Doorstaff defy law by continuing to work

Growing numbers of doorstaff are defying the law by continuing to work without a licence.​ Protests over the crisis involving unlicensed doorstaff reached boiling point last week as the deadline for Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences passed.

Across the country thousands of doorstaff are still without licences, with many claiming they have applied but are still waiting for their badges.

Neville Poynton, a door worker from Wakefield, is among a group of 60 doorstaff in the area who were warned by police earlier this month after being found without a licence.

But he is continuing to work because he feels his failure to possess one is down to the incompetence of the SIA.

"Many of us got confirmation in December that it had received our applications, but we still haven't had our licences," he said.

"I've given up on the SIA, it's messed everything up. I've paid my £190 fee, but don't have a badge. I'm in a no-win situation."

The 60 Wakefield doorstaff have delivered a petition to police to highlight "the SIA's incompetence" and the harassment they have received.

The situation is similar in Manchester where many door workers are still waiting for their licences.

"It's causing major problems," said Phil Burke, spokesman for the Manchester Pubs and Clubs Network, which represents more than 600 venues.

"People are working illegally and willing to take the risk."

Mr Burke is calling for all door companies in the country to get together and lobby MPs to force a full inquiry into the crisis.

At the Imperial Lounge pub and club in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, three of the six doorstaff the venue employs have been stopped from working for not having a badge.

Joint owner Robert Gaze said: "We are worried about the safety of our customers by only operating with three doorstaff.

"The SIA has been a shambles and now publicans are getting the blame."

Pubs found with unlicensed doorstaff could be forced to close, with licensees facing fines or even a prison sentence.

But SIA spokesman Robert Buxton said: "It's a smokescreen being put up by door supervisors which is creating a problem.

"People are using the myth of delays at the SIA as a reason not to get registered."