Multi-agency initiative targets pubs and clubs

30 September 2011

SOCA is working with the Security Industry Authority and police forces to target criminal activity within the pub and club trade in major cities.

The first week-long operation took place in Bristol recently with night time inspections that were followed by visits to venue owners, security companies and their staff.

SOCA Deputy Director Andy Baker said: "The pub and club scene is a very attractive market for organised criminals, particularly those looking to direct the supply of drugs. We know that criminal groups actively seek out opportunities to control the security around venues. That's why SOCA and its partners have been working with the ones servicing Bristol’s vibrant nightlife and the firms that provide security staff.

“This is not about penalising those who are coming up short. It's about closing off criminal opportunities before they can be exploited. We want to send the message that using properly licensed staff helps prevent criminals from infiltrating the security industry, creates a safer environment for the public to enjoy themselves and is good for legitimate business.”

Thirteen of the 45 door supervisors checked were found to be breaking licence conditions. Three of these had failed to notify the SIA of criminal convictions, a serious matter that can result in revocation of a licence and prosecution. The SIA are looking into this further, and the other ten were issued with warnings.

Andy Baker added: "We have gained useful intelligence on criminal activity from both the security industry and the public during this exercise. The work does not stop here though, and we are now looking at carrying out similar operations with the SIA and police forces in other major cities."

Dave Humphries, SIA Director of Compliance, Intelligence and Communication, said: “The SIA is committed to working in partnership with SOCA and the police to ensure the safety of the public and to target organised crime and SIA licensing offences. These results show that some door staff underestimate the seriousness of breaching licence conditions. I must emphasise that this is a criminal offence and can lead to door staff having their SIA licences revoked and being prosecuted.”