’, ‘publicly accessible’, and ‘reasonable steps’. It also gives examples of security measures you might adopt. The guidance is not a one-size-fits-all checklist. It is a framework that lets you tailor your approach to your specific circumstances.

Because it is statutory, the guidance has a special status. If you follow it, you are likely to be seen as complying with the Act. If you ignore it, you will find it harder to defend your actions later. The guidance also explains how the Act interacts with other laws, such as health and safety and fire safety. You should read it alongside those duties.

Who Should Read Statutory Guidance: The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025?

You should read this guidance if you are responsible for any premises the public can access. This includes owners, operators, and managers of venues like:

• Retail shops and shopping centres
• Sports and entertainment venues
• Hotels and restaurants
• Public buildings and event spaces

The guidance also applies to those who organise events or control access to premises. If you are unsure whether your premises are covered, the official guidance explains the criteria. The source did not state a specific list of premises, so you should check the full guidance to confirm your obligations.

In practice, the Act is likely to cover a wide range of places. This includes museums, libraries, leisure centres, cinemas, theatres, and places of worship. It may also cover temporary structures, such as marquees or stages at festivals. If you run a business from home but open it to customers, you may be in scope. The key test is whether the public can access the premises, even if only for part of the time. The guidance gives examples to help you decide.

If you are a landlord, you may have duties too. The guidance explains how responsibilities are shared between owners and tenants. If you manage a building with multiple occupiers, you need to coordinate with them. The guidance encourages a collaborative approach. It also covers premises that are not open to the public but are adjacent to public areas, such as a loading bay next to a pavement. Check the guidance for these edge cases.

Key Requirements Under Statutory Guidance: The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025

The Act requires you to take reasonable steps to protect the public from terrorist attacks. The guidance outlines what those steps are. It covers areas such as:

• Assessing risks to your premises
• Implementing security measures
• Training staff
• Cooperation with law enforcement

The exact requirements depend on the size and nature of your premises. The guidance provides a framework to help you decide what is appropriate. The source did not provide specific details on the requirements, so you must read the full guidance to understand what applies to you.

In general, the guidance is likely to ask you to do the following. First, identify the threats that could affect your premises. This may include vehicle attacks, hostile reconnaissance, or the use of explosives. Second, assess your vulnerabilities. Look at entry points, crowd densities, and the layout of your site. Third, decide on measures. These could be physical, such as barriers or bollards, or procedural, such as bag checks or staff patrols. Fourth, train your staff so they know what to do. This includes spotting suspicious behaviour and responding to an attack. Fifth, work with the police and other agencies. The guidance encourages you to share information and seek advice.

The concept of ‘reasonable steps’ is central. What is reasonable for a small shop will differ from what is reasonable for a large stadium. The guidance gives factors to consider, such as the size of the premises, the number of visitors, and the nature of the activities. It also stresses that you should review your measures regularly. Threats change, and your security should change with them.

Key Dates and Deadlines for Statutory Guidance: The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025

The statutory guidance was published on 7 August 2026. The source did not state a deadline for compliance or when the Act comes into force. You should check the official guidance and the Act itself for commencement dates and any transitional periods.

Do not wait for a deadline to be announced. Start reviewing your premises now to understand your duties. In many similar laws, there is a lead-in time before enforcement begins. This is to give businesses time to adapt. Use this time wisely. Begin your risk assessment now. Identify the gaps in your current security. Plan how you will close them. If you need to invest in physical measures, such as barriers or CCTV, budget for them early. If you need to train staff, schedule that training. Acting early will reduce stress later.

Also, keep an eye on updates. The Home Office may publish additional guidance or amendments. The statutory guidance may be revised over time. Check the GOV.UK page regularly for changes. Sign up for alerts if they are available. This will help you stay current.

How to Use Statutory Guidance: The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025

To comply with the Act, follow these steps:

1. Read the full statutory guidance on the GOV.UK page.
2. Identify whether your premises fall within the scope of the Act.
3. Assess the risks specific to your premises.
4. Implement appropriate security measures based on the guidance.
5. Train your staff and keep records of your actions.
6. Review your procedures regularly and update them as needed.

Keep a copy of the guidance and any assessments you make. This will help you show that you have taken reasonable steps.

When you read the guidance, take notes. Highlight the parts that apply to you. Make a checklist of actions. Assign responsibilities to specific people. Set deadlines for each action. For example, you might decide to complete your risk assessment within one month. Then you might plan to install new lighting within three months. Break the work into manageable tasks.

Your risk assessment should be documented. Write down what you found and what you did about it. This record is evidence of your compliance. It also helps you review your progress. If something changes, such as a new threat or a change in your premises, update your assessment. The guidance may suggest a review frequency, such as annually or after an incident. Follow that advice.

