Through our close links with the licensed trade, leisure and hospitality sectors, we understand the challenges businesses can face when working with third-party door staff. For brokers, having the right conversations with clients before an issue arises can play an important part in helping them manage these risks.
Where door supervision is outsourced, choosing an appropriate security provider, checking the right credentials and establishing clear responsibilities from the outset can help prevent uncertainty and potential problems further down the line.
Before engaging a security provider, venues should have a clear written agreement setting out the services being provided and the responsibilities of both the venue and security company.
This should cover areas such as the management and supervision of door staff, expected standards of conduct, training, insurance arrangements and how incidents or complaints will be handled.
The arrangements set out on paper should also be reflected in practice. Day-to-day management and supervision of door staff should remain with the security provider, while the venue maintains appropriate communication about its requirements, policies and safety procedures.
Venues should make sure they are working with appropriately licensed and insured security providers.
Door supervisors working at or in the vicinity of licensed premises in Ireland are required to hold the appropriate licence from the Private Security Authority (PSA). The security contractor providing the service should also hold the relevant PSA contractor licence.
Under Section 38 of the Private Security Services Act 2004, it is an offence to employ or engage a person or independent contractor to provide a security service where they are required to hold a licence but do not have one. Penalties can include a fine or imprisonment. This means licensed premises should ensure that security staff working on their premises, whether employed directly or provided by a contractor, hold the appropriate PSA licence.
Clients should also check that the security provider has appropriate insurance in place for the services being provided. Keeping up-to-date records of contracts, licences and insurance documentation can help demonstrate that appropriate checks have been carried out.
Good communication between the venue and security provider is essential. The provider should understand the venue, its operating procedures and any particular risks or requirements.
There should also be clear processes for reporting and recording incidents, including the collection and appropriate storage of relevant information, statements and CCTV footage that may be required as evidence at a later date.
Brokers can encourage clients using third-party door staff to:
Taking these steps can help clients create clearer working relationships with security providers and take a proactive approach to managing risk.
Our experience across the licensed trade, leisure and hospitality sectors gives us valuable insight into the risks and challenges these businesses face.
We work closely with our broker partners to provide appropriate insurance solutions while encouraging practical risk management. By sharing guidance and encouraging conversations before problems arise, we can help brokers and their clients take sensible steps to protect their businesses.
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