SIA struggles at first hurdle
Police have been forced to offer door supervisors and licensees a three-month grace period on the Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.
The licence became law in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight last week but when it did only 200 of the door staff in these areas had it to show police.
As a result police have issued a letter confirming waivers will be given up until September 4 if there is evidence that the supervisor is in the process of getting licensed - but only at their discretion.
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are the first areas to make the licence law after the SIA was set up to control licensing of the private security industry.
To obtain the new licence supervisors go under rigorous training in areas such as conflict management, emergency procedures and drug awareness.
But the SIA came under fire recently because of the length of time it takes to get and issue the licence and the amount of money it is costing door staff to take the training.
Colin Pollard, licensee at the Hobbit in Southampton, Hampshire, needs door staff and said: "It has been a nightmare trying to get the forms in. We've had a number returned and it's not clear why. It's a relief that the police are taking this into consideration but whether they prosecute is still at their discretion."
John Burke, licensing officer for Southampton, said: "We are frustrated, this could have been done a lot better. We were running a good operation with our door supervisors already, so why try to re-invent the wheel? There are those who are part time in the industry who have decided to leave because of the cost, which is a problem because pubs and clubs are being stretched to find replacements."
But the SIA has reminded the trade that the licence is now law in these areas. Door supervisors working without an SIA licence will risk prosecution and licensees using unlicensed door supervisors put their premises licence at risk.
Robert Buxton, spokesman for the SIA, said: "Everyone has been aware of this since July last year and the training was in place in November. We now have a rolling affect and the number of complete applications will go up quickly."
The SIA now moves to the South West and from 23 August 2004 it will be a criminal offence to work as a door supervisor there without an SIA licence. By April 2005 this will be the case across the country.
Related articles:
SIA warns over licence deadline (1 June 2004)
Tax relief granted on SIA licences (25 May 2004)