Training is not a one-off event. New staff need training when they join. Existing staff need refresher training. The guidance may specify what training should cover. This could include how to spot suspicious packages, how to respond to a hostile vehicle, and how to evacuate people safely. Keep records of who has been trained and when.

Cooperation with law enforcement is also important. The guidance may tell you to contact your local police counter-terrorism security adviser. They can give you free advice. They may also help you with your risk assessment. Do not be afraid to ask for help. The police want to work with you to keep the public safe.

Why You Should Act Now on Statutory Guidance: The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025

Acting now is important for two reasons. First, it helps protect the public from harm. Second, it reduces the risk of legal penalties for non-compliance. The guidance is designed to be practical, so you can start taking steps immediately.

Even if you are not sure whether the Act applies to you, reading the guidance is a sensible first step. It will help you understand your position and what you need to do.

There is also a reputational benefit. Customers and visitors expect to be safe. If you can show that you take security seriously, you build trust. This can be a competitive advantage. On the other hand, if you are found to be non-compliant, it could damage your reputation. News of a security failure can spread quickly.

Finally, acting now gives you time to get things right. Rushed security measures are often ineffective. By starting early, you can plan carefully, consult experts, and implement measures that actually work. You can also budget properly, avoiding last-minute expenses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Following Statutory Guidance: The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025

Many people will make mistakes when they first try to comply. Here are some common ones to avoid.

• Assuming the Act does not apply to you. Even small premises may be covered. Check the criteria carefully.
• Copying another venue’s risk assessment. Your premises are unique. Your assessment must reflect your own risks.
• Doing a risk assessment but not acting on it. The point is to take reasonable steps. A paper exercise is not enough.
• Forgetting to train staff. Your staff are your eyes and ears. Untrained staff cannot help you.
• Ignoring the guidance because it is not law. It is statutory guidance. Courts will use it to judge you.
• Failing to keep records. If you cannot show what you did, you may struggle to prove compliance.
• Not reviewing your security regularly. Threats change. Your measures must change too.

Avoid these mistakes by being thorough and methodical. Use the guidance as your roadmap. If you are unsure, seek professional advice.

Practical Preparation Tips for Statutory Guidance: The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025

Here are practical tips to help you prepare.

• Set aside time to read the full guidance. Do not skim it.
• Involve your team. Ask for their input on security issues.
• Conduct a walk-through of your premises. Look at it from a terrorist’s perspective.
• Contact your local counter-terrorism security adviser. They are free and helpful.
• Join industry groups. They may share best practice.
• Use free resources, such as the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) campaign.
• Consider using the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) guidance.
• Make security a regular agenda item at staff meetings.
• Test your procedures. Run a drill or exercise.
• Keep your risk assessment under review. Update it when things change.

These steps will help you build a strong security culture. They will also make compliance easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is a law that requires those responsible for publicly accessible premises to take steps to protect the public from terrorist attacks. The statutory guidance explains how to comply.

Does this guidance apply to my business?

If you own, operate, or manage premises that the public can access, the guidance may apply to you. Check the full guidance on GOV.UK to see the criteria. Even small businesses may be in scope.

What are the penalties for not complying?

The source did not state specific penalties. The Act may include enforcement measures. Read the guidance and the Act for details. Penalties could include fines or other sanctions. It is best to comply.

Where can I find the official guidance?

The official guidance is available on the GOV.UK website. You can also search for ‘Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025 guidance’ on GOV.UK.

Do I need to do a risk assessment?

Yes, the guidance is likely to require a risk assessment. It helps you identify threats and vulnerabilities. The assessment should be proportionate to your premises. Keep a record of it.

How often should I review my security measures?

The guidance may suggest a review frequency. In general, you should review after any significant change to your premises or operations. Also review after a terrorist incident anywhere in the UK. The threat level can change, so your measures should change too.

What is a 'publicly accessible' premises?

A premises is publicly accessible if members of the public can enter it, even if they need to pay or show ID. This includes shops, cinemas, and sports grounds. The guidance gives more detail. Check it for the exact definition.

Can I get help with my risk assessment?

Yes. The police have counter-terrorism security advisers who can give free advice. You can also hire a security consultant. The guidance may include templates or checklists to help you.

What should I do if I think my premises are not covered?

Read the guidance carefully. If you are still unsure, contact the Home Office or seek legal advice. It is better to be safe than sorry. You may be covered without realising it.

Before you apply

Now is the time to act. Read the full statutory guidance on the GOV.UK page and assess your premises. Prepare your risk assessment and security plan. Keep records of what you do. If you are unsure about anything, contact the Home Office or seek legal advice.

Remember, the goal is to protect people. The guidance is there to help you. Use it well. Start today.

Photo by Atypeek Dgn on Pexels

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.