Spotlight falls on Blackpool's security staff

17 Sep 09

Saturday night checks of Blackpool’s door staff and security officers working at pubs, bars and holiday parks on 12 September found nearly all operatives working legally.

By Brian Sims

All door staff and contracted security officers must have a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence which has to be displayed at all times when on duty, as set out in the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

SIA investigators and officers from Lancashire Constabulary and Blackpool Council carried out the operation across 29 sites to ensure operatives were working legally. Of the 107 security operatives checked, 105 held a valid SIA licence.

Some offences were detected, and the police plan to interview two individuals. One person was found working with an expired licence and another was found working with a revoked licence. Police also verbally warned one individual for not displaying their licence.

Blackpool, of course, was the location for the filming of ITV1's recent series entitled 'Bouncers', which examined the role of the door supervisor in today's night-time economy.

Speaking about these latest checks carried out by the Regulator, Lucia Howland - an SIA head of investigation - commented: "Blackpool benefits from a vibrant night-time economy, so it was encouraging to find the majority of sites taking a responsible approach to protecting their customers by using SIA-licensed individuals. Security operatives must ensure that they comply with all licence conditions – including displaying valid licences at all times while working."

Sergeant Sarah Salisbury, the licensing sergeant for the west division of Lancashire Constabulary, added: “Partnership working is always beneficial, and the operation was a great success.”

Burton doorman found working illegally

A door supervisor working illegally with an expired SIA licence was sent home by police during checks in Burton on Friday 11 September. SIA investigators and officers from Staffordshire Police visited nine pubs in Burton on Trent and Uttoxeter, inspecting 18 door supervisors. Of these, 17 held a valid SIA licence.

One individual was found working with an expired licence, and was duly asked to leave the premises by police. The individual was warned not to work until in possession of a current licence. In addition, a supervisor was found not to have the necessary licence.

Paul Cartlidge, an SIA head of investigation said: “It was encouraging to find most of the door staff held the necessary SIA licence to work legally. However, we must remind operatives that they must renew their licence in good time before the old one expires. There is no grace period between licences.”

Sergeant Dave Wright, the licensing office manager at Staffordshire Police, said: "We were very pleased to see the vast majority of door staff holding the required SIA licence. One individual working with an expired licence was dealt with and we are now making further enquiries."