18 June 2008: On Friday 13 June, investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) continued their checks targeting security provision at popular family spots along Lincolnshire's East Coast. They were joined by officers from Lincolnshire Police and East Lindsey District Council.

During Operation Lollipop, 19 licensed premises were visited in Skegness, Mablethorpe, Louth and Ingoldmells.

40 door supervisors were checked and 35 were SIA licensed. Four doormen were reported by the police for summons and one doorman was issued with an SIA warning.

However, four individuals were issued with SIA warnings for not displaying their licence.

Jacqueline Parker, an SIA Head of Investigation said:

"On our last visit to the East Coast, we were pleased to find licencees adopting a responsible attitude to licensing. In these popular holiday spots, the public should expect to see, and deserve to be protected by, SIA-licensed doorstaff.

Multi-agency operations such as these carry a strong message that we all expect compliance with the law for the continued safety of the public."

Inspector Philip Sharpe at Lincolnshire Police said:

"The Lincolnshire Police have been working closely with the licensing trade in the East Division and in particular the door supervisors. This operation identified a small number of individuals who were breaching the legislation but demonstrated to all the licensed door supervisors working legally that we will not tolerate people working without licences."

East Lindsey District Council's Senior Licensing Enforcement Officer, Michael Goldby, said:

"The high visibility patrols provide an added reassurance to those enjoying a night out that they are in safe hands. The Council and its partners work closely with licensees and door staff across the district to ensure they have the appropriate training and it is important to know that they carry out their jobs to a high standard."

Notes to Editors:

• The first Operation Lollipop took place on 20th and 21st May
• The maximum penalty for committing an offence such as working without a licence or supplying unlicensed staff is six months' imprisonment and/or fine up to £5,000 (or trial on indictment to crown court, whereby an unlimited fine 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.
• The SIA always takes a fair and proportionate approach to enforcement action and will take into account the progress an individual has made towards getting or renewing a licence e.g. training completed, licence application submitted. However, the SIA expects security companies and individuals to comply with the law. Further information can be found on the Enforcement pages of the SIA website.