Shortage of licensed doorstaff threatens South East pubs

Pubs in London and the South East could be forced to close in the next few weeks if there aren't enough licensed door staff.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is warning publicans that there could be a shortage of qualified door staff because not enough have applied for their new door supervisor licence.

Door staff in the South East need to be registered by February 28, while those in Greater London must hold a new SIA door supervisor licence by April 11. After these dates all local authority registration schemes will cease - and any publican found using unlicensed door staff could be fined £5,000 and face six months in prison.

Andy Drane, deputy chief executive of the SIA, said: "There has been widespread publicity of the new licensing scheme. Inaction by individual door staff and venue operators can only be through deliberate means or neglect. Door staff need to act now to ensure they are licensed to work.

"The SIA, and our partners in the police and local authorities, will ensure that only professional, trained and qualified door staff work at pubs and clubs in the South East. Door staff, managers and premises licence holders remain strictly liable for any failure to comply with the law."

The SIA is experiencing an ongoing battle trying to ensure door staff are registered. Last month, police in most regions where the licence has already been rolled out, had to delay prosecuting supervisors because so few were qualified. It is now hoping that it won't have to take the same action this time round. For licence application packs call 08702 430 100.