BII issues warning to pubs to address 'critical' issue of door staff training

29-Aug-2012 - Last updated on 30-Aug-2012 at 08:57 GMT

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The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) has warned pubs and hospitality businesses to address the 'critical' issue of door staff security training before new regulations come into force

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) has warned pubs, bars and hospitality businesses using door staff to ensure all their employees have the correct level of training or face 'crisis point' when new Security Industry Authority (SIA) conditions become mandatory.

The new standards, which come into force in February next year, will require all security staff and door supervisors to have undertaken physical intervention training before they can renew their SIA license.

Crisis point

The training has been compulsory for new door supervisors since June 2010 but it will now be necessary for all staff with the previous qualification looking to renew their licence.

"This is a business-critical issue," Peter Thomas, the BII chief executive, warned. He said thousands of staff were likely to be affected and businesses needed to act now or risk the situation reaching 'crisis point'.

"We estimate that there are between 50,000-60,000 licensed venues that will be affected by the new requirements. We are urging licensees and security agencies to ensure their door staff get the necessary qualification in place well before their employee’s current SIA licences run out, or risk being caught up in any last minute rush for compliance."

BII

Door supervisors with the old award will only be able to carry on without taking the new training if they do not carry out 'licensable activities' - they will be able to apply for a security guarding licence when they renew with the SIA.

The new 'Up-Skilling Door Supervisors' award includes physical intervention training, how to escort customers off the premises safely, awareness of terrorist threats, first aid skills and guidance on dealing with 14 to 18-year-olds.

In response to the changes, the BII has launched a new course in May; the BIIAB Level 2 Award for Upskilling Door Supervisors.

The warning from the BII comes just over a month since the Home Office introduced new guidance for staff checking ID for proof-of-age. The guidelines now allow the use of military ID in licensed premises.

For more tips and advice on how to check ID without alienating young customers read our latest Ask the Experts column here.