Proposed licensing of security businesses

To qualify for an SIA business licence, a security business will have to demonstrate that it is ‘fit and proper’ to supply security industry services. A business will need to obtain approval for each sector in which it supplies a security industry service, the relevant sectors being:

• Manned guarding – Cash and Valuables in Transit, Close Protection, Door Supervision, Public Space Surveillance (CCTV), and Security Guarding.
• Key holding.

Immobilisation of vehicles (including the restriction and removal of vehicles) in Northern Ireland only. A business licence will last for five years and in order to maintain a business licence, a business will be required to comply with the conditions of the licence, provide a yearly return evidencing its continued compliance, and pay an annual subscription fee. The SIA will be writing to private security businesses to inform them of their responsibilities in applying for a business licence.