Compulsory licensing for in-house door staff working at licensed premises, such as pubs, bars and clubs, comes into force today in Northern Ireland. By law, all door staff must now hold and display a valid Security Industry Authority licence. Those who manage, supervise and/or employ individuals who engage in licensable activity must hold at least a non-front line licence. This is the final stage of SIA regulation in Northern Ireland. In December 2009 it became an offence to work in designated manned guarding activities without a licence.
SIA Chief Executive Bill Butler said: “Today marks the final piece of the jigsaw as our work in Northern Ireland has created a single consistent licensing scheme for the private security industry throughout the United Kingdom. The night-time economy is a growing and important industry for Northern Ireland and the quality of door supervision in pubs, bars and clubs can have a positive impact on reducing crime and disorder. Door staff play an important role in ensuring that the public can enjoy a night out with confidence that they are in a safe environment. It is important that all door staff are trained, qualified and in possession of a valid SIA licence so that the highest standards can be maintained.”
Northern Ireland security minister Paul Goggins said: “The introduction of compulsory Security Industry Authority licensing for in-house door supervisors is the final step in the process to ensure the provision of properly qualified personnel working within the private security industry. Extending the remit of the SIA brings Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the United Kingdom, achieving the regulation that the industry requires and enhancing safeguards for those operating legitimately, while targeting those acting outside the law.