News & Articles

Security Providers in Licensed Premises

09 February 2010

Security providers working in licensed premises are faced with unique challenges which affect the manner and method in which they need to undertake their security duties.  The main challenge which is faced by security providers working in licensed premises is obviously the consumption of alcohol by patrons. But it is also important for security providers to be aware of the mixed consumption of alcohol and illicit and even prescribed drugs as the combined consumption by patrons can result in their behaviour becoming unpredictable. Security providers in licensed premises need to have the skills and attributes necessary to diffuse any situation which may arise and while on the job experience will assist the skills and attributes need to be developed with a balanced mix of experience and SIA training.

Patrons visit licensed premises, generally to enjoy themselves, but when alcohol and drug intake create a situation where safety is compromised through either aggression or excessive alcohol intake, it is the responsibility of the security provider to minimise or remove any risks which have evolved. One of the major driving forces which led to the requirement of security providers having an SIA license was the need for security providers to be given the necessary SIA training and guidance so that they could meet the duty of care that they are required to provide to certain members of the public. Security providers who work within licensed premises have been able to attend a dedicated SIA training course that provides them with the necessary knowledge to develop their skills so they can meet the duty of care requirement for their security duties.

While SIA training can not provide detailed security training on every event that a security provider may encounter within the course of their employment, SIA training does provide those in the security industry with the transferable skills which can be uniquely tailored to meet most situations that a security provider will encounter. Employers within the security industry not only have a legislative duty to ensure that all of their security providers have the necessary SIA license, but they also recognise that by employing security providers who have undergone detailed SIA training they will be able to offer a better and more professional security service.  Reputable security training providers provide those entering the security industry with recognised SIA training which has been developed that security providers have the skill and ability to deal with any situation that they may encounter.

While security providers working in licensed premises are faced with unique challenges they can be assured that the SIA training that they undertook which allowed them to receive their SIA license has provided them with the necessary skills and attributes to undertake their duties effectively. The SIA training which is provided to security providers allows them to recognise the unpredictable behaviour of some patrons and take steps early to prevent undesired situations. Security providers working in licensed premises are at times exposed to adverse situations, however, their ability to bring about a successful situation provides these security providers job satisfaction that is second to none.