Premises and qualifying events where 800 or more people may be present sit in the enhanced tier. They carry everything the standard tier requires, plus additional duties focused on reducing vulnerability — and the highest penalties for serious non-compliance.
Public protection measures
On top of the four procedures, enhanced-tier duty-holders must consider public protection measures: steps that reduce the vulnerability of the premises or event to an attack and the risk of physical harm. Depending on the premises, these can include things like monitoring, security of the perimeter, control of movement, and physical safety measures — appropriate and proportionate to the premises.
A documented assessment
Enhanced-tier premises must prepare and keep a document setting out the procedures and measures in place and how they reduce risk, and provide it to the SIA. A senior individual should be designated as responsible. This is a more formal exercise than the standard tier, and larger organisations will often already have relevant plans to build on.
Penalties
The regulator's emphasis is on support and advice, but it has real enforcement powers for serious or persistent non-compliance: compliance notices, monetary penalties, and — for enhanced-tier premises only — restriction notices. For the most serious enhanced-tier breaches, penalties can reach up to £18 million or 5% of worldwide revenue, whichever is higher, with daily penalties of up to £50,000 for continued non-compliance, and certain failures can be criminal offences.
Common questions
What's the difference between the standard and enhanced tiers?
Standard tier (200–799) is procedures and awareness. Enhanced tier (800+) adds public protection measures, a documented assessment provided to the SIA, and a designated senior responsible person.
Are the £18 million fines likely for a small venue?
No. The largest fines apply to the most serious enhanced-tier breaches. Standard-tier enforcement focuses on support, with proportionate civil sanctions for serious or persistent failures.
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