Securing the doors: bouncers and the British licensed trade

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the social and legal requirements of the job of bouncer in British alcohol retailing outlets and to consider the impact of the Security Industries Authority (SIA) requirements.Design/methodology/approachThere is little literature on the topic. Thus, the objectives have been achieved with reference to the limited material and by asking a selection of stakeholders.FindingsThe work uncovered the attempts to create a formal career structure within the job, and thus to make a potentially violent occupation more respectable. It would appear that those involved perceive little difference to have resulted.Research limitations/implicationsThe interviews involved only one small town. There may well be regional differences, and towns and cities may offer different findings.Practical implicationsFrom the limited work undertaken, it would appear that door staff themselves feel that the lack of a practical element within the qualification is a serious omission. Moreover, if the development of professional door staff is to succeed, the SIA needs to make its aims clear to the public at large.Originality/valueStudies of the licensed trade neglect the work of door staff. More research in this area could improve the service offered, and thus benefit all of those who frequent licensed premises.