Door Supervision and the SIA Licence

Posted on Friday 3rd February, 2012

Door Supervisors are often still referred to as the emotive historical term "bouncers" which comes from the 70s and 80s, when people were simply "bounced " or "refused" from the pubs and clubs, often without too much conversation or reason.  They are now common place and can be spotted in most high streets around the country; standing guard at the entrance to pubs, nightclubs, hotels and other establishments, dealing with the general public on a nightly basis. 

Door Supervisors are often an integral part of the licensed night time economy, policing the inside and outside of venues where the Police services are unable to.  Door Supervisors Act as the extra eyes and ears intervening before situations get out of hand, dealing with various health and safety and first aid requirements.  Door Supervisors maintain the security of premises by controlling who enters and how they leave.  Door Supervisors are responsible for preserving the safety of customers and staff, dealing with difficult and dangerous individuals is all part of the sometimes thankless task. 

In order to become a Door Supervisor and begin this unique occupation, an individual needs to complete the proper training course and then obtain a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA Licence).  The SIA's website states: 'An SIA licence is required if you undertake the licensable activities of a door supervisor.  Unless your employer or company has been given an exemption under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001, it is a criminal offence to undertake the licensable activities of a door supervisor without an SIA licence.  An exemption is applicable only where the company in question has been granted approved contractor status by the SIA and the other conditions of Section 4(4) have also been met.  (Source: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/pages/licensing-door-supervision.aspx )

Although the most important aspect of a Door Supervisors role is to preserve the wellbeing of customers and staff, they are also required to complete many other duties depending on their employer's policies.  Door Supervisors can be asked to check a venue's dress code is being met by its clientele before allowing access to their property, and also checking ID where age restrictions apply.  Door Supervisors can be required to collect fees, verify identification, uphold safety regulations, search for drugs and concealed weapons and eject unruly customers.  Door Supervisors may also be required to control queues and check customer names against a list before allowing entrance to an event.  On Certain occasions, opening car doors and escorting the client to the venues door may be required, also to maintain secure VIP areas for special guests. 

Implementing safety regulations and diffusing potentially dangerous situations are important aspects of the job.  That is why a SIA licence is required before someone can become a Door Supervisor.  Knowledge of the criminal and licensing law and emergency procedures are vital, enabling the Door Supervisor to deal with and control aggressive customers while working alongside the police or assisting them when required when trouble starts outside a venue. 

Door supervisors need to be able to work well within a team, and know and be comfortable with taking orders as well as giving them when the circumstance arises.  A good door supervisor should also be able to work alone, make decisions and communicate at all levels. 

Pay rates for VIP Door Supervisors are usually from £9 to £14 per hour.  This does fluctuate across the country.  Rates can also vary depending on the venue and the type of clientele.  Hours also depend on the venue.  The Door Supervisor will need to work weekends and sometimes evenings in the week.  Both full and part time jobs are available, with shifts ranging from 3-6 hours on average.  The job is suitable for both males and females depending on the venue and clients requirements. 

Job Expectations

• Wearing a uniform
• Operate certain equipment (search wands, radios, customer clickers etc)
• Work late
• Work nights
• Work weekends
• High level of fitness
• Work in a team
• Enjoy working with the public

Must Haves

• Completed SIA training course
• Hold Security Industry Authority Licence (SIA Licence)
• 18 years old or over
• A current driving licence
• Have a can do attitude, with a flexible approach

There are many venue's offering Door Supervisor training.  It usually takes just over 30 hours to complete the SIA training.  Alternatively if you need a Door Supervisor to protect your staff and customers call us on 01277 725140 or complete our enquiries form. 

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate commenting below. 

The VIP Security Team