How do I Become a Bouncer in England?

Being a bouncer is about more than having muscles.

It may seem like all that would be needed to become a bouncer are big muscles and a lot of patience when dealing with drunk people, but there is more required, such as going to a training course. According to "The Independent," there are approximately 100,000 people trained as bouncers in the U.K., working in clubs, pubs, restaurants and hotels. Since 2005, there have been laws in place requiring a prospective bouncer to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), and to have security checks performed before he can become a bouncer, to guarantee the safety of the public. To get a license, an applicant must pass a course that will teach him what it means to be a bouncer, how to cope with the job, how to deal with emergencies and the legal implications such as the licensing law.

Instructions

1. 

   Bouncers now have to train for their jobs.

   Sign up for an SIA course on their website, with 958 approved providers for door supervision in England, 198 of which are found in London. Train here until passing the course, which should take roughly 30 hours in total.

2. 

   A passport is one document required when applying for an SIA lisense.

   Apply for an SIA license. It costs £245 for a three-year license. Fill out the form and send off the required documents, such as passport and driver's license, along with the fee. The personal documents will be returned by courier.

3. Apply for a job as a bouncer when the license arrives, by either applying to an agency or looking for an individual job on your own.

Tips & Warnings

• While body-builder muscles are not a requirement for becoming a bouncer, staying in shape is very important, especially to be able to deal with inebriated people who may become violent. This is not to hurt people, but to be able to react if a patron attacks someone or destroys property.

• The job of being a bouncer can be dangerous: In 2008 recorded figures show 140 bouncers were assaulted throughout the year.

References

• The Independent: Bouncers: Clubs and Crime
• Brighton Fusion: The Bouncer and the Punter
• Security Industry Authority: Approved Training Providers
• Bouncers: Certification for Bouncers
• The News: Police Focus Leads to Fewer Bouncers Attacked at Work

Resources

• Security Industry Authority: Home