More than 190 door supervisors were inspected during a London Borough-wide enforcement operation involving the Metropolitan Police Service and the Security Industry Authority.
The operation took place on 24-25 February and Met Police officers were fully supported by Security Industry Authority investigators and local police units.
The operation was part of the Met’s Operation Condor, which saw officers deployed across all London Boroughs to crack down on issues such as unlicensed door supervisors and non-compliance with liquor licences.
The Security Industry Authority supported inspections that took place at 72 licensed venues in eight London Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Kensington and Chelsea, Lewisham, Southwark and Westminster.
Over 30 warnings issued
In total, 194 door staff were checked. Of those, 193 individuals were working legally by holding a valid SIA licence. One unlicensed door supervisor was found working at a bar in Hackney.
The SIA issued warnings to 30 people for breaking licence conditions, with some of the offences including failure to display the SIA licence while on duty, failing to notify the SIA of a change of address and failing to notify the SIA of previous criminality.
Investigators are carrying out enquiries regarding all the offences found and further action may be taken against those found offending.
Importance of maintaining public safety
Security Industry Authority head of investigation Jacquie Parker commented: “We all share the same concern for maintaining public safety and the SIA’s licensing of door staff can contribute to that. Anyone found to be working illegally or in breach of licence conditions should remember that they could face prosecution.”
Parker continued: “We were happy to support our police partners during this busy weekend of inspections and will continue to work closely with them on future operations aimed at ensuring safety in the night-time economy.”
In addition, Parker stated: “We will also continue to carry out our partnership work with the Metropolitan Police Service, such as our involvement in Operation Spex – an ongoing series of checks of licensed premises in the London area.”
