As in Merseyside (see story posted early today) so in Hertfordshire regarding door staff.
Since February 28 this year, it has been illegal for door supervisors to work without a new Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. But by mid-May only around a half of estimated door staff across Hertfordshire had applied for a licence.
Herts Assistant Chief Constable Simon Parr said: โPrior to the introduction of this legislation, there was no formal regulation at a national level for people working in this industry and no compulsory standards to which companies had to adhere. We have been fully supporting the SIA and a number of multi-agency visits to premises across the county have taken place to encourage and ensure compliance. Public safety is our paramount concern and we are confident that the training, vetting and criminality checks now being carried out as part of the door supervisor licensing process will improve standards. We maintain good working relationships with the vast majority of door supervisors who are very professional under what can, at times, be very challenging circumstances. Unfortunately there are still a number of individuals who have yet to obtain a licence, despite reminders from this force and the SIA. The Constabulary will take strong action against pubs, clubs and individuals found to be in breach of the legislation. I would urge those who have not yet applied for a licence to do so immediately or face prosecution.โ
Sue Sheath, SIA Head of Investigation for the South East, said: โThis is really about everyone working together to make a difference to public safety and ensuring that only professionally trained and qualified door staff work at pubs and clubs in the county. We are delighted with the support we have received from the police in Hertfordshire in achieving compliance with the legislation. However, door staff must now take responsibility for ensuring they comply with the law and licensees must only allow SIA licensed door staff to operate at their venues in order that the public can enjoy a safe night out.โ
