1 February 2008: Last week, Investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and licensing officers from Strathclyde Police carried out checks at pubs, clubs and other licensed venues in Glasgow's city centre.

10 licensed premises were visited and 16 door supervisors were checked.

Eight people held valid SIA Door Supervisor licences and eight individuals were warned for offences of working without a SIA licence.

Action against licensees and security directors suspected of deploying unlicensed staff may follow.

Jennifer Pattinson, an SIA Head of Investigation said:

"Half of the door staff checked were flouting the law and putting the public at risk by working illegally.

Door supervisors, working without an SIA licence, and those deploying them, are committing an offence. Licensees risk having their premises closed.

We reminded licensees of their legal obligations when employing their own staff or using contracted door staff. We also urge other licensees to check that their security suppliers operate within the law.

We would like to thank our partners at Strathclyde Police for working with us as part of this ongoing operational activity within the area. They, like us only want to see trained, professional and SIA licensed door staff working in positions of trust."

Superintendent John Farrell from Strathclyde Police said:

"Six of the eight door staff warned had made steps towards becoming compliant with the law.

Licensees could find their licence at risk if they fail to ensure they have SIA licensed door staff working on their doors.

Strathclyde Police will continue to work with the SIA to ensure compliance with the law and further joint operations will be taking place in the force area."

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.
• SIA licences can be checked through the Register of Licence Holders, available 24-hours on the SIA website.