SIA adopts 'common sense' approach

The doorstaff crisis appears to be easing with police and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) adopting a "common sense" approach to door workers found without licences.

Despite the SIA claiming the new law would be stringently enforced, doorstaff are benefiting from a lenient interpretation of the law from the authorities. Since April 11 it has been illegal to work on doors anywhere in England and Wales without a licence, although many workers claim they have applied for a badge and are still waiting to receive it.

Jon Collins, chief executive of the Bar Entertainment and Dance Association, said: "The situation is getting better and where workers can prove they have applied for their licence and are just waiting for a badge, police are taking this into account.

"Things have calmed down, thanks to the police and the SIA adopting this common sense approach and using a policy of discretion.

"We are walking a tightrope and we hope the goodwill and discretion doesn't run out."

Eddie Tobin, managing director of Upfront Security, which employs doorstaff across the country, has also noticed a more clear-headed approach.

He said: "The situation is improving with a lot of police allowing a substantial discretionary period.

"It's extremely sensible. Closing down venues is silly and doesn't address the problem as it stands today."

This approach was evident during raids in Sussex last weekend, which saw doorstaff who were able to produce proof that they had completed their training issued with a warning.

More than 120 licensed premises were visited during Operation Fiesta, with 45 door workers being issued with warning notices.

Twelve are facing prosecution, however, as they were unable to prove they had applied for a licence.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "We are giving people a period of grace as the legislation has only been in force for eight weeks.

"But we are serious about enforcing this law and will be carrying out further checks."

Robert Buxton, a spokesman for the SIA, denied that the organisation had softened its stance.

He said: "While we would endorse a fair and proportionate approach we would warn people that it is still an offence to work without a licence and licensees are breaking the law if they employ people without one."

To date only one in five of the nation's estimated 100,000 door workers are believed to be in possession of a valid licence.