Multi-agency approach the way forward

Operation Badge - a multi-agency operation involving the Security Industry Authority (SIA), Avon & Somerset Constabulary, HM Immigration Service and local authority officials - targeted licensed premises in Bristol over the weekend. The operation was run to ensure that only trained, qualified, SIA licensed door staff are employed in the city's pubs, clubs and bars.

Eighty licensed premises were visited and 250 door supervisors checked. Seventy-five warning letters were issued; two door supervisors were removed from the doors and accepted a police caution; one illegal immigrant was arrested and twelve other immigration offences are being investigated.

David Porter, SIA Head of Investigation for the South West, said:

"We are here to make the public safer by introducing national standards for door supervisors, so when you visit your local pub and club you can be confident that the door staff have been professionally trained and qualified.

The multi-agency approach identified a large number of unlicensed door staff working at venues across the City of Bristol, with the majority of them either having left it too late to apply or having failed to apply through their own deliberate inaction or neglect.

I am appalled that venue operators continue to use unlicensed door staff at their venues. If licensees chose to employ unlicensed door staff they are putting their customers at risk as well as their licences."

Inspector Mike Cox, Avon & Somerset Constabulary, said:

"Door staff play an important role in protecting the safety of people in their premises and we value the close working relationship we have with many of them. They are often dealing with people who are vulnerable or become violent due to drink, and for this reason it is essential that they are security checked and properly trained.

Ultimately, door staff who are continuing to work without having applied for a licence, as well as those employing them, are committing an offence. If they haven’t co-operated then they risk having their premises closed down."