SIA to remain until after 2012 Olympics

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is not expected to be dismantled until after the 2012 Olympics, according to the body's chief executive.

Concerns were raised about the future of doorstaff regulation after the coalition announced it planned to scrap the SIA.

But industry representatives met last week, after a request from the government, to discuss the transition to a new "regulatory regime".

"Work and planning will be underway immediately, but it is not expected that any significant changes will take place before the Olympics in 2012," said SIA chief executive Bill Butler.

"The phased transition to the new regime will then take place. Subject to agreement, the transition could then be completed by 2014."

The SIA released a statement saying a "framework for the future" will be developed in the coming months, which will then be presented to ministers "early next year". Another stakeholder meeting will be held in the New Year.

Butler added: "There is now much to be done, and the next step will be for the SIA to establish initial arrangements to work with the industry and stakeholders, including the devolved governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland."

Together, the BII and Noctis are bidding to fill the void that will be left by the SIA to ensure a "robust" national scheme stays in place.

SIA chairman Ruth Henig added: "We welcome the efforts made so far by the industry to inform the debate and to come together with the SIA to develop and ensure a smooth transition to the new regulatory regime."