Chapter 650

SECURITY STEWARDS IN SPORTS VENUES [ CAP. 650. CHAPTER 650 SECURITY STEWARDS IN SPORTS VENUES ACT AN ACT to provide for a regulatory framework for security stewards in sports venues, as well as for other matters connected with or ancillary thereto. 29th September, 2025 ACT XXIII of 2025. 1. The short title of this Act is the Security Stewards in Sports Venues Act. Short title. PART I Preliminary 2. In this Act unless the context otherwise requires: "Administrative Review Tribunal" means the tribunal established in accordance with article 5 of the Administrative Justice Act; Interpretation.  Cap. 490. "area of operation" means a sport venue in which a security stewards agency is requested to provide the services of security stewards; "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Police; "Minister" means the Minister responsible for the Police; "security steward" means an individual whose services are rendered in the provision of security steward services; "security stewards agency" means an individual or a body of persons whether corporate or unincorporate, who provide security stewards services; "security steward services" means any security service provided either by an individual or by a body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate, other than security services provided by any government department or authority; "sport venue" means any sports ground in accordance with regulation 2 of the Maintenance of Public Order at Sports Grounds Regulations, as well as other venues where the public may watch competitive sporting activities.  S.L. 10.33. 1 2 [ CAP.650. SECURITY STEWARDS IN SPORTS VENUES PART II Security Stewards Agency and Security Steward Licencing Security stewards agencies and security stewards shall be licensed. 3. No person shall operate as a security stewards agency or act as a security steward or offer his services as such, unless such person is licensed in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Use of security steward service. 4. No person shall employ, engage, sub-contract or permit the use of security stewards services unless such services are provided by a security stewards agency licensed in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Engagement of security stewards. 5. No security stewards agency shall engage any person for duties in, or connected with, security stewards services unless such person is licensed as a security steward in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Licence application for a security stewards agency and security steward. 6. (1) Any person wanting to obtain or renew a licence as a security stewards agency or as a security steward shall submit an application in writing to the Commissioner. (2) In the case of a security stewards agency an application shall contain the following information which shall be accompanied by such required supporting documentation, as the case may require: (a) the full name and business address of the commercial partnership as well as the registered number and office of the partnership; (b) the name under which the applicant intends to carry on his activities; (c) in the case of a body of persons the names and addresses and legally valid identification document numbers of the shareholders, partners, directors, secretaries and any other officers of the body and where any of such persons is a partnership, the registered number and office of the partnership and the number of persons they propose to employ; (d) a declaration by the applicant declaring that he has no financial or other interest which could in any way conflict with the services to be provided by the security stewards agency; such other interest shall include any other business or economic activity carried out or being carried out, or services provided or being provided by the applicant, or employment held or being held by the applicant; (e) if an applicant was previously carrying on any business activity, the financial statements for the last three (3) years, and if under any other law such financial statements are required to be audited, the audited financial statements; SECURITY STEWARDS IN SPORTS VENUES [ CAP. 650. (f) experience relevant to security stewards services, including experience in the provision of private guard services held by any person mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (c); and (g) a clean police conduct certificate of directors or legal representatives of the security stewards agency in whichever legal form it is constituted. (3) In the case of a security steward the application shall contain the following information accompanied by such required supporting documentation, as the case may require: (a) the full name, address and a legally valid identification document number; (b) the date and place of birth; (c) full details of the applicant’s working experience; (d) a declaration by the applicant stating that he has no financial or other interest which could in any way conflict with the services to be provided as a security steward; (e) certificate of attendance to the course indicated in article 22, as well as any information relating to other academic training and other qualifications held to act as a security steward; (f) a clean police conduct certificate and a declaration confirming that the applicant has not been charged, accused, or convicted of any criminal offence from amongst those listed in article 11(1); (g) employer; the full name and the business address of his (h) a valid first aid certification issued by an accredited awarding body. (4) The Commissioner may, in the circumstances of any particular case, require additional information if it is strictly necessary for the purpose of this Act, or that any information submitted in accordance with this article be supported by suc h r elevant documentation as he may require. 7. (1) There shall be payable to the Commissioner for the issue of a licence of a security stewards agency an application fee of two hundred and forty euro (€240.00). (2) On the renewal of the licence of a security steward agency there shall also be paid to the Commissioner an annual fee of twelve euro (€12.00) for every security steward employed by the same Fees payable. 3 4 [ CAP.650. SECURITY STEWARDS IN SPORTS VENUES agency, subject to a minimum fee of two hundred and forty euro (€240.00) and an annual maximum fee of one thousand two hundred euro (€1,200.00). (3) There shall be payable to the Commissioner in relation to a licence of a security steward an application fee of twenty-four euro (€24.00) on the issue of such licence and an annual fee of twelve euro (€12.00) on its renewal. Consultation with relevant public entities. 