Non-compliance at Manchester Arena (additional questions)
Updated 2 August 2022
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/non-compliance-at-manchester-arena/non-compliance-at-manchester-arena-additional-questions
1. Request
Many thanks for your response regarding the Directors of Showsec ([REDACTED], [REDACTED], [REDACTED] and [REDACTED]) not being prosecuted and therefore no penalty was levied against them following the Manchester Arena Inquiry which proved they knowingly breached SIA regulations for some time at this venue. I was a Security company owner who sold the business in 2019; my businesses was ACS accredited and I am aware that Showsec are “pace makers” and also sit with the SIA to determine how the ACS is managed. That said, I would be extremely grateful to understand why they were not prosecuted or fined as again this was not only a breach it was something that the venue and Showsec as a company were aware of but continued to operate illegally. Your response also explained that the SIA took compliance action, I am also keen to understand what this was? Again thank your for your assistance and I hope you can clarify my request soon as I understand the requirements and it seems on this occasion Showsec received bias treatment.
2. Response
I confirm that the SIA holds the information that you have requested.
The SIA is committed to the principles set out in the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006 and the Regulators Code which means that our activities are targeted only where action is needed. The SIA has a range of enforcement options which include advice, verbal warnings, written warnings, improvement notices and prosecution.
During the evidence from Showsec at the Inquiry, the SIA became aware that the practice of searching bags was being undertaken by unlicensed stewards at the Manchester Arena. While the SIA does not discuss individual cases and as such will not provide further details in respect of what compliance activity was undertaken, it can be confirmed that the SIA set out specific areas where we wanted the company to demonstrate improvement.
After continued monitoring the SIA is satisfied that the company has now delivered those improvements and the SIA will continue to monitor the company under the Approved Contractor Scheme.
The Approved Contractor Scheme sets out clear standards that we expect companies to adhere to and we apply and enforce these without favour.
[Reference: FOI 0348]