DOOR SUPERVISION FOR CLOSE PROTECTION OPERATIVES
Close protection operatives need to understand specific modules from the door supervision course because their duties often overlap. This requires them to manage dynamic public environments and ensure the safety of their principal amidst crowds and various legal frameworks.
- Keeping vulnerable people safe: Close protection operatives, while focused on their principal, must also be aware of and capable of responding to the needs of vulnerable individuals in their vicinity. This is especially true in crowded or emergency situations, as it can directly impact the safety and extraction of their principal.
- Licensing law relevant to the role of a door supervisor: Understanding licensing laws, particularly concerning public venues and the serving of alcohol, is crucial for Close Protection Operatives (CPOs) when operating in environments like clubs, events, or private parties. They must ensure their actions and their principal's activities remain legally compliant.
- Queue management and venue capacity responsibilities relevant to a door supervisor: Knowledge of queue management and venue capacity is essential for CPOs to effectively plan ingress and egress routes, mitigate risks associated with crowd surges, and maintain control of their principal's immediate environment in public spaces or at events.
CHAPTER 1: KEEPING VULNERABLE PEOPLE SAFE
Recognising duty of care regarding vulnerable people
Duty of care is defined as: “A moral or legal obligation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of others.”
People may not always appear to be vulnerable, so best practice would be to have a duty of care for everyone.
Factors that could make people vulnerable
Drugs and alcohol can make people vulnerable as it can lead to:
- Reduced inhibitions
- Decreased ability to make considered decisions
- Changes perceptions of skills and limitations
- Becoming overly expressive
- Aggression
- Loss of balance and spatial awareness
Additionally:
- It can also lead to customers becoming separated from friends and possibly losing their possessions.
- Ejecting a drunk customer could lead to unwanted attention from other customers.
- While anyone can be vulnerable, this is especially true when dealing with people under the age of 18.
Other people who could be vulnerable:
- People suffering with mental ill-health
- Elderly people
- Very ill people
- People with learning disabilities
- People with physical disabilities
Not all disabilities are visible; people may be suffering with physical, neurological, or mental illnesses that are invisible to an onlooker.
Sexual predators
A sexual predator commits sexual crimes. A person can be a predator if they are ignorant of the fact that a drunk person cannot consent to sex.
They may choose victims based on any single or combination of the following:
- Gender
- Vulnerability
- Availability
- Location
- Race
- Appearance
They may also use deliberate tactics to select and engage victims (grooming).
Identifying the behaviours of a sexual predator:
- Closely watching vulnerable people
- Buying drinks or gifts for vulnerable people
- Suspicious behaviour around certain times and venues
- Inappropriate use of technology, e.g., phones
Actions for security staff:
- If you see someone being pestered, you should intervene, assess the situation, and determine if the person should simply be removed from the premises or if more severe action is taken.
- Call the police if necessary.
- If you find drugs that you believe could be used to facilitate a crime, call the police.
- Suppose you see a person who appears to be heavily intoxicated leaving the venue with someone who does not. In that case, you should intervene and try to seek some clarification on the relationship between them.
Indicators of abuse
Indicators of abuse can manifest in various forms and may be physical, emotional, or psychological.
Some common indicators of abuse include:
- Restricting freedom of individuals
- Unexplained bruising
- Lack of confidence and insecurity
- Change in circumstances
Dealing with allegations of sexual assault
When dealing with allegations of sexual assault, it is essential to follow proper protocols and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of the victim and to handle the situation appropriately.
- Follow the organisation's policies and procedures.
- Notify the police.
- Safeguard the victim.
- Separate the victim from the assailant.
- Record and document all information.
Understanding the risks to a member of the public refused entry or ejected
They can become separated from their friends and find themselves alone and vulnerable. Security staff should determine what they can do in the event of this occurring:
- Is the person over 18?
- Are they under the influence of drugs and alcohol?
- Are they alone?
- Do they have belongings?
- Do they need medical attention?
Security operatives should consider the following actions when dealing with vulnerable people
- Seeking help from street pastors/street marshals and other schemes active in the area.
- Calling a relative or friend in the case of a younger individual.
- Calling a licensed taxi.
- Using safe havens.
- Being aware of any safety initiatives that are running, such as "Ask for Angela."
- Calling the police.
Ask for Angela:
This is an initiative that can be used by anyone who is feeling vulnerable or threatened. It was set up to help reduce the number of sexual assaults carried out on nights out. Customers will be made aware of it on posters in the venue's toilets, which encourages anyone feeling vulnerable to ask any member of staff for "Angela." This will inform the staff member of their position so they can help them.
Identifying potential indicators of child sexual exploitation
- Children and young people in the company of older people or antisocial groups.
- Young people acting in an inappropriate or sexual manner.
- Children or young people intoxicated.
Visible signs that children are being trafficked:
- Arriving and departing a location with different adults on the same day or over a while.
- Children getting in or out of different cars.
- Groups of young people using bed and breakfasts with older men.
Look out for behavioural changes in children:
- Chaotic, aggressive, or sexual behaviour.
