SIA deadline approaches in North West

Fears are growing over the lack of door staff signing up to the Security Industry Authority license in the North West.

The deadline is now days away and rumours that only 45 have registered in Liverpool are fuelling concerns that pubs, bars and clubs will be closed on November 15, the date all door staff are supposed to have their licence.

Police in towns such as Burnley are expected to offer a grace period where the supervisors have not presented a licence, but this will only apply to people who can prove they have applied.

Anyone who has not started the application process will be open to prosecution and be told they cannot work, which will lead to venues having to close.

Robert Buxton, director of communications at the SIA, said: "In certain areas police have made efforts to remain proportionate but this is an offence date and from the moment it comes in those without a licence face prosecution.

"We're not trying to shut down pubs and clubs, we are simply trying to clean up the industry and make it more professional. This will benefit everyone in the trade."

The SIA has been criticised for rushing the new scheme in and pubco managers recently demanded answers over delays.

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.