Bouncers under scrutiny (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Bouncers under scrutiny

10:35am Tuesday 2nd September 2008 in Swindon By Raeanne Nightingale

Bouncers in licensed premises across Swindon have been checked to make sure they have the proper credentials.

Police and investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) wanted to know if door staff held valid SIA Door Supervisor licences.

Their investigative operation took place on August 15 and found 98 per cent of staff checked held valid licences.

A total of 19 licensed premises were visited and 52 door supervisors were checked.

One bouncer was reported for working without a valid licence and seven were warned for not displaying their licences.

Sharon Roberts, SIA Head of Investigation, said: "This joint police/SIA operation demonstrated the high levels of compliance with the law in Swindon.

"It is also reassuring for the public to know that they are being kept safe by trained, qualified and SIA licensed door staff."

Louis McCoy from Wiltshire Police added: "Swindon has a thriving night-time economy and many people enjoy socialising in the town.

"We want people to enjoy themselves safely and door staff have an important role in helping us ensure people remain safe.

"This operation has shown that door staff are working with the necessary licences which is extremely reassuring.

"However, it should also send a message to door staff working without a licence that we do check this and that anyone found to be working without a licence will be dealt with robustly.

"We also took the opportunity to use new technology to test customers for traces of drugs, further highlighting our determination to provide a positive environment in Swindon in which people can enjoy themselves.

"The results were very encouraging and were supported by the venues at which we conducted the tests."