- Self-harm or suicide attempts.
- Showing fear in a particular company.
- Having cuts or bruises.
- Having unaffordable new items like clothes or phones.
- Developing expensive new habits like alcohol or drug use.
If you suspect child sexual exploitation is taking place, please call:
- The Police - 999/112
- Crime Stoppers - 0800 555 111
Dealing with anti-social behaviour
- Follow all local policies and procedures.
- Speak to the person or people.
- Explain the situation to them and the risks of antisocial behaviour.
- Explain what will happen if they continue to behave in this manner.
- Remain calm and vigilant.
- Make sure your colleagues are aware of the situation and have backup if required.
- Carry out regular checks and high-profile patrols.
- Early intervention.
- Positive non-aggressive communication.
- Prompt and accurate reporting of incidents.
- Liaising with police and other agencies.
CHAPTER 2: LICENSING LAW RELEVANT TO THE ROLE OF A DOOR SUPERVISOR
The Licensing Act 2003
The Licensing Act 2003 was created to establish a single integrated scheme for licensing premises, which includes the supply of alcohol, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment. It is underpinned by four licensing objectives:
- Prevention of crime and disorder
- Public safety
- Prevention of public nuisance
- Prevention of children from harm.
In addition, the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 includes an additional objective:
- Protecting and improving public health
Other changes that were introduced under this act:
- Single license for premises.
- Flexible opening hours which can be applied for.
- Personal licenses for those selling or authorising the sale of alcohol.
- Temporary Event Notices (TENs) for events.
- All licenses managed by the local authority (Town Council/borough council).
There are 4 licensable activities:
- Sale of alcohol by retail.
- Supply of alcohol on club premises.
- Late-night refreshment (sale of hot food or drinks between 11 PM and 5 AM).
- Regulated entertainment (concerts, sporting events, etc.).
Types of businesses regulated by the licensing act:
- Pubs, wine bars, and nightclubs.
- Supermarkets, off-licenses, and corner shops.
- Restaurants and Hotels.
Personal license:
- Granted to a candidate aged 18 or over.
- Has completed and passed a national qualification.
- Is not convicted of certain offences.
- Has not forfeited a personal license in the past five years.
The personal license is granted by the local authority (council) where the applicant lives at the time of their application.
Premises License:
- Granted to a venue with conditions attached, i.e., maximum capacity.
- Opening hours and type of activities taking place.
- How the venue will promote the four licensing objectives.
This license is granted to the venue by the local authority where the venue is located.
On application, the license can be granted as per its request from the licensee, or it can be granted with additional conditions attached, i.e., earlier closing times, lower maximum capacity, and in certain cases, it can be denied.
Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)
- Every licensed premises must have a DPS.
- Licensed premises can only have one DPS.
- Must be a named person on the operating schedule (which is completed when applying for a premises licence).
- A DPS must hold a personal license.
- A DPS is the single point of accountability for that premises and contact for police and local government.
Rights and obligations
- Police can close a licensed venue, for noise or disorderly behaviour, for up to 24 hours.
- Licensing authorities have the power to suspend or revoke a premises license/personal license.
- A Designated Premises Supervisor must be appointed as a single point of contact for any licensed premises. They are responsible for all staff actions and any breaches of the act.
Entry refusals
The licence holder, other members of staff, and door supervisors acting on their behalf can refuse entry to any person from entering licensed premises, particularly to enforce licensing objectives.
Door supervisors are responsible for the correct selection of customers allowed on the premises.
A good point of entry/exit control is vital for the safe operation of the premises.
Refuse entry or remove any of the following customers:
- Heavily intoxicated (drunk or under the influence of drugs).
- Underage.
- Not conforming to the dress code.
- Unacceptable behaviour.
- In possession of illegal items.
Ejections:
Anyone refusing to leave the premises when asked becomes a trespasser and can be lawfully ejected from the premises using only such force as is reasonable and necessary.
Police powers within licensed premises
Police officers have specific powers and authority when it comes to licensed premises to ensure compliance with the law and the licensing objectives. On-duty police officers can enter at any time:
- They have the right of entry/inspection.
- Have the right to search premises.
- Have powers of closure.
Other authorised persons:
- Licensing authority officers.
- Fire inspectors.
- Environmental health officers.
- Health and safety inspectors.
- Weights and measures officers from Trading Standards.
- HM Revenue and Customs.
- UK Borders.
Representatives of these agencies, once their identities have been verified, must be allowed to enter to conduct their duties.
Duties of licensees and door supervisors
Licence Holder:
- The licence holder is responsible for ensuring that the premises complies with licensing objectives and all other relevant legislation.
- The licence holder decides on admission policy and other house rules.
Door Supervisors:
- Door supervisors, acting on behalf of licence holders, should promote those policies.
- Door supervisors and the licence holder should know the differences between personal and premises licences and how to obtain them.
Protection of children from harm
The law regarding children on licensed premises:
- Protection of children from harm is a licensing objective.
- Selling alcohol to an under 18-year-old is an offence.
- Penalties can be imposed on venues (a £90 spot fine to the seller).
