# The four public protection procedures, explained for small venues

> What evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication procedures look like in a village hall, pub or small theatre, with questions to answer and how to brief staff.

Canonical: https://ohdock.com/en/martyns-law/guides/public-protection-procedures/  
Updated: 2026-10-23

For **standard-tier** premises (200 to 799 people), Martyn’s Law asks for procedures that are **reasonably practicable** for your premises. They are about what people do, not about buying equipment. There are four.

## 1. Evacuation

Getting people **out** when the threat is inside the building or close to it, and it is safe to leave.

Questions to answer:

- Which exits can be used, and which might be unsafe depending on where the threat is?
- Where is the **assembly point**? Pick a second one in case the first is near the threat. Keep both away from glass and parked vehicles.
- Who decides to evacuate, and who decides when the most senior person is absent?
- How are staff and visitors told to leave? A fire alarm may send people towards the threat, so agree another signal.
- Who needs help to leave, and who helps them?

## 2. Invacuation

Bringing people **inside**, or moving them to a safer part of the building, when the threat is outside.

- Which rooms are safer: solid walls, few windows, away from the main entrance, with a second way out?
- Who decides, and how are people moved calmly?
- How do you keep them informed while they wait?

## 3. Lockdown

**Stopping people getting in** — or moving towards a threat — by securing the premises.

- List every door, gate and shutter, and who secures each one.
- How are they locked: keys, bolts, shutters? Where are the keys?
- Lockdown must never trap people inside with a threat. The person in charge chooses between lockdown and evacuation.

## 4. Communication

Telling staff and everyone on the premises **what is happening and what to do**.

- How are staff alerted quickly: radios, a phone group, a code phrase?
- How are visitors told: PA system, staff in each room?
- Who calls **999**, and who meets the police when they arrive?

## Briefing staff

Make sure everyone on duty knows the plan and the UK public advice, **RUN, HIDE, TELL**: escape if you can; if you cannot, hide, lock yourself in and silence your phone; tell the police when it is safe. The free **ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) e-learning** on ProtectUK is a good starting point for staff and volunteers.

## Keep records and review

Record who has been briefed and when you practised. Review the procedures at least once a year, and after any incident, change of layout or new official guidance.

Our [procedures builder](/en/martyns-law/procedures-builder/) walks you through each question and prints a document and a one-page staff briefing card. Your answers stay in your browser.

## Sources

- [Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/10/contents)
- [ProtectUK: guidance and ACT e-learning](https://www.protectuk.police.uk/)