Do you need security for an event?

Do you need security for an event?

A practical UK guide from a company with lots of experience

So, do you actually need security for your event? Here’s a clear, way to decide.

When security is legally required or strongly expected

• If you’re controlling entry at a venue supplying alcohol for consumption - you’re doing “door supervision” and your staff need an SIA Door Supervisor licence. That includes events operating under a Premises Licence or Temporary Event Notice (TEN).

• If you are protecting VIPs or high-risk principals, one of your staff members will need an SIA Close Protection licence.

• Many councils and insurers expect a security and crowd management plan as part of your Event Management Plan (EMP) for public events. Conditions can be attached to licences requiring SIA-licensed door supervisors.

Please note that this is not legal advice: Always check your licence conditions, insurance, and speak with your local authority’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) if you’re unsure.

Quick self-check: if you tick any of these, budget for security

• You’re open to the public or expecting 100+ attendees

• Alcohol is being sold or supplied; there’s a bar or late finish

• You have queues, ticket checks, guest list or VIPs

• You’re handling cash, high-value kit, or vehicles on site

• You’ve got a mixed crowd or young people present

• You’re in a busy urban location or close to residential streets

• You’re outdoors, multi-entrance, or spread across several spaces

• You’ve got pyrotechnics, special effects, or a complex stage build

• You’re worried about protests, gate-crashers, or online attention

• Your insurer or venue has asked for a security plan

How many staff do I need?

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule. The Purple Guide and HSE steer you towards a risk-based approach rather than rigid ratios. As a rough sense-check many organisers use:

• Low-risk, seated or corporate: around 1 steward per 100–200 attendees, plus SIA at points of risk.

• Moderate risk with alcohol and standing crowds: around 1 crowd staff per 50–100 attendees, with SIA at entrances and hotspots.

• Higher risk (late finish, high-profile act, young audience, history of disorder): more frequent positioning and a dedicated SIA response team. Always ensure a supervisor-to-staff ratio (for example 1 experienced supervisor to 6–10 staff), and a minimum of two SIA at any active entrance. Overnight builds, load-in/out, and cash handling need separate cover.

Real-world examples

• Village hall 50th with a pay bar and 150 guests: two SIA Door Supervisors on the door and patrols, a steward inside to keep the dancefloor and exits clear, a short dispersal note for taxis and neighbours.

• 300-cap club night: three to five SIA on doors and internal hotspots, one supervisor, clear search policy, wristbands, age verification, ejection and dispersal plan, plus CT basics.

• Community festival 1,500 people, family-focused: stewarding across entries and perimeters, a small SIA team for bar entry and response, dedicated lost child point and welfare tent, radios, and a simple weather/evac plan.

• Corporate conference: stewarding for registration and rooms, one or two SIA to protect kit and manage any unwanted visitors, clear visitor policy and lanyards.

Choosing the right provider

You can book a cracking venue, line up the perfect DJ, and have the food spot on—but if the queue spills into the road, a dispute flares at the bar, or a child goes missing, that’s what people will remember. Event security isn’t just about stopping trouble; it’s about keeping your day running smoothly, keeping people safe, and protecting your licence and reputation

The Shoreditch Security difference

• Quality first: we provide security personnel who actually care. Skill matters, but attitude matters more.

• Personable professionals: our SIA-licensed, highly trained people are ambassadors of courtesy and professionalism—calm, approachable, and respectful.

• Security is personal: we build relationships, keep communication open, and stay responsive from planning meeting to last guest out.

Not sure where to start? Send us your date, venue and expected numbers. We’ll map the risks, propose a right-sized staffing plan, and give you straight, sensible advice — no waffle, no oversell.

Get in touch with Shoreditch Security today for a no-obligation chat and a tailored event security plan. Let’s get your event right, first time.