Illegal bouncers caught in Cookstown
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
SEVEN bouncers have been found to be working illegally at venues in Cookstown.
The discoveries were made on Saturday night, 11 February, with all seven found not to have a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.
The men, who worked at three different bars, were found during an inspection checking door staff and liquor licences. The police are conducting further enquiries and prosecutions may be made.
The operation was led by police alongside SIA investigators and together they visited 18 venues, seven of which were using door staff, with 39 operatives checked at those venues.
And it was during these investigations the seven illegal bouncers were discovered, while another was issued with a warning for not displaying his licence while on duty.
In legislation introduced to Northern Ireland a couple of years ago it was made illegal for bouncers to operate without an SIA licence, which must be renewed every three years. It must be displayed at all times when door staff are on duty.
The Head of Investigation at the SIA, Sharon Roberts, said: "While the majority of the door supervisors checked on the night were working legally, it was disappointing to find unlicensed operatives. Door supervisors who fail to obtain a valid SIA licence risk prosecution."
Inspector Hazel Moucka gave her verdict on the discoveries and said they and the SIA were acting after concerns raised by the public.
She said: "Officers in Cookstown have a good working relationship with the licensed trade, however following concerns raised by the public, neighbourhood officers and SIA staff carried out an inspection of all the licensed premises in Cookstown.
“Police recognise the value of the SIA licensing system for the good running of premises and the safety and convenience of customers.
“Offences were detected in seven premises and appropriate action, including prosecutions, will follow. The inspection underlined the importance of complying fully with the requirements regarding the employment of door staff."
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