Bouncers granted licence extension

Bouncers in London have been given an extended window in which to apply for their licences to operate, it was announced yesterday (5 April).

The Metropolitan Police have agreed not to prosecute bouncers who do not have a valid Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence until 5 June, although doormen must prove they have applied for the licence.

Eric Illsley, Labour MP for Barnsley South, called for the Government to extend the deadline for licence applications across the whole country. About 13,500 door workers out of a possible 100,000 have been approved so far, he said.

Hundreds of clubs and pubs could be forced to shut down due to a shortage of licensed doormen now that the deadlines have passed.

Although the matter was debated in the House of Commons yesterday, Illsley said that there was little hope of an official extension across all areas.

"It is a question of waiting and seeing what the Government have to say. The impending election may have an impact on this," he added.

By Victoria Heath

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