Doorstaff guidance on getting physical

Doorstaff are to receive advice on how to safely intervene if violence flares in a pub or club.

The Morning Advertiser can reveal that a new guidance document on physical intervention, supported by the BII, is due to be released this autumn.

It will also advise on the use of handcuffs.

It aims to share best practice on how to intervene safely in potentially dangerous situations - such as ejecting a troublemaker or breaking up a fight - and will advise on the medical and legal implications of using force.

The new guide was drawn up following a series of meetings between interested parties, including trade bodies such as the BII and the Bar Entertainment & Dance Association.

A working group was formed by doorstaff regulator the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which also included members of the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Group chairman Bill Fox, who is managing director of conflict management firm Maybo, said concerns had been raised that the SIA doorstaff licensing scheme does not cover physical intervention.

"Doorstaff have had training in conflict management and this guide recognises that they often need more training to deal with the risks they face," said Fox.​

"Doorstaff very often haven't had formal training in dealing with the physical side, so they use skills that could lead them or customers to be injured."

The Employers' Guidance on the use of Physical Inter-vention will acknowledge that the use of handcuffs is sometimes appropriate and will advise doorstaff on how to use them safely.

It is being compiled by the BII and the SIA-backed standards body Skills for Security.