Business Licensing Still Scheduled for 2015

In answer to questions asked in the House of Lords, Lord Taylor stated “the Government expects the introduction of the statutory licensing of private security businesses to come into force in 2015.  The Home Office is continuing to work with the Security Industry Authority and the security industry on regulation.”

The SIA previously announced that all businesses providing regulated security services will be required to hold an SIA Business License from 6 April 2015.  At a presentation in Manchester on 8 July 2014, Bill Butler, SIA Chief Executive, confirmed that 6 April 2015 remains the intended date from which business licensing will become mandatory, but conceded that the 3 and 6 month notice periods for application and offence dates were now unrealistic if 6 April 2015 is to be met.

The Scottish Government and Department of Justice for Northern Ireland have indicated that they are supportive of a consistent UK-wide regulatory regime.  Business licensing is subject to Ministerial approval and the approval of the Scottish Government and the Department for Justice for Northern Ireland.

NSI will provide further updates when available.