15/05/2025
Police And SIA Checks In Belfast Find Security Licensing Breaches
Police in Belfast, working alongside investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), conducted a number of compliance checks at licensed premises in the city on Saturday night, 10th May.
Superintendent Allister Hagan stated: "Our night time economy remains vibrant, licensed staff provide a key role in keeping the public safe. Under UK legislation, it is a requirement for both frontline security operatives and those who supply them to be SIA licensed. Having properly trained and licensed staff working as door supervisors reduces the risk of violence and misconduct in the vicinity of the licensed premises, helping to ensure the safety and security of members of the public."
During the joint operation, inspections of security personnel were undertaken. Police reported that "An individual working on a suspended SIA licence and counterfeit SIA licences were detected during the operation." They added that all other door supervisors who were spoken to were found to be fully licensed.
Chris Lewis, SIA Regional Criminal Investigations Manager, commented on the findings: "People undertaking the role of a door supervisor are in a position of trust and authority and by law are required to be properly trained, appropriately vetted and licensed by us. Those who are not correctly licensed put the public at risk and are not able to protect the vulnerable. People should be able to go about their daily lives, enjoy a night out with friends and loved ones, safe in the knowledge that security personnel are trained professionals there to protect them. We will address the non-compliance detected during this inspection with robust action."
Mr Lewis added that the SIA will continue to work with the PSNI to identify and take action against those who flout regulations.
Superintendent Hagan confirmed that police will continue to assist the SIA in conducting future checks on door staff and licensees.
Information about unlicensed activity can be reported directly to the police on 101, online at psni.police.uk/report, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Superintendent Allister Hagan stated: "Our night time economy remains vibrant, licensed staff provide a key role in keeping the public safe. Under UK legislation, it is a requirement for both frontline security operatives and those who supply them to be SIA licensed. Having properly trained and licensed staff working as door supervisors reduces the risk of violence and misconduct in the vicinity of the licensed premises, helping to ensure the safety and security of members of the public."
During the joint operation, inspections of security personnel were undertaken. Police reported that "An individual working on a suspended SIA licence and counterfeit SIA licences were detected during the operation." They added that all other door supervisors who were spoken to were found to be fully licensed.
Mr Lewis added that the SIA will continue to work with the PSNI to identify and take action against those who flout regulations.
Superintendent Hagan confirmed that police will continue to assist the SIA in conducting future checks on door staff and licensees.
Information about unlicensed activity can be reported directly to the police on 101, online at psni.police.uk/report, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.