From the 1st November 2014, contractors providing security services in the Event Security sector will require a licence from the Private Security Authority (PSA). The expansion of licensing in to the Event Security sector is a significant landmark for the PSA in its regulation of the security industry. This will bring the number of sectors where contractors are required to hold a Private Security Services Licence to 9.

The introduction of licensing to this new sector is the result of two years work in developing a requirements document for event security contractors. The document has been developed following consultation with An Garda Siochana, the security industry, event promoters, sporting bodies and other stakeholders. The document which is titled “PSA Licensing Requirements – Event Security (PSA39:2014)” sets out requirements in the areas of operations, staffing, training and organisation structure.

Two types of licence are being created with the introduction of licensing to the Event Security sector:

  • Door Supervisor (Event Security)
  • Security Guard (Event Security)

The Door Supervisor (Event Security) licence is required by all those who provide security services in the Entertainment Area of an event. PSA 39:2014 defines the Entertainment Area as the specific area of a venue where the entertainment or social performance takes place and where the provision of a security service is undertaken by a Door Supervisor (Event Security) provider. The Entertainment Area includes areas where alcohol and food are served.

The Security Guard (Event Security) licence is required by all those who provide security services in the Periphery Area of an event. PSA 39:2014 defines the Periphery Area as the specific area of a venue adjacent to or in the vicinity of the Entertainment Area where the provision of a security service is undertaken by a Security Guard (Event Security) provider. The Periphery Area includes car parks, accommodation areas, venue perimeter and approaches, and any other location not within the Entertainment Area.

PSA 39:2014 only applies to security providers subject to PSA licensing, it does not apply to promoters, Sporting Bodies, Venues or others not subject to licensing by the PSA. However such bodies are required by law to only use PSA licensed providers for the provision of security services.

A copy of the requirements document “PSA Licensing Requirements – Event Security (PSA39:2014)” is available here.   *** 404 ***

A date for the licensing of individuals working in the Event Security sector has not yet been set.