CCTV Licence If I Work in a Retail Supermarket
London Security College
April 21, 2025
By London Security College Is Your Licence Near to Expire? SIA Refresher Training + First
By London Security College
CCTV Licence If I Work in a Retail Supermarket
Is Your Licence Near to Expire?
SIA Refresher Training + First Aid– Keep Your Licence Active! Only £199
Do I Need a CCTV Licence If I Work in a Retail Supermarket?
Suppose you work in a supermarket such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Lidl, or any major retailer, and your duties include monitoring CCTV. In that case, it’s important to understand whether you need a CCTV licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
The answer depends mainly on who employs you and what your job responsibilities are. Below, we’ll explore different scenarios, provide examples, outline potential legal consequences, and offer practical tips to keep you compliant and confident.
Working Directly for the Supermarket (In-House Employees)
Suppose the supermarket directly employs you and is part of their internal team (not contracted through an external company), and you occasionally check CCTV footage. You are likely exempt from requiring an SIA CCTV licence in that case.
This is because the law states that an SIA licence is not required when the CCTV work is:
- For internal use
- On your employer’s premises only
Not carried out to protect third-party property or people
Example:
You work for Sainsbury’s and occasionally help review recorded CCTV footage after an incident, such as a customer complaint or a misplaced item. You are not monitoring members of the public in real time for security purposes. No licence is required in this case.
Tips for In-House CCTV Work:
- If your role shifts toward public surveillance or conflict intervention, speak to management about the need for proper CCTV licensing.
Working for a Security Contractor (e.g. Mitie, G4S, OCS)
Suppose you’re working for a security company that provides services to the supermarket. In that case, you are not considered an in-house employee — you are delivering contracted security services, which means the SIA’s licensing rules govern your duties.
If your role involves:
- Monitoring public behaviour via CCTV (live or recorded)
- Reporting or responding to theft, anti-social behaviour, or suspicious activity
- Assisting with incident investigations using CCTV evidence
Then, you are performing a licensable activity and are legally required to hold a valid SIA Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence.
Example:
You’re a Mitie security officer based at Tesco. Your shift includes monitoring CCTV in the security office, watching for potential shoplifters, and relaying live updates to the floor team or the police. In this case, you need a CCTV licence.
Tips for Contracted CCTV Operators:
- Never assume your employer is responsible for your licence, it is your responsibility.
Legal Penalties for Working Without a CCTV Licence
Working without a required licence is a criminal offence in the UK. Both you and your employer may be prosecuted.
Potential Consequences:
- Fines of up to £5,000
- Up to 6 months imprisonment
- A criminal record that can impact future job opportunities
- Employers may face penalties exceeding £10,000 per unlicensed worker
Real-World Example:
A security officer was prosecuted in 2021 after being caught monitoring CCTV without an SIA licence. He was fined £450, ordered to pay £600 in court costs, and received a criminal record. His employer faced a separate fine for breaching SIA regulations.
Tips to Avoid Penalties:
- Confirm with your employer whether your job duties require a licence.
Getting Licenced: CCTV Courses in London
To work legally in a contracted CCTV role, you must complete an SIA-approved CCTV training course before applying for your licence.
London Security College offers weekly CCTV courses for individuals working in or entering the security industry.
Course Benefits:
- 3-day intensive training delivered by qualified professionals
- Practical assessments and legal knowledge
Who Should Attend:
- Security officers working through agencies like Mitie or G4S
- Individuals seeking new opportunities in the CCTV sector
Do You Need a CCTV Licence?
Employment Type | CCTV Licence Required? |
Employed directly by supermarket | Not usually required |
Working through a security company | Yes, required |
Monitoring live CCTV feeds for security | Yes, required |
Reviewing recorded footage only (in-house) | Not required |
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