- Test purchasing may take place.
Under 18 consumption of alcohol on licensed premises exception under the following circumstances:
“Anyone aged 16 or 17 may be allowed to drink beer, wine, cider, or mead bought for them by an adult, provided that it is consumed with a proper table meal while accompanied by the adult.”
The law regarding licensing, gaming and sexual offences
It is illegal for license holders or staff to allow patrons to become excessively intoxicated on licensed premises.
The Licensing Act 1872 states:
“Any person found to be drunk on licensed premises, such as a pub, are liable for a penalty.”
Staff are liable to on-the-spot fines or court fines up to £1000 if found to be serving someone who is drunk.
It is also illegal to sell or serve alcohol to anyone under 18 and contravenes the licensing objectives.
Running establishments without a license:
Operating licensed premises without a valid license granted by the local authority is unlawful and can result in legal action, closure of the establishment, and penalties for non-compliance.
Soliciting on licensed premises:
It is an offence to allow prostitutes to solicit for business on any licensed premises. They are allowed entry but cannot ply their trade.
It is also against the law for any licensed premises to act as a brothel.
Forms of proof of age
- A valid passport (any nationality).
- A valid photo driving license.
- Proof of Age Standards Scheme card (PASS logo).
- EU ID card.
Remember venue policies may differ, so always confirm what ID is acceptable where you work.
Challenge 21 and Challenge 25 Schemes:
If staff are unsure of a customer’s age and they look younger than 21 or 25 years old (depending on the scheme in place), the staff will be trained to ask for ID to prove that the customer is over 18.
Test Purchasing:
- Authorities can send underage persons into a premises as part of an operation to test venues are complying with the law.
- If asked their age, the customer should reveal that it is a test purchase.
- If a sale takes place, then action will be taken against the seller and the venue.
- Fines and penalties such as premises license reviews can be imposed against offending venues.
Other age-related licensing offences include young people and meals, serving alcohol, collecting alcohol.
Gaming/gambling on licensed premises
It is illegal for venues to allow gambling or gaming on their premises without the correct gaming license in place. Venues can allow a small amount of low stakes gaming for dominoes or cribbage on the premises and can extend this under the Gaming Act 1968 if they wish to apply for a gaming license.
Only low stakes social poker can be played without the necessary gaming license.
CHAPTER 3: QUEUE MANAGEMENT AND VENUE CAPACITY RESPONSIBILITIES RELEVANT TO A DOOR SUPERVISOR
Responsibilities of door supervisors when controlling queues
- Access up-to-date information from gov.uk regarding any social distancing measures that are in place.
- Venue management any rules that impact socialising, venue access, any PPE requirements.
- Have a professional attitude and appearance.
- Preventing disorderly behaviour in the queue.
- To ensure that only appropriate people can enter.
- To make sure that the correct number of people are allowed access.
- To ensure that customers can safely enter the venue.
Recognising the benefits of queue control
- Decreases the potential for conflict outside the venue.
- Allows for time to assessment of customer behaviour (i.e., are they under the influence or aggressive).
- Good customer service.
- Allows you to enforce the admissions policy.
- Improves the safety of customers and staff.
- Helps improve the overall customer experience.
Importance of communication throughout the queuing process
- Managing customer expectations.
- Notifying customers of entrance fees, dress code, search policy, etc.
- Decreases the potential for conflict.
- Builds a rapport with customers.
- Good customer service.
Crowd capacity regulations
Door supervisors play a critical role in managing crowd capacity regulations at licensed premises to ensure the safety, security, and compliance of the venue.
- Monitor the queue at all times.
- Use of devices to count customers in and out of the premises.
- Halt entry once capacity is reached.
- Ensures compliance with health and safety legislation, fire safety regulations, and venue license.
- Uphold licensing objectives.
Management of venue capacity
- Compliance with health and safety legislation.
- Compliance with fire safety regulations.
- Compliance with venue license conditions.
- Ensures customer safety and enjoyment.
Monitoring queues for safety issues
- Monitor the queue at all times.
- Monitor for welfare and safety as well as the attitude of the customers.
- Use signs, barriers, and lines to ensure safety of both customers and staff.
- Make sure not to block public access to footpaths.
Dispersal procedures
Following dispersal procedures is crucial for maintaining order and promoting safety when leaving a venue.
- Ensures safe exit of customers.
- Prevents disorder.
- Shows good customer service.
- Assists outside agencies.
- Helps compliance with licensing objectives.
Monitoring queues for safety issues
Monitoring a queue for potential safety issues is a crucial responsibility for door supervisors at licensed premises to maintain a safe and secure environment for patrons and staff.
- Monitor at all times.
- Monitor for attitude and welfare issues throughout the queue.
- Use of barriers, lines, or signs to ensure safe entry.
- Make sure not to block public access or footpaths.
Ejecting or refusing entry to a person who could be vulnerable
People being ejected from a venue at night are more likely to be vulnerable to specific types of crime or attacks that are more common at night-time economy.
Other things to consider:
- Sobriety
- Drug use
- Age
- Mental Capacity
- Attitude