Working at an event might sound simple, but the rules are much stricter when your role involves public safety, crowd control, or access to restricted areas. One of the most important requirements for security staff in the UK is the Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.
This guide explains when an SIA licence is needed, how to identify licensable activities, and what organisers should check before staffing their event.
What Is an SIA licence for event staff?
The SIA is the official body that regulates the private security industry in the UK. Anyone working in a role that involves protecting people or property may need a licence.
The SIA licence proves the holder has been properly trained, vetted, and approved to carry out certain security tasks. Without one, working in a licensable role is a criminal offence.
Who Needs an SIA Licence at Events?
The need for a licence depends on what tasks are being done and under what conditions. You’ll likely need a licence if you’re working under a contract for services and your duties include security-related tasks.
Roles that require an SIA licence:
- Preventing people from entering without a valid ticket
- Dealing with anti-social or unsafe behaviour in crowds
- Searching bags for alcohol, weapons, or drugs
- Protecting performers, VIPS, or guests
- Monitoring public spaces through CCTV or body cams
- Guarding event equipment or vehicles during setup
- Patrolling fences or barriers to stop unauthorised access
Each activity falls under one of the main licence types: Door Supervision, Security Guarding, Close Protection, or Public Space Surveillance (CCTV).
What Counts as a Licensed Premise?
Licensing rules change depending on the location. The security team may need a Door Supervisor licence if the event is held at a licensed premise.
A licensed premise is a location that:
- Serves alcohol for consumption on-site
- Offers regulated entertainment (e.g. live music or film screenings)
You need a Door Supervisor licence if:
- You’re working at a licensed premise
- The site is open to the public
- Alcohol is being served, or entertainment is running.
- You’re providing a security presence, even if employed in-house
.
An exception applies for certified sports grounds in England and Wales. Staff working directly for the club may not need a licence if the venue holds a valid safety certificate.
What Is a Contract for Services?
This refers to work carried out under a commercial agreement—for example, when a security company is paid to supply staff to an event.
Almost all event security jobs fall under this category. This means the legal responsibility to ensure staff are licensed lies with both the employer and the event organiser.
Even volunteers cannot carry out licensable tasks unless specifically exempt.
Everyday Duties That Require a Licence
Here are the most frequent licensable activities at UK events:
- Bag and person searches
- Screening for signs of intoxication or aggression
- Protecting VIPS and public guests
- Watching public areas through surveillance
- Responding to physical or verbal incidents
- Controlling access to restricted zones
Duties That Do Not Require a Licence
The following activities can be carried out without an SIA licence:
- Directing guests to the toilets or food areas
- Giving out general event information
- Guiding people to seats or zones
- Assisting during evacuations (non-enforcement roles)
- Helping with pedestrian flow at entrances
- Volunteering, as long as no payment or reward is received
Be careful: if a person is expected to refuse entry, remove guests, or intervene in security issues, their role becomes licensable.
Use the Right Licence for the Right Job
Licences are designed for different roles, but some allow you to perform multiple duties:
- A Close Protection licence covers: close protection, door supervision, and security guarding
- A Door Supervisor licence also allows general security guarding.
- A Security Guarding licence may include limited CCTV use (e.g. guarding property)
Knowing what each licence allows can help keep your event compliant while managing staff numbers effectively.
Flexible Staffing with Multi-Role Licensed Operatives
To reduce overheads, organisers often use multi-role staff. A licensed operative might:
- Check bags at the gate early in the day
- Monitor crowd behaviour later in the event
- .Provide a security presence during pack-down
This is a cost-effective way to maintain safe coverage as long as the person holds the correct licence for all their tasks.
What About Technology? (Drones & Bodycams)
If security staff are reviewing footage from:
- Bodycams
- Headcams
- Drones
…and using it to monitor public areas or protect people/property, a Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence is required.
If they’re only wearing a bodycam but not reviewing footage, no license is needed. Drone pilots not reviewing live or recorded footage also don’t need one.
Are Volunteers Allowed to Help?
Yes, but with limits. Volunteers must be:
- Unpaid
- Not rewarded with access, merchandise, or premium perks
Giving a volunteer a backstage pass or VIP ticket might be a benefit. Acceptable support includes:
- Light refreshments
- Reimbursement for travel
- A standard meal during the shift
If volunteers perform licensable duties or receive any reward, they are no longer legally considered volunteers, and an SIA licence may be required.
How to Check Licences and Stay Compliant
Event organisers and security companies must:
- Use the SIA Licence Status Checker
- Keep staff lists with names, roles, and licence numbers.
- Re-check all licences before each event.
- Agree on job descriptions ahead of time.
- Provide staff briefings that set role limits
.
What Happens If You Use Unlicensed Staff?
The risks include:
- Prosecution of the individual
- Fines for the event organiser or employer
- Revoked licences or event permits
- Insurance claims being denied
- Loss of reputation and media scrutiny
Summary: Stay Legal, Stay Safe
Getting SIA licensing right protects your event, staff, and attendees. If unsure whether a role requires a licence, always check with the SIA or seek legal advice before staffing your event.
