Number of security guards required for certain types of venues
Published 4 December 2023
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1. Request
I’m trying to find out how many guards should be on at a certain site. I’m looking for info about sites with offices, bars, cafes and other things.
2. Response
I can confirm that the SIA does not hold this information.
This information will be held by the local authority in which you are demographically placed or interested in, or the venue itself. The number of security operatives required at one premises at one time, will depend on the licence for that premises. It will also depend on whether the premises has been granted a licence. For example, a bar or night-time economy venue will usually have a licence for the sale and consumption of alcohol. In those instances, the licence will likely stipulate the number of security operatives required at one time. You can find out more information about this here: Alcohol licensing.
Please be aware that these licences are not to be confused with SIA licences: they are separate to the SIA and issued separately. The SIA is the regulator for the private security industry.
[Reference: FOI 0464]