Paisley and Tower Hamlets door staff targeted by SIA

27 Jun 09

All door staff checked were found to be working with a licence when the Security Industry Authority and Strathclyde Police carried out their first joint operation in Paisley on 19 June.

By Brian Sims

SIA investigators and officers from Strathclyde Police visited 11 sites in Paisley town centre, eventually checking 19 door supervisors. All of them were found to be holding a valid SIA licence.

By law, all individuals working as door staff must hold an SIA licence and display this at all times when on duty.

SIA head of investigation Sharon Roberts told SMT Online: “Following on from the success of targeted checks in Scotland earlier in the year, I was very pleased to see 100% compliance in the town. We will continue to work with police in the area to ensure that only fully-trained and licensed individuals are working on the doors, giving the public reassurance when they are on a night out.”

Paisley Police sergeant Clare Riddoch, who’s responsible for licensing, added: “We were keen to conduct a joint operation with the SIA, checking that premises managers who employ door stewards were operating legally in Paisley town centre. We are pleased to see that those checked were fully compliant and badged.”

Riddoch concluded: “With additional town centre police patrols and the co-operation of local licensees, we will continue to provide public reassurance for people coming into the town to enjoy the pubs and clubs.”

Thorough checks in Tower Hamlets

Door staff working at bars and pubs in Tower Hamlets were inspected on the same evening as part of an operation carried out by the Regulator and Tower Hamlets Police to ensure that they were working within licensing regulations.

By law, those who manage, supervise and/or employ door staff must hold a non-front line licence.

32 door staff were inspected and 31 held valid licences, with checks taking place in areas including Canary Wharf, Mile End and Brick Lane.

Police issued an SIA warning to one door supervisor who was displaying a photocopy instead of his real licence, which he claimed was at home.

A bar owner, who was employing his own door staff, claimed to hold an SIA licence but SIA investigators found no record of any licence in his name. Further enquiries are being made before action is taken.

Monitoring and responding to local issues

Christy Hopkins, an SIA head of investigation, said: “The London Borough of Tower Hamlets enjoys a vibrant mix of cultures, and this is reflected in its night life. 93% compliance is a great result and shows door supervisors recognise licensing requirements.”

However, Hopkins added: “I must remind door staff and those employing them of their legal responsibilities. Those who do not hold a licence or do not display their licence put themselves at risk of prosecution.”

Police sergeant Jane Burke of the Tower Hamlets Police Licensing Unit commented: “This was the first initiative we have undertaken with the Security Industry Authority, and we were pleased to find that most of the venues visited complied with SIA regulations. We will continue to work with our partners, monitoring and responding to any issues relating to unlicensed door supervisors.”