Publicans warned over SIA licence deadline

Publicans are being warned that they could lose their livelihood and face up to five years in jail if they employ unregistered door supervisors.

By April 11 it will be illegal to work as a door supervisor anywhere in England and Wales without a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.

In the South East, the latest area to take on the licence, only a third of those who requested an application form for it had actually filled it out before last week's February 28 deadline.

The shortfall suggests that 4,000 doorstaff in the South East alone have decided to work illegally, or are leaving the trade altogether.

Mary Hennessey, assistant director of marketing, at the Security Industry Authority (SIA) told The Publican: "Clearly there is a shortage of door supervisors in the South East. We have been telling people about this for two years. People have either left it to the last minute or have wrongly thought that this won't affect them."

Ms Hennessey said publicans had a duty to protect the public, and urged them to ensure that they only employed fully-qualified and registered doorstaff.

"If they don't they could have their premises shut down and lose their liquor licence and they could face five years in prison and an unlimited fine," she said.

The SIA has been experiencing an ongoing battle trying to ensure door staff are registered during the phasing in of the licence across England and Wales.

Police in most regions where the licence has already been rolled out have had to delay prosecuting supervisors because so few were qualified.

• All doorstaff in Greater London - the final area in England and Wales to come under the scheme - must hold a new SIA licence by April 11. For licence application packs call 08702 430 100.