Penalties for employing unlicensed door supervisors
- Bill Donne
- Aug 31, 2023
- 2 min read
Report by Bill Donne
The trade publication ‘The Morning Advertiser’ recently reported on the successful prosecution by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) of a night club security manager based in Shrewsbury for employing the services of an unlicensed door supervisor at the premises.
Kenneth Bailey engaged Steven Dion to work as a door supervisor on several occasions at the Buttermilk night club based in Shrewsbury when he was not licensed by the SIA.
Mr Bailey was fined £120, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £34 and court costs for the sum of £500. In addition Mr Bailey now has a criminal record for this conviction and has had his SIA badge rescinded.
The prosecution proceedings were initiated by the SIA following a series of joint inspection of licensed premises with West Mercia police. Steven Dion had at an earlier hearing been given a twelve-month suspended conditional sentence, and ordered to pay £135 in court costs and also a £34 victim surcharge.
The Private Security Industry Act (2001) laid down introduced in law in the UK the requirement to regulate certain private security roles and for front line door supervisors to be licensed by the SIA. This initiative was to regulate an industry to contribute to public protection, promote best practice and improve standards.
The Act covers England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and the following activities:
· cash and valuables in transit
· close protection
· door supervision
· public space surveillance (CCTV)
· security guarding
· key holding
· vehicle immobilisation (in Northern Ireland only)
The prosecution and conviction of two individuals in Shrewsbury highlights the importance of General Managers and owners of licensed premises conduct their due diligence in ensuring that all door supervisors working at your venue have a valid SIA licence.
It is essential that prior to a Door Supervisor commences work on your premises you conduct a due diligence check on the validity of their badge and proof of ID ie passport, driving licence.
This can be done by following the link and entering the badge number or name:
A copy of both the proof of ID and the SIA check should be retained securely on file and be available for inspection on request from a police constable, a proper officer from the Council or an agent from the SIA.
National Pubwatch has a useful link for a training video on this matter:
The maximum fine for employing an unlicensed door supervisor is an unlimited fine and/or up to five years imprisonment
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