On Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May, Grampian Police ran an operation in Aberdeen city centre in conjunction with the Security Industry Authority, the United Kingdom Border Agency and the Department for Work and Pensions.
The intention of the multi-agency operation was to engage with door supervisors working within the licensed premises of the city centre to ensure compliance with the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (plus other legislation relating to immigration offences and benefits fraud).
35 premises visited, five offences detected
Over the course of the weekend, a total of 35 premises were visited. Five offences were detected in relation to the Act.
A number of enquiries relating to possible benefit fraud were found and are being progressed by Department for Work and Pensions. No immigration offences were uncovered.
Speaking to SMT Online about the operation, Christy Hopkins – an SIA head of investigation – commented: “While the majority of pubs and clubs targeted complied with the legislation, five door supervisors were found to be working without SIA licences. It was disappointing that some offences and compliance issues were detected.”
Hopkins concluded: “We’ll continue to work with our enforcement partners to raise awareness of the SIA and the Private Security Industry Act 2001, and ensure licensees and those deploying door supervisors comply with the law.”
PC Fiona McQuillan, who headed the operation, added: “A positive reaction was received from the licensees of the premises visited. They were pleased that the police and the other agencies involved are taking the deployment of door supervisors very seriously indeed. I’m also satisfied with the results of the operation, which shows that the standard of door staff employed in Aberdeen City Centre is, overall, rather high.”
Pubs and bars targeted in Wales
A multi-agency operation targeting pubs and bars across Welshpool, Llandrindod Wells and Brecon last Saturday also found high levels of compliance with licensing regulations.
Officers from Dyfed Powys Police, Trading Standards, Powys County Council Powys, Powys Fire Service and investigators from the Security Industry Authority undertook inspections at licensed premises within the towns. 17 venues were inspected and 38 individuals checked to ensure they held valid SIA licences.
36 did indeed hold valid licences, one unlicensed door supervisor was identified and a designated premises supervisor of one premises was interviewed under caution for deploying in-house staff without a licence. Police are making further enquiries and prosecutions may follow.
By law, door staff must hold a front line SIA licence. Those who manage, supervise and/or employ door staff must hold a non-front line licence from the SIA.
View from the SIA team
Jacquie Parker, an SIA Head of Investigation, explained: “I’m very pleased with the results of this operation. 95% compliance is an encouraging figure for the SIA and our enforcement partners. The public can also be reassured that they are in safe hands with trained, vetted and qualified operatives on duty.”
Parker was quick to urge licensees who employ door staff in-house or use contracted individuals to ensure that they are compliant with the law.