Grampian Police ran an operation in Aberdeen city centre, with the Security Industry Authority, United Kingdom Border Agency and the Department for Works and Pensions, on Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9.
The intention of the multi-agency operation was to engage with Door Stewards working within the licensed premises of the city centre to ensure compliance with the Private Security Industry Act 2001, and other legislation relating to immigration offences and benefit fraud.<br><br>Over the course of the weekend a total of 35 premises were visited with five offences detected in relation to the Act.<br><br>A number of enquiries relating to possible benefit fraud were found and are being progressed by Department for Works and Pensions. No immigration offences were found.<br><br>Christy Hopkins, an SIA Head of Investigation said: “Whilst the majority of pubs and clubs targeted complied with the legislation, five door supervisors were found working without SIA licences so it was disappointing that some offences and compliance issues were detected. We will continue to work with our enforcement partners to raise awareness of SIA regulations and ensure licensees and those deploying door supervisors comply with the law.”<br><br>PC Fiona McQuillan, who headed the operation said: "A positive reaction was received from the licensees of the premises visited, who were pleased that the Police and the other agencies were taking the deployment of door stewards seriously. I am also satisfied with the results of the operation which shows that the standard of door stewards employed in Aberdeen City Centre are overall of a high standard.
"The detected offences relate to relatively minor documentary and registration issues, which can be easily rectified by those concerned. We hope this operation, involving our partner agencies, ensures that these standards are maintained in the long term and reassures the public in Aberdeen that the licensed trade and their stewarding employees take their responsibilities seriously.”
