AN ABERYSTWYTH pub doorman has warned that staff are being put at risk of financial hardship because of delays in authorities issuing security licences.

The Security Industry Authority has admitted that “technical issues” have led to delays in issuing renewals and licences to door staff.

All door staff must be registered with the SIA and many licensed premises are subject to conditions that staff registered with the SIA must be on duty, especially at busy periods such as over the weekend.

Doorman Daniel Llyr Howells said that, while he was coping despite the two-month delay in his licence being renewed, other door staff may be struggling.

He said: “I’ve been waiting two months, during which time I’ve been unable to work. I’m just fortunate that I’ve not got cash flow problems or am renting, or I could have lost my home.

“It’s a national body, but it does have local implications, as local pubs and clubs are having difficulty getting replacement staff. If they can’t they’re running in breach of their licences.”

Mr Howells said he had complained to the SIA, but that the delays were still happening.

A spokesperson for the SIA admitted there had been problems with a new system which had led to delays in processing applications.

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