Licensing 

Door supervisors 

• What is a door supervisor? 

  A 'door supervisor' or 'bouncer', as it is more commonly called, is someone who is employed at, or near to, the entrance of licensed premises.

  There are many different types of examples we could give for licensed premises, but the most common are pubs, nightclubs, or anywhere with a public entertainment licence.

   

• What is a door supervisor's role? 

  A door supervisors role is to judge the suitability of people wishing to enter premises and to decide whether they should be allowed in or not. They also deal with any disruptive or violent behaviour and remove anyone guilty of causing trouble from the premises.

  They give all reasonable help to any Police or council officer that they need in the course of their duties. At all times a door supervisor must observe the codes of conduct as contained in the Metropolitan Police door supervisors' guide.

   

• Do I always need to register? 

  There are some occasions when a door supervisor does not need to be licensed with the local authority. Examples include when the premises is:

  • A hotel, restaurant or guest house
  • Registered or private club
  • A bed and breakfast
  • Used for tenpin bowling

   

• How do I register? 

  To apply you need to fill in an application form, which is available, by either contacting the Security Industry Authority direct on 0870 243 0100.

   

• How often do I need to register? 

  The registration normally lasts for 3 years and is valid from the date of issue.

   

• What happens if a door supervisor is not registered? 

  Businesses are responsible for making sure that anyone they employ is registered with the Security Industry Authority. If a business employs someone who is not registered they can be fined.

  It is also an offence to work as an unregistered door supervisor. If found guilty, the court can impose a fine.

   

• Must I wear my badge when I am working? 

  Your registration badge must be worn and clearly visible at all times whilst you are working.

   

• Do I need to register if it is a one off event? 

  Yes, anyone who is acting as a door supervisor for a one off event needs to be registered.

   

• I am a business who wants to employ door supervisors. How do I know whether a door supervisor is registered? 

  All door supervisors registered with the Security Industry Authority will have a numbered badge with a current photograph of the holder.