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Martyn’s LawRisk Assessment
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SOUTH WEST · ENGLAND

Martyn’s Law in Wells

Wells is often described as England's smallest city and is centred on Wells Cathedral and the moated Bishop's Palace. The Market Place hosts regular markets, and the city lies close to Worthy Farm at Pilton, where the Glastonbury Festival is held.

Regulator
Security Industry Authority (SIA)
Licensing authority
Somerset Council
Police force
Avon and Somerset Police
Duties expected
spring 2027

Does Martyn’s Law apply to your venue?

Five quick questions. About a minute. A preliminary check, not legal advice.

2. Is that the main use of the building, or the part of it you control?
Include staff, contractors and volunteers. Count regular busy times, not a one-off you could not expect.
people
4. How many premises?
5. Do you hold events for 800 or more people?

Choose your type of premises to see your result.

A guide only, based on the Act and Home Office guidance. Your tier depends on the full rules, including exclusions and premises within larger premises.

Where the law will bite in Wells

Venues likely to be in scope include cathedral, heritage attractions, markets, festival traffic. Areas with a high concentration of qualifying premises include:

  • Market Place
  • High Street

Any premises in Wells where 200 or more people can reasonably be present at once needs to prepare, from a single pub to a stadium. Use the free tier checker to see where you stand.

What venues in Wells need to do

Standard tier (200 to 799 people): have procedures for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication, make sure staff know what to do, and notify the SIA. There is no legal requirement for building works. See the four procedures explained.

Enhanced tier (800 or more): all of the above, plus documented public protection measures provided to the SIA and, for organisations, a designated senior individual. See enhanced tier duties.

The Act applies across England, and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates it. Your council remains your licensing authority, but it is not the Martyn's Law regulator.

Local contacts and support

  • Somerset Council handles your premises licence. Keep your licence conditions, fire risk assessment and Martyn’s Law procedures consistent.
  • Avon and Somerset Police provides protective security advice through Counter Terrorism Security Advisers.
  • ProtectUK offers free official training, including ACT awareness e-learning. See our guide to free training and resources.

Guides for Wells’s main venue types

Frequently asked questions

Does Martyn's Law apply to venues in Wells?

Yes, if your premises qualifies. The law covers premises in Wells where 200 or more people can reasonably be expected to be present at the same time, and certain events of 800 or more. Premises with 800 or more fall into the enhanced tier, except places of worship, early years settings, schools and further education, which stay in the standard tier.

Who enforces Martyn's Law in Wells?

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates Martyn's Law across the UK, including Wells. Somerset Council is not the regulator for these duties, although your licensing and fire safety obligations still apply.

When do the duties start in Wells?

The duties are expected to come into force in spring 2027, at the same time across the UK. Existing premises will then have three months to notify the SIA.

Where can venues in Wells get local security advice?

Avon and Somerset Police can provide counter terrorism protective security advice through its Counter Terrorism Security Advisers, and free training is available through ProtectUK. Report suspicious activity to the police on 999 in an emergency, or through gov.uk/ACT.