The short answer
A door supervisor holds an SIA Door Supervisor licence and can work at licensed premises such as pubs, bars and clubs, as well as on any security guarding job. A security guard holds an SIA Security Guard licence and can guard premises, property and people, but cannot work as door staff at licensed premises.
Side-by-side comparison
| Door supervisor | Security guard | |
|---|---|---|
| Licence | SIA Door Supervisor | SIA Security Guard |
| Licensed premises | Yes | No |
| Offices, sites, retail | Yes | Yes |
| Extra training | Includes physical intervention skills | Focused on guarding duties |
| Typical duties | Entry control, ID checks, searching, ejections, crowd safety | Access control, patrols, CCTV, alarm response, reporting |
When you need a door supervisor
- Your venue sells alcohol and you need staff to control entry or deal with customers' behaviour.
- Your premises licence sets a minimum number of door supervisors on certain nights.
- You are running a licensed event, such as a concert, club night or festival bar.
- You want one team that can cover both the door at night and general guarding during the day.
See our door supervision and event security services.
When a security guard is the right fit
For offices, warehouses, construction sites, car parks and most retail work, a Security Guard licence is usually all that is required. Guards focus on deterrence, access control, patrols and reporting, which is exactly what most commercial sites need. See security guarding.
Questions to ask your provider
- Which licence will each officer hold, and can I see the numbers?
- Do your officers have conflict management and first aid training?
- How many staff do you recommend for my capacity and licence conditions?
- Who do I call at 2am if there is a problem?
- How are incidents logged and reported to me?
Tell us your venue, capacity and trading hours and we will recommend the right team.
Get your free quoteFrequently asked questions
Can a security guard work on the door of a pub?
No. Door supervision at licensed premises requires an SIA Door Supervisor licence.
Is a door supervisor more expensive than a guard?
Rates vary with hours, risk and the number of staff. Ask for a written quote that shows the licence type and rate for each role.
Can door supervisors work in shops?
Yes. A Door Supervisor licence also covers security guarding, including retail security.
