Whether SIA licence holders must always display their licence: further clarification
Published 21 November 2025
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Request
This paragraph from your previous response [FOI 0573-a] is highly contradictory:
Whilst SIA licence holders must wear their licence so that it is on display, members of the public do not have the right to ask to see someone’s licence. An SIA licence holder only must produce their licence for inspection on the request of any constable, any member or employee of the SIA or other person authorised by us.
If the holder of a SIA licence must display it, then why would a member of the public need to ask to see it? Equally, if a member of the public has no right to see it, then it must be acceptable not to display it? The wording does not specify that this only applies to those using the exemption such as store detectives, simply the generic ‘SIA licence holders’.
Response
It is a legal requirement of the licence holder to display their licence where it can be seen when engaging in licensable conduct. This is an indication to members of the public that the security operative has undertaken training and passed checks in order to obtain an SIA licence and it provides public confidence in the security provision at a venue or event.
A member of the public may be able to check the photograph on the licence with the person who is wearing the licence or note down the licence number and check it against the SIA register of licence holders.
If the licence is obscured by clothing or the back of the licence is visible a member of the public may request to see the licence.
A member of the public does not have the right to demand to inspect an SIA licence as that is reserved for constables, any member or employee of the SIA or other person authorised by the SIA.
[Ref: FOI 0573-b]