Security Industry Authority (SIA) investigators were joined by officers from Staffordshire Police, with checks taking place at 44 venues. 128 door staff were inspected, and 126 of those operatives found to be holding valid SIA licences.
Two designated premises supervisors working in-house were not licensed. As a result, they were issued with Section 3 warnings (working without an SIA licence) and may be subject to prosecution at a later date.
By law, door staff must hold a front line SIA licence and display this at all times while on duty. Those who manage, supervise and/or employ door staff must hold a non-front line licence.
Continue with close partnership working
Speaking about the investigation, Jacquie Parker – an SIA head of investigation – explained: “I was pleased to find the majority of door staff complying with the law. It’s reassuring for us and the public that door supervisors in the area are working legally. For our part, we’ll continue to work closely with our partners to ensure that only trained, qualified and SIA-licensed operatives work at licensed premises.”
Inspector Shaun Kerrigan, from the Stoke-on-Trent division of Staffordshire Police, added: “From a policing perspective, it is encouraging to take part in such a positive operation that reinforces the professionalism of the security role within the business community.”
It’s an offence to work as a door supervisor (in-house and contract) in Great Britain without an SIA licence. A door supervisor licence is required if security guarding activities are being undertaken in relation to licensed premises.
High compliance in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Humberside
Checks on the same evening at pubs and clubs throughout Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire found 96% of door staff complying with licensing regulations.
Investigators from the Regulator were joined by officers from Humberside Police, Lincolnshire Police and Nottinghamshire Police, as well as representatives from Bassetlaw and Newark and Sherwood local authorities.
In total, 33 venues were visited across Gainsborough, Sleaford, Grantham, Newark, Retford, Boston and Scunthorpe.
During the operation, 68 door staff were inspected with 65 holding SIA licences, but seven individuals were issued with warnings for not displaying their licence. Action may be taken against two designated premises supervisors and another individual pending further enquiry.
SIA head of investigation Nigel Davies said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank our partners working with us as we all want to see that those operating in positions of trust as door staff are trained, qualified and SIA licensed. The results from this operation are encouraging. It’s reassuring for the public to know that they are in safe hands during an evening out.”
Davies continued: “However, it’s important that door staff and those employing them are aware of their legal responsibilities. Those who do not hold a licence or do not display their licence put themselves at risk of prosecution.”
The investigation breakdown: what happened where?
- In Sleaford and Gainsborough, nine door staff were checked at four premises. All held valid licenses, but one individual was warned for not displaying their licence.
- At Grantham, ten door staff were inspected at five separate premises. All held valid licences, but one individual was warned for not displaying their licence.
- In Boston and Skegness, 12 door staff were checked at eight premises. All held valid licences, although a lone individual was warned for not displaying their licence.
- Three members of staff were subject to a lone inspection at one premises in Scunthorpe. All held (and were displaying) valid licences.
- 17 door staff were checked at eight premises in Retford. Two designated premises supervisors were found to be unlicensed, and action may now be taken pending further enquiries. Three door staff were warned for not wearing their licences.
- In Newark, 17 door staff at seven separate premises were investigated. One did not hold a valid licence, and action may be taken pending further enquiries. One individual was warned for not wearing their licence.