8. The Commissioner shall, within fifteen (15) days of the receipt of such application, consult with relevant public entities in order to ensure that the circumstances of the applicant do not fall under article 11(1). Objection to application. 9. (1) Any relevant public entity may, within one (1) month from the receipt of the Commissioner’s request in terms of article 8, object to the Commissioner in writing to the issue of such licence on any of the grounds listed in article 11. (2) The Commissioner shall consider any such objection and shall verify any statements made therein. For this purpose, the Commissioner may require the public entity objecting to produce evidence to substantiate any statement made in any such objection. Acceptance or refusal of application. 10. Having considered the application made and any objections received in accordance with article 9, the Commissioner shall, within six (6) weeks from the lapse of one month prescribed in article 9(1): (a) either issue a licence to the applicant to act as a security stewards agency or as a security steward, as the case may be; or (b) refuse the application: Provided that an applicant shall be deemed to be licensed upon notification of the issuance of the licence. Criteria for refusal of a licence. 11. (1) The Commissioner shall refuse a licence application in any of the following circumstances where the applicant or any employee of the applicant or any person who has an effective control of the services to be provided by the applicant: (a) has been convicted in Malta or abroad of any crime of homicide or of grievous bodily harm or any crime against property aggravated by amount exceeding two thousand and three hundred and twenty-nine euro and thirty-seven cents (€2,329.37), or by violence or any crime against public trust or any other serious crime; (b) has been dismissed from any disciplined force, in Malta or abroad, because of any offence or other misbehaviour; SECURITY STEWARDS IN SPORTS VENUES [ CAP. 650. 5 (c) is a public officer in a grade or category higher than grade or category 11; (d) is an active member of a disciplined force; (e) has been convicted in Malta or abroad of a crime against the person or against property and the application is made within five (5) years from the commission of the crime; (f) has been convicted in Malta or abroad of any sexual offence; or (g) has been convicted of an offence under the Maintenance of Public Order at Sports Grounds Regulations.  S.L. 10.33. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-article (1), the Commissioner may refuse an application where: (a) he considers that it is in the public interest to do so; or (b) where the applicant does not possess the necessary qualifications as prescribed by this Act or any regulations made thereunder. 12. (1) In the case that the Commissioner refuses to issue a licence to an applicant to act as a security stewards agency or as a security steward, he shall forthwith communicate in writing such decision to the applicant stating the reason for such refusal: Application filed before the Administrative Review Tribunal. Provided that in the case of a refusal in accordance with article 11(2)(a), it shall be sufficient to state that the licence has been refused in the public interest. (2) The Commissioner shall, in the case of a refusal keep a copy of such refusal and the reason thereof. (3) On the receipt of a licence the applicant may, within thirty (30) calendar days from such receipt, file an application before the Administrative Review Tribunal in accordance with article 15 of the Administrative Justice Act requesting that any terms or conditions attached to such licence be removed or changed.      Cap. 490 (4) In the event of the Commissioner’s refusal to issue a licence, the applicant may, within thirty (30) calendar days from the receipt of such refusal, file an application before the Administrative Review Tribunal in accordance with article 15 of the Administrative Justice Act requesting the issuance of a licence.      Cap. 490. 13. (1) A licence issued by the Commissioner in accordance with article 10 shall be: Validity of a licence. (a) valid for a period of one (1) year from its date of 6 [ CAP.650. SECURITY STEWARDS IN SPORTS VENUES issue; (b) subject to the specific condition that the holder of the licence shall inform the Commissioner of any change in the information submitted in relation to the relevant application; and (c) subject to such other terms and conditions as the Commissioner may deem fit to attach to such licence. (2) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, a licence issued in accordance with this Act may be renewed on the expiration of its validity and on the payment of such fee as prescribed in accordance with article 7. Withdrawal and suspension of licence. 14. (1) Where the holder of a licence does not conform to any term or condition under which the licence has been issued or where such circumstances arise which could have justified the refusal of an application for such licence, the Commissioner may either withdraw or suspend such licence. (2) Where a licence has been withdrawn or suspended the Commissioner may issue a new licence or withdraw the suspension where the circumstances giving rise to the withdrawal or suspension have been removed or no longer exist. (3) The provisions of article 12(3) and (4) shall apply mutatis mutandis to an appeal filed before the Administrative Justice Tribunal pursuant to sub-article (1). PART III Duties of security stewards Duties and area of operation of security stewards. 15. The duties of a security steward shall be to: (a) (b) venues; control access to sports venues; control access to restricted areas within sports (c) usher spectators to their allocated seats or areas, where applicable; (d) monitor or verify for any security or safety risks or threats; and (e) assist the Police in accordance with the duties listed in this Act. Specific duties. 16. In the exercise of his duties as set out in article 15, the security steward shall: (a) make use of electronic equipment to scan SECURITY STEWARDS IN SPORTS VENUES [ CAP. 650. 7 spectators for any dangerous or prohibited items; (b) refuse entry to the sports venue to any person who is in possession of dangerous or prohibited items; (c) refuse entry to the sports venue to any person on Police instructions upon suspicion that such person may endanger order or security within the sports venue; (d) request Police intervention in case of detection of suspected illegal items; (e) maintain order and security in his area of operation by means of requests or orders; (f) endeavour to minimise, as far as practicable, any damage which may be caused in the performance of his duties; (g) call emergency services as required; (h) identify and report any potential hazards, such as fