Chapter Fourteen: Door Security Introduction

Chapter Fourteen: Door Security Introduction

For the purposes of licensing under the Private Security Authority (PSA), door security has now become a sub-category or service under the broader guarding security service category. Door security companies now operate to the IS999: 2004 standard which is the same standard used by guarding and event companies. Within the standard there are some specific requirements which are unique to door security, however substantially the standard requirements are the same for all three providers Guarding, Door and Event.

Traditionally door security was a sector in its own right.

The PSA have more clearly defined door security as those contractors or individuals providing security services on a licensed premises. While there are twenty-five different types of licence to sell alcohol the main thrust of the PSA is to focus on the "bar" licence. A "bar" is defined in legislation as:

"Any open bar or any part of licensed premises exclusively or mainly used for the sale and consumption of intoxicating liquor and includes any counter or barrier across which drink is or can be served to the public".

This includes all pubs, nightclubs and hotels as well as theatres, restaurants, sports clubs and social clubs where a "bar' is in place. This will also include temporary licenses for special events.

It is important in the context of a door security licence that while it may be clear where intoxicating liquor is sold, it is less clear where it is consumed. This is particularly relevant in circumstances where pubs or hotels have tables outdoors for customer to drink at. While this is most common during the summer, it is now prevalent all year due to the smoking ban.

No matter what the occasion or reason, the areas where intoxicating liquor is consumed as part of з bar sale (excluding off licence sales) are deemed to be part of the bar area and as such will fall under the door security licence category.

However, in for example a large sporting complex or a hotel, security staff whose duties do not crossover the bar area or consumption area such as car park security or outer perimeter patrolling I not require a door security licence but may require a guarding licence.

Identification

The Intoxicating Liquor Act provides guidance on acceptable forms of identification, these induce valid:

* Garda age card

* Passport

* Driving Licence

* EU age card

In reality, it is rare for customers to carry a passport when out for a social evening. The age ргofile of those attending a nightclub may also reduce the possibility of being able to produce a driving licence. This limits the options open to premises management and security staff in verifying age. The Act does, however, use the term 'reasonable' and as such, other forms of identification may be acceptable- provided they are from a recognised reliable source such a Government Department. In all cases - production of identification in isolation is not to be regarded as sufficient on its own.

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Security staff must base their opinions on the appearance and demeanour of every one entering the premises and the production of identification should support that opinion. It is the ultimate responsibility of management to ensure that those entering the premises and crucially those who are served alcohol are not underage.

As an absolute minimum, all other forms of identification must have:

* Full name of bearer

* A clear photograph

* Bearers date of birth

* A date of issue

* Full details of the issuing organisation

With the introduction of stricter controls on premises entry, production of forged or false identification is an issue security staff face on a regular basis. The following section may assist with checking of false or forged identification.

Reliable forms of identification will be of a credit card type format with a scanned photograph printed on the card, or a card with a photograph physically attached and laminated over.

Common methods of forging include the insertion of a false photograph or a false date of birth on an existing document. Some of the more regular practices include the use of damaged cards, particularly those obscuring the photo or date of birth, and these should be treated with suspicion.

Cards in pristine condition, obviously newly produced but with an old date of issue are also common and suspect.

The most difficult areas to forge are hallmarks or holograms. All reliable forms of identification such as a driving licence, passport, credit card, bank card or Garda age card will have at least one of these features. Previous experience, close examination of cards and examples of what to look for will reduce the likelihood of security staff being caught out.

Some general precautions and procedures are:

Pay close attention to the photograph - physical features such as bone structure, eyebrows, jaw line, nose size and shape, freckles etc. do not alter. Hair, on the other hand can change.

If in doubt, ask for another form of identification to provide supporting evidence of the name on the card. This could be a credit card, social welfare card, a letter or bill which has the same name or information as that on the produced ID. Don't accept cards with staples, creases or scratches which obscure vital information.

In keeping with the thrust of the Intoxicating Liquor Act regarding underage drinking, security staff should retain obviously forged identification provided by the underage person. These will be passed on to the Garda at the earliest opportunity. Neither premises management nor security staff should destroy these cards without permission of the Garda.

Duties and Responsibilities of Door Security Personnel

Ultimate responsibilities are to provide a duty of care to patrons and to support management policies and management compliance with licensing requirements. In broad terms, the work of security within this environment requires that staff be disciplined, responsible and professional at all times. Security primarily focuses on prevention, therefore the benefits of portraying a physical, noticeable or dominant presence while not being overbearing or intimidating cannot be