§ Huw Irranca-DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures have been put in place to ensure high standards among door security personnel working for nightclubs and other entertainment venues. [89478]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Private Security Industry Act 2001 provides for the establishment of a Security Industry Authority (SIA), which will have responsibility for licensing individuals, employed in designated sectors of the private security industry, including door supervisors. There will be two checks on people applying for licences—the first will be a criminal record check, the second will be a check on professional competencies. It is expected that the licensing of door supervisors will begin at the end of 2003 or early 2004.
The Act also contains provision for the SIA to approve contractors in the industry.
I am confident that the introduction of the SIA will, over time, contribute to the reduction of criminality in the private security industry, and help to raise standards of skills, training and supervision within the industry.