Police in Belfast have conducted a number of compliance checks at licenced premises in the city on Saturday night, 10th May, along with investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

Superintendent Allister Hagan said: “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.

“Working with our colleagues from the Security Industry Authority on Saturday, a number of inspections of security personnel were undertaken. An individual working on a suspended SIA licence and counterfeit SIA licences were detected during the operation. All other door supervisors that were spoken to were fully licensed and entitled to operate.

Chris Lewis, SIA Regional Criminal Investigations Manager said: “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.

“We will continue to work alongside our valued partners, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, to identify and take action against those who flout our regulations and put the public at risk.”

Superintendent Hagan added: “We will continue to work alongside and assist the SIA in conducting checks on door staff and licensees in the future.

“If you have information about unlicensed activity this can be reported directly to the police on 101, or online at psni.police.uk/report . You can also make an anonymous report via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”