Security Industry Authority checks licences in Blackpool and Burton

(17/09/2009)

All door staff and contract security guards must have a Security Industry Authority licence and this display this while working, as set out in the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The premises supervisor must hold at least a non-frontline licence.

Last Saturday night checks on Blackpool’s door staff and security guards working at pubs, bars and holiday parks found nearly all operatives working legally. 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 person for not displaying their licence.

Lucia Howland, an SIA Head of Investigation said: “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, licensing sergeant for the west division of Lancashire Constabulary, said: “Partnership working is always beneficial and the operation was a success.”

In addition, SIA investigators and officers from Staffordshire Police also 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, so was sent home by police and warned not to work until in possession of a current licence. In addition, a supervisor was found not to have the necessary licence. Police enquiries are ongoing.

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, Licensing Office Manager, 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."

Related topics:  Legislation   Security guarding 

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