THOUSANDS of bars and clubs across the UK risk being unable to trade if their door stewards fail to complete new training required by the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
That’s the warning from trade body the BII, which urged operators to ensure stewards complete new training in physical intervention demanded of individuals renewing SIA licences from February 4, 2013.
The training is part of the ‘award in door supervision’ course, which was launched in June 2010, so only door supervisors with older pre-June 2010 qualifications will need to take the new ‘up-skilling door supervisors’ award.
The training, which includes physical intervention skills and how to deal with terrorist threats, is expected to be a day-long course costing around £100; the cost of renewing an SIA licence, which is valid for three years, is £220.
BII chief Peter Thomas said the situation could reach “crisis point” if the industry doesn’t take urgent action.
“We are urging licensees and security agencies to ensure their door staff get the necessary qualification in place well before their employees’ current SIA licences run out, or risk being caught up in any last minute rush for compliance,” he said.
