Doorstaff caught working with expired licences

Doorstaff in the North East of England have been caught working with expired door supervisor licences.

The news follows complaints from licensees across the country that there have been major delays in renewing licences with the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

An SIA spokesman said: "No formal action has been taken againt these individuals. It may be that they are experiencing delays waiting for licence renewals."

In the operation last Friday SIA officers and police visited 11 licensed premises in South Shields. A total of 35 doorstaff were checked and the majority had valid licences.

Ian Johnson, licensing co-ordinator for South Tyneside Area Command, said: "The aim of the operation was to make sure that doorstaff in South Shields town centre are working in a professional manner.

"It was extremely encouraging that a high number of the 35 doorstaff checked across 11 premises were displaying their SIA badges.

"Only a small number were working with an expired licence. It is important that their role is properly regulated and that these regulations are appropriately enforced."