A joint operation to check on door staff in Newcastle City Centre was by Northumbria Police, investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), Newcastle City Council and the force’s licensing unit, on Saturday night, February 14.
In total, 13 licensed premises were visited and 48 door supervisors checked. Of the 48 checked, 47 (97.8pc) held valid SIA licences, while one was reported for working without a valid licence and was removed from working on the doors.
A further three were also reported for contravening licence conditions – that is, failing to display their licence and wearing a defaced or altered SIA badge.
PC Murray Cassidy, of Newcastle City Centre’s Neighbourhood Policing team, works with licensees in the area. He said: "It’s important that all people who are employed on the doors of licensed premises within Newcastle work with a valid licence and within the conditions of the licence issued by the SIA.
"You can no longer work the doors of a licensed premises without the relevant licence. I’m pleased our operation showed the majority or door supervisors are working within the law.
"Newcastle is a safe and vibrant city and we work closely in partnership with licensed premises and door supervisors to ensure people enjoy their time here.
"Checks on door staff and licensed premises will continue on a regular basis to make sure Newcastle remains one of the safest cities in the country for people to come and enjoy themselves."
Those door supervisors found to be operating outside the law will face further investigation.
Lucia Howland, SIA Head of Investigation, said: "It is very encouraging to find high compliance in Newcastle – showing awareness of the fact that working without a licence, deploying unlicensed staff or breaking licence conditions carries a serious risk of prosecution.
"We will continue to work with the police to ensure a safe night time environment in the area."
