The GMB trade union has warned that scrapping of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) would pose a significant risk to public safety.

The Home Office is considering whether the industry is now mature enough to police itself.

However, the GMB has now added to calls from bar and club trade body Noctis to make public safety a priority.

“It is important to remember that licensing in the security industry was brought in to keep out crooks, drug dealers and those convicted of criminal assaults to protect the public and create decent standards in the industry,” said GMB general secretary Paul Kenny.

“If the security licensing authority is removed it will hit decent employers, it will expose the public to unnecessary risks and will undoubtedly end in tears and in the courts.”

As of June 2010, the total number of approved security contractors was 672. There are almost 350,000 security workers with valid SIA licenses across the UK.

Trade mobilises against licensing reform

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has announced a £30,000 fighting fund for stage one of a campaign to scupper the “unprecedented threat” of licensing reform.

The three-stage campaign — to be led by operators — aims to involve other like-minded organisations, including local authorities, police and supermarkets.

Writing in the M&C Report this weekend, ALMR chairman Tim Sykes urged every pub operator to get involved, saying: “The time for action is now.”

ALMR will be soliciting interests and has guaranteed a “pump prime fund” of £30,000 for the first stage of activities.

A briefing paper on its plans slams the “unsustainable burden” of the 24 proposals put forward by the Coalition Government in its drive to “overhaul” licensing.

These include the late-night levy and new powers for authorities and residents to take action against licences.

Unpredictable challenges

“The uncertainty this introduces means that licences can be refused, amended or withdrawn almost on a whim, making the business model more vulnerable to unpredictable challenges.”

It alluded to the six-week consultation on the plans, and urged a “new approach” and a “rapid response.”

The campaign will fall into three “distinct but overlapping” phases:

1. An initial 90-day period where attempts will be made to influence Government thinking and drafting of the Bill

2. Amending the Bill during its passage

3. Influence the details and implementation of new powers

The briefing paper says: “We will seek common cause with organisations that share these concerns eg local authorities, supermarkets, police, consumer groups, leading lawyers, business interests.

“A high level political contact programme will target ministers and special advisers who could influence Home Office thinking.

“We will raise awareness with parliamentarians centrally and by means of a grass roots lobby with operators’ constituency MPs.

“At the same time initial work will be undertaken on developing a PR/advertising campaign to support and reinforce political messages during the passage of the Bill.”