The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has given warning that it will be working with partners to carry out weekend checks on door staff at licensed premises during the run-up to the busy Christmas and New Year period.
SIA investigators will be supported by regional police forces, council licensing officers and local authorities as part of the nationwide multi-agency initiative.
Jackie Munn, an SIA Head of Investigation, who is leading the ‘Festive Spice’ operation said: “We will be working closely with our police partners, local authorities and the licensed trade in the busy time leading up to Christmas and the New Year. The multi-agency visits are a clear demonstration that everyone working together can make a positive contribution to public safety. We want to ensure that the many people who go out during this period can do so, knowing that door staff, who play a key role in dealing with alcohol related crime and disorder are, trained, qualified and SIA licensed.
“Door staff working without an SIA licence, and those deploying them, are committing an offence and licensees risk having their premises closed.” The SIA adds that licensees are urged to check that their security suppliers operate within the law. SIA licences can be checked through the Register of Licence Holders, available on the SIA website.
