SIA surprise inspections uncover illegal security in Brighton

The SIA planned the inspections to check that security workers in the city’s night-time economy were properly licensed and had the right to work in the UK. The choice of venues emanated as a result of intelligence relating to the suspected use of counterfeit licences.

The inspecting team didn’t find any security operatives working without licences during the inspection itself. However, they uncovered evidence showing that unlicensed operatives had recently worked illegally as door supervisors at two of the venues.

HOIE officers arrested and bailed one door supervisor for not having the right to work in the UK. The security company that employed him will be considered for a civil penalty, which could amount to a sum of circa £60,000.

Further, HOIE officers detained a second door supervisor, pending removal, for working in breach of his visa conditions. A search of the door supervisor’s home address revealed a third individual, who was also arrested for working in breach of their visa conditions.

Trained and licensed

Kirsty Grant, criminal investigations officer at the SIA who led the inspection, explained: “We would like to thank Home Office Immigration Enforcement and Sussex Police officers for working with us on this operation. It’s crucial for public safety that door supervisors are properly trained and licensed. Individuals who abuse the system are putting venue customers at risk. They are also putting themselves at risk of arrest and potential imprisonment and subsequent deportation.”

Grant concluded: “Security companies should take note. Deploying unlicensed staff or failing to conduct basic identity and Right to Work checks on employees can be very expensive and may lead to a criminal record.”