Security Industry Authority (SIA) investigators accompanied licensing officers from Surrey Police to check door supervisors working in Guilford, on Friday, August 23.
Checks were carried out across 16 venues including pubs, clubs and takeaway premises. A total of 56 door supervisors were inspected, all were found to be working with valid SIA licences. One door supervisor was issued a warning for failing to take action after a relevant conviction,; and the SIA say that they are reviewing his licence status. Further warnings were also issued to door staff for failing to notify the authority of a change of their address, which is a breach of teh regulator’s licensing conditions.
SIA Head of Investigation Darren Woodhouse said afterwards: “I am very pleased with the results of this operation; it shows the night-time economy in Guilford is benefiting from vetted, trained and licensed professionals. Thanks to intelligence from the police we will be conducting enquiries into the individual who was discovered to be working after receiving a relevant conviction. We will continue to share key information to ensure that the licence status of these individuals is reassessed when necessary.
“I must however reiterate the need for security operatives to keep the SIA up to date with any changes in their circumstance; failure to do so could lead to prosecution in court.”
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
The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s main duties are: the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities; and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).
