Doorstaff shortage says pub chief
Mitchells & Butlers head of security and licensing Andrew Nicholls said the new doorstaff licensing scheme had led to a shortage of experienced doorstaff in the trade.
Speaking at the Safer Doors Conference in Peterborough, Nicholls said although the situation with doorstaff was "a hell of a lot better" since the SIA scheme came in, there was a shortage across the country.
It's one thing to get a badge - it's another to be an experienced doorman Mitchells & Butlers head of security and licensing Andrew Nicholls
He said: "I need a lot more doormen across the whole of our estate but the fact is we can't get what we need.
"The licensing scheme did lead to a lack of experienced doormen which is disappointing.
"It's one thing to get a badge - it's another to be an experienced doorman."
He also said rogue firms still operate and that M&B had been forced to dismiss doorstaff who had no SIA qualifications.
Home Office minister Vernon Coaker also spoke at the conference today.
He praised the work of doorstaff but urged them to be vigilant over the terror threat.
He said: "Door supervisors are in the front line of averting a terror threat by stopping potential terrorists from gaining access to potential targets and alerting the police to this."
Coaker also took the opportunity to thank doorstaff for their contribution to the country.
He said: "Thank you all for the work you do in the communities up and down the country in difficult circumstances.
"It may not seem like it sometimes but it is appreciated by Government."
