City of London Police and Security Industry Authority (SIA) staff found a door supervisor working without an SIA licence during checks in the City on Saturday night, July 20.
In total, City of London Police Licensing officers, SIA investigators, and HM Revenue and Customs officials visited four premises, checking 17 security operatives and backroom staff. One door supervisor was found working with a revoked licence. The SIA is looking into it. A further two warnings were issued to door supervisors for failing to notify the SIA of a change of their address which is a breach of licensing conditions.
HM Revenue and Customs were on the operation checking for national minimum wage irregularities and those evading their tax responsibilities. Offences were detected by HMRC officials which will be subject to further investigation.
SIA Head of Investigation Lisa Nazareth said: “This operation outlines the necessity for security companies to carry out proper checks to ensure that their security personnel are working with a valid SIA licence. The SIA is always keen to work with the police and other enforcement partners to protect the public and those in the night time economy.”
And Michelle Wyer, Assistant Director, National Minimum Wage, HMRC said: “People expect enforcement agencies to work efficiently together to enforce the law protecting them and their livelihoods. This operation demonstrates how successful cross-government working can be. We found failures to pay National Minimum Wage in most of the premises visited and, like the other agencies, we will use the powers that we have to enforce the law. Payment of National Minimum Wage is not a choice, it’s the law.”
Inspector Hector McKoy from City of London Police said: ‘SIA licensed door staff play a vital role in preventing and reducing violent crime so it is imperative that people employed in such roles are accountable and properly registered.
“The City of London Police Licensing Team will continue to work with our partners to ensure that the Square Mile is a safe place for people to come and enjoy themselves.”
Notes
By law, security operatives working under contract and all door supervisors must hold and display a valid SIA licence. A non-front line licence is required for those who manage, supervise and/or employ individuals who engage in licensable activity, as long as front line activity is not carried out; this includes directors and partners. Information about SIA enforcement and penalties can be found on the website: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/enforcement
For further SIA information visit: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk.
