An investigation has been launched by the Private Security Authority (PSA ) after an unlicensed security contractor was found to be in operation in the city.
PSA inspectors arrived in the city on October 21 and 22 this year to carry out a number of inspections of door supervisor (licensed premises ) services to ensure that only those licensed by the PSA are operating and that individuals were wearing a clearly visible identity badge as legally required.
The inspectors found that there are three security contractors providing door supervisor (licensed premises ) services. Two of these contractors were licensed and compliant with regulations, however, the PSA is now carrying out an investigation in relation to the third contractor. Meanwhile, according to the PSA, 95 per cent of individuals providing this service in Galway city were found to be licensed while 97 per cent of those licensed were wearing their identity badge as legally required.
Ms Geralding Larkin, chief executive of the PSA said: “Compliance with the licensing and identity badge requirements amongst door staff in Galway city was unsatisfactory and needed to reach 100 per cent. As a result, the PSA has commenced the prosecution process against those found unlicensed and will issue sanctions to those who were non-compliant with the identity badge requirements. The wearing of the identity badge in a clearly visible manner is a legal requirement and provides the public with evidence that the wearer has met the appropriate licensing standards set by the PSA. It also allows for identification if a member of the public wishes to make a complaint to the PSA. The PSA will continue to monitor compliance with the licensing and identity badge requirements by carrying out further checks in the Galway area.”
