All door supervisors working in licensed venues must by law be registered with the Security Industry Authority (SIA) in the door supervision category. This involves completing an application form, undergoing a criminal records bureau check and successfully completing a training course.

In the past, up until 2005, the registration of door staff in licensed premises was the voluntary responsibility of the local authority and police. For many years some councils and Police operated such a scheme in their area of jurisdiction for all entertainment premises that employed such staff. With the establishment of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) in 2003 the responsibility for doorstaff licensing was passed over to the SIA.
Today the need is for only one license to work anywhere in England and Wales but it is against the law to work as a door supervisor without a ‘front line SIA license in door supervision’ or to directly employ SIA door staff without a ‘Non-front line’ license.
The SIA will only grant licenses to people who have the right skills and training to do the job, and who can pass a criminal background check. SIA licenses are required to work anywhere in the country as a door supervisor.
Please visit the SIA website ( www.the-sia.org.uk ) for more information.

Door Supervision

Functions of a door supervisor:

• To provide access control for a busy venue, and to screen clients who may wish to enter
• To check ID to ensure that each person entering is legally old enough to enter
• To check that the clientele are dressed according to the standards of the venue, and that they are not impaired by drink or drugs
• To monitor on a regular basis whether the patrons inside the venue are behaving appropriately, and to keep fire exits and walkways clear at all times
• To refuse admittance to those who have previously caused trouble inside your venue or have been known to use or deal in drugs
• Door supervisor’s goal is to ensure public safety, ensuring that everyone has a good time. We are not only there for security but to assist patrons where possible