Martyn’s Law for shops and visitor attractions
Retail and attractions make up the largest group of premises in scope. Seasonal peaks and part-time staff are the usual challenges.
Shops and visitor attractions are in scope of Martyn’s Law if it is reasonable to expect 200 or more people at once, including staff. 200–799 is standard tier and 800+ is enhanced. Summer holidays, Christmas trading and event days count as busy times if they happen predictably.
What is different about shops and attractions?
- Seasonal and temporary staff: the briefing has to be part of induction.
- Open sites: the buildings are what count, so the visitor centre, café and main hall are usually the focus.
- Shared buildings: in a shopping centre or retail park, the principal-use rules decide who is responsible for what.
- Stockrooms and back-of-house corridors often make good invacuation spaces.
Before you pay anyone: the Home Office says premises do not need to buy consultancy to meet the standard tier, and its guidance, the SIA’s guidance and the ProtectUK training are free. Neither the Home Office nor the SIA endorses any provider, including us. The legal responsibility stays with the person responsible for the premises; we help with the work, we do not take the duty off you.
Want a second pair of eyes on it?
Send the venue type, the most people you would expect in at once, and how many sites you run. We will tell you which tier you look to be in and whether the free route is enough before quoting anything.
Common questions
Are all shops in scope?
No. Only those where it is reasonable to expect 200 or more people at the same time. Most small shops are below that.