Licensing of Locksmiths

The Private Security Authority (PSA) has said that, with effect from 1st February 2017, contractors providing security services as a locksmith will require a PSA licence. The PSA, an independent statutory body under the aegis of the Department of Justice and Equality have responsibility for licensing and regulating the private security industry. In addition, only those licensed by the PSA will be able to advertise or represent themselves as a licensed Locksmith. It will also be an offence for a person to engage or employ an unlicensed Locksmith.

An information note on the legislation is available from the PSA by clicking here.

Of particular interest to members is what is not licensable. The following do not require a licence:

• Qualified carpenter who installs a mechanical locking device as part of the installation of a door provided that the door does not proceed access to safes or strong rooms.
• A person who solely supplies locking devices whether on its own or as part of a fitting but does not install or open or maintain or repair or service or originate keys or other opening devices for such locking devices.
• A person who copies keys for locking devices using a machine where the keys are duplicated from an existing key that is not a safe strong room or otherwise restricted key.

Further information is available from Jim Copeland on 087 6671361 or by email.