25 June 2008: Investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and officers from Avon and Somerset Constabulary carried out checks at pubs, clubs and other licensed venues in Bath’s city centre on Friday 13 June.

• 15 licensed premises were visited and 37 door supervisors were checked.
• 33 doormen held valid SIA licences, three doormen were warned for Section 3 offences (working without an SIA licence) and one doorman was warned for not displaying his licence.

Sue Sheath, an SIA Head of Investigation said:

“Bath benefits from a vibrant night-time economy, so it was encouraging to find the majority of venue licensees taking a responsible approach to protecting their customers by using SIA licensed door staff."

Inspector Peter Warren from Avon and Somerset Constabulary said:

"This is another great example of partners working together to make the communities of Bath feel safe and be safe. The SIA have been very supportive and their expertise has allowed us to identify a number of issues amongst door staff across the city which we will now be addressing"

Notes to Editors:

• 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.
• 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.