Anger over SIA delays
Senior pubco managers have attacked the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and demanded answers over delays to the new doorstaff registration scheme.
During a meeting of the North West regional British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), representatives from pubcos including Enterprise Inns, Thwaites and Jennings expressed confusion over the licence as it is rolled out across the country.
Steve Myers, SIA investigator for the North West, came under fire at the meeting as the pubcos pressed for answers, particularly over the role of the licensee.
The licence will need to be legally held by all doorstaff in the North West by November 15, but in other regions deadlines have not been met, forcing the SIA to issue extensions. In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, the original SIA pilot area, only 200 had registered by the deadline, which was extended by three months.
In the South West one licensee had to close for the night when doorstaff failed to provide an SIA badge. Pub operators now fear prosecutions could follow if the situation is not improved.
At the BBPA meeting Paul Howarth, retail director for Thwaites, sought clarification for licensees who occasionally stand on the door but feel reluctant to fork out the £190 needed for the licence. In response Mr Myers claimed the police would always use common sense and discretion.
"Our licensees need to know where they stand," said Mr Howarth. "Being told police will use discretion is not good enough. If you have a police force looking to close a pub down they could use this as an excuse."
Additional concerns were raised over how many existing doorstaff were walking away from the industry, particularly as they must pay £190 to apply and are submitted to a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.
BBPA regional secretary for the North Lee LeClerq, present at the meeting, said: "Staff will not pay £190 for a CRB check when it isn't clear whether they will or won't pass it. We have seen some alarming results in other regions. We could see venues close down."
Nick Lawson, senior regional manager at Enterprise Inns, added: "There are people out there who are running a very serious risk of prosecution. If we have legitimate businesses closing down it is a real problem."
Responding to criticism, Mr Myers said: "There were initial concerns but we believe compliance is now high, particularly in the North West. I understand concerns but we are making progress. When this is in place, everyone will benefit."
SIA deadline
By April 2005 it will be illegal to work as a door supervisor in the UK without the SIA licence.
