Venue-Sec director found guilty of supplying unlicensed security staff

North Wales businessman Dewi WILLIAMS, THE director of Bangor-based security solutions provider Venue-Sec, is the first individual to be found guilty of committing an offence under Section 5 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 – providing unlicensed security operatives, writes Brian Sims.

On Tuesday 30 August at Llangefni Magistrates’ Court, 55-year-old Williams was found guilty of working without holding a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence, and of supplying unlicensed security operatives/door staff. He was subsequently fined £500 and ordered to pay £100 costs. On 11 December last year, as part of Operation Arrowhead, North Wales Police visited an event at Hendre Hall, Bangor where Williams was working alongside two unlicensed door supervisors (Anthony Jones and June Gallagher). Jones was also fined £200 with £100 costs, while Gallagher was given a six-month conditional discharge.

Speaking about the convictions, Sue Sheath – the SIA’s head of investigations in Wales – told SMT: “Door supervisors and their managers who persist in working without a licence place themselves at risk of prosecution. These convictions demonstrate that unlicensed activity will not be tolerated. These verdicts are nothing if not a warning to ALL directors, owners and managers of security companies.”

• The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has begun to issue licence application packs for close protection operatives – the latest sector of the private security industry to be licensed under the Private Security Industry Act 2001. As of 20 March 2006, it will be a legal requirement for ALL close protection personnel in England and Wales (supplied under contract) to hold an SIA licence.

Close protection operatives will need an SIA licence if they perform security activities that involve establishing and maintaining a safe environment in which a specific individual can live and work, while continually minimising risks.

All applicants are required to meet demanding criteria. These include identity and criminality checks. Applicants must also demonstrate that they possess the necessary skills to perform their role by undertaking 150 hours’ worth of knowledge and practical skills education and training.

They must also attain a Level 3 qualification in the discipline of close protection, and hold a recognised First Aid certificate.