Police and Security Industry Authority target Hackney bar staff
08 October 2012
Investigators from the Security Industry Authority supported the Metropolitan Police to carry out visits in Hoxton, Hackney, Shoreditch and Stoke Newington as part of Operation Spex.
This is a series of police-led operations targeting licensed premises in the London area. The aim of the initiative is to ensure that door staff and those deploying them are adhering to the law by holding and displaying valid SIA licences.
From the 20 door staff inspected 19 held a valid SIA licence. One person was found working illegally as he held a security guard licence instead of the necessary door supervisor licence, and investigations are ongoing.
Four door supervisors were issued with warnings for either failing to display their licence whilst on duty or for failing to notify the SIA of a change of their address, both are breaches of licence conditions.
SIA Head of Investigation, Jacquie Parker said: “Hackney is a vibrant borough and this is reflected in its night life. Overall compliance from this operation was positive but I must remind door staff and those employing them of their legal responsibilities. Those who do not hold a valid licence or do not adhere to the licence conditions put themselves at risk of prosecution.”
Inspector Ian Simpkins from the Metropolitan Police’s Licensing/Problem Solving team said: “This important aspect took place under Operation Falcon, an operation to improve safety and security within licensed premises in Hackney. The police licensing team and our partners from the SIA, the London Fire Bridge and the London Borough of Hackney remain committed to ensuring that people socialising in Hackney are safe and are protected by the law. Licensing operations will continue.”