Weekend Visits to Wakefield's Nightspots

11 July 2007: Over the weekend, investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and officers from West Yorkshire Police carried out a series of compliance checks on door supervisors in the Wakefield district.

Visits were made to 20 licensed premises and out of 52 door staff checked; 35 held valid SIA licences, 5 were found working without an SIA licence, 5 were identified as being potentially unlicensed and 7 were cautioned for failing to display their SIA licence.

PC Mick Warburton, the Force's Licensing Officer said:

"We have conducted this operation in partnership with the SIA as part of continuing efforts to give people a safe and enjoyable night out.

Door staff play a key part in dealing with violent crime and they are an important element of our partnership working. Those who are working unlicensed are doing so illegally and can contribute to crime and disorder.

The Wakefield District already has a number of initiatives in place to combat violent crime and this action should help reassure the public that the town and city centres are safe and enjoyable for everyone."

Lucia Howland, an SIA Head of Investigation said:

"Whilst the majority of door supervisors at venues were licensed, it is disappointing that some door staff were not compliant with the legislation. All door staff and their employers must be licensed by the SIA to be able to work legally."

Door staff have an important role to play in helping maintain safety and order while people are out and about enjoying themselves at nightspots. We will continue to work with our partners at West Yorkshire Police to ensure that only professional, trained and fit and proper door supervisors work at pubs and clubs across the county.

Notes to Editors:

• Since 20 March 2006 SIA licences have been legally required for manned guarding personnel (supplied under contract). For those working in relation to licensed premises SIA licences have been required since 11 April 2005.