Pub managers face fines for doorstaff error

Three pub managers who were found employing doorstaff without holding the correct licence themselves face fines of up to £5,000 or even jail.

The case acts as a warning for licensees to ensure they have the correct Security Industry Authority (SIA) non-frontline licence if they employ doorstaff directly. Hosts don't need this licence if doorstaff are employed via an agency.

Managers at the three pubs, which have not been identified, were found to be employing on-house doorstaff without the non-frontline licence during inspections in Scunthorpe, Humberside.

The maximum penalty for such an offence is six months in jail or a fine of up to £5,000.

A Humberside Police spokeswoman said: "The investigation is on going."

SIA head of investigation Jackie Munn said: "Venue managers must understand that if they employ door security staff in-house, not only must the door staff be licensed, the manager must also hold their own non-frontline licence."

All of the 38 doorstaff at 18 licensed premises were found to be properly licensed during the inspection in Scunthorpe last month.

And all but one out of 42 doorstaff at 17 pubs and bars in Wrexham, North Wales, had the correct licence in a separate check.