94% of Door Supervisors Checked are SIA Licensed

25 January 2008: The Security Industry Authority (SIA) can now release the results of Festive Spice, the multi-agency campaign which saw the SIA and partners carrying out a series of weekend checks on door staff at licensed premises across Great Britain.

• Over 300 licensed premises were visited.
• More than 900 door supervisors were checked, most held valid SIA Door Supervisor licences.
• 49 people were warned for offences of working without a SIA licence or not displaying their licence.
• 2 forged SIA licences were also found.
• Prosecutions may follow.

SIA Investigators congratulated licensees and door staff during the busy festive time.

Jackie Munn, an SIA Head of Investigation and Festive Spice lead said:

"The results for Festive Spice are very positive. Christmas and New Year are extremely busy times for the licensed trade that is why, for public safety, it is vital that door staff are trained, qualified and SIA licensed.

We worked closely with our partners across the country and we were all impressed with the levels of professionalism and commitment shown by door supervisors, and the level of compliance with the law.

Door staff have an important role to play in the fight against criminal activity, anti-social behaviour and underage drinking on licensed premises.

It is reassuring for the public that door supervisors and licensees recognise the importance and value of an SIA licence."

Notes to Editors:

• It is an offence to work as a door supervisor (in house and contract) in Great Britain without an SIA licence. A Door Supervisor licence is required if manned guarding activities are undertaken in relation to licensed premises
• The maximum penalty for committing an offence such as working without a licence or employing unlicensed staff is six months' imprisonment and/or fine up to £5,000 (or trial on indictment to crown court, whereby an unlimited find and/or five years' imprisonment could be imposed