SIA licensable roles at events: Understanding which roles at an event require a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence can help organisers avoid legal issues, reduce costs, and keep attendees safe. It’s not just good planning—it’s a legal obligation.
If someone performs a licensable activity without a valid SIA licence, both the worker and the organiser could face serious penalties. This guide outlines which event roles require a licence and which can be carried out without one.
What Makes a Role Licensable?
Three main factors determine whether an event role requires an SIA licence:
- What the person is doing
- Whether they’re being paid or contracted
- Whether the event is taking place at a licensed premise
It’s the activity that matters, not the job title. Two people might have the same job title, but if their tasks differ, one might require a licence and the other might not.
Licensable Roles: Tasks That Require an SIA Licence
If someone is working under a contract for services and performs specific tasks that involve guarding, controlling access, or protecting people or property, they will likely need an SIA licence.
SIA licensable roles at events include:
- Security screening: Checking if attendees are intoxicated or behaving aggressively
- Bag searches: Looking for prohibited items like alcohol, drugs, or weapons
- Incident response: Dealing with fights, disturbances, or disorderly conduct
- Perimeter patrols: Monitoring access points and restricted areas
- Close protection: Escorting VIPS, performers, or high-profile guests
- CCTV surveillance: Monitoring crowds or public areas through camera systems
- Asset guarding: Protecting event property or equipment
- Access control: Preventing unauthorised entry at gates or entrances
An SIA licence is legally required if the person is contracted and paid to carry out any of these activities.
Non-Licensable Roles: Tasks That Don’t Require a Licence
Not all event support roles require SIA licensing. Many focus on customer service or low-risk activities that don’t involve control or intervention.
Roles that do not require an SIA licence:
- Customer assistance: Providing directions to facilities or exits
- General stewarding: Helping guests find seats or queuing zones
- Health and safety checks: Reporting hazards like broken fencing
- Pedestrian flow support: Helping at crossings or busy gates
- Evacuation guidance: Assisting in emergencies without managing crowds
- Basic front-line help: Answering simple queries from the public
- Ticket scanning: Checking tickets without refusing entry
- Volunteering: As long as there’s no reward or licensable duty performed
Note: These roles must not involve enforcement, physical control, or security intervention. The moment someone steps into that space, a licence is required.
Where the Line Gets Blurry: Overlapping Roles
Some roles sit close to the licensing threshold. This is where many event organisers make mistakes.
Risky scenarios include:
- A volunteer who also decides who gets in
- A steward who checks tickets and removes guests from the venue
- A car park marshal who starts searching vehicles or bags
Once the task involves control, enforcement, or protection, a licence is required — regardless of the person’s title or pay status.
Volunteers and “Payment in Kind”
Volunteers can perform non-licensable duties. However, if they receive any benefit that resembles payment, they may fall under licensable worker rules.
Examples that could be classed as “payment”:
- Free merchandise or clothing
- VIP access or exclusive seating
- Hospitality perks or additional tickets
Acceptable support includes:
- A meal or soft drink during the shift
- Petrol money or public transport reimbursement
To stay safe, keep volunteer roles basic and unpaid.
Common Misunderstandings to Avoid
“I’m just watching CCTV — I don’t need a licence.”
If you monitor live footage of public spaces to detect trouble, you need a Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence.
“I’m only checking tickets, not doing security.”
If you’re turning people away, you’re enforcing access, and that makes the role licensable.
“They’re employed in-house, so they’re exempt.”
Even in-house staff must be licensed if they perform licensable activities. Being on payroll doesn’t provide an exemption.
Event Organiser’s Checklist
✔ Write detailed job descriptions that clearly define licensable and non-licensable duties
✔ Use the SIA Licence Checker to verify staff details
✔ Separate enforcement and support roles in your staffing plan
✔ Provide clear briefings and training for all operatives
✔ Avoid assigning enforcement duties to volunteers or stewards
Why This Matters
Using unlicensed workers in roles that require an SIA licence exposes your event to:
- Criminal penalties
- Fines and prosecution
- Loss of permits or operating licences
- Invalidated insurance
- Reputational damage
Correct staffing meets legal requirements and ensures that your guests are protected and your event runs without disruption.
Learn More
For up-to-date licensing guidance, visit the official SIA website.
