GCG and Poppleston Allen partner on Martyn's Law compliance support for hoteliers

September 2026

In response to growing sector-wide anxiety over Martyn's Law compliance ahead of its potential implementation in early 2027, security consultancy Global Consortium Group (GCG) and specialist licensing firm Poppleston Allen have partnered to deliver a rapid, joint legal and operational readiness solution for hotels.

Advising some of the UK's largest hotel groups, including Accor, Hilton and Jupiter Hotels, both firms are urging hotels to prepare now to meet their obligations under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn's Law.

The partnership pairs Poppleston Allen's legal and licensing expertise, built over three decades of working with the hospitality trade, with GCG's counter-terrorism and protective security background. Together they will provide hotels with clear, proportionate guidance as they prepare for the new legislation.

What Martyn's Law requires

Martyn's Law introduces a two-tier statutory framework for qualifying premises, based on the number of individuals reasonably expected to be present.

Premises within scope must notify the Security Industry Authority and, so far as reasonably practicable, ensure appropriate procedures are in place for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication.

Enhanced Tier premises, where 800 or more individuals may reasonably be expected, must additionally assess and keep under review appropriate public protection measures, ensure those measures are in place so far as reasonably practicable, and document their compliance. Where the responsible person is not an individual, a Designated Senior Individual must also be appointed.

Challenges for hotels

For hotels, compliance presents particular hurdles, from securing open-access reception areas and multi-use event spaces, to ensuring properties remain warm, welcoming and seamlessly integrated into operations, without inflating overheads.

In their words

Graeme Cushion, Managing Partner at Poppleston Allen, said: “We're delighted to be partnering with GCG, and particularly the very experienced Danni and Helen, to provide our clients with practical, expert support as they prepare for the requirements of Martyn's Law. As we head towards the compliance deadline, which we are led to believe is end of May 2027, understanding what the legislation means in practice and how best to prepare teams and operations will be increasingly important for hotels.”

Danni Grant, Director of Counter Terrorism and Protective Security at Global Consortium Group, said: “I've worked alongside Poppleston Allen for over two years, on Martyn's Law's journey from draft legislation through to passing into law, and now helping support their clients with operational implementation. Poppleston Allen are highly regarded for their work in licensing, and in their response to understanding Martyn's Law and supporting their clients, it made sense to combine our efforts. This partnership puts that legal expertise alongside our counter-terrorism and protective security experience, giving hospitality businesses genuinely practical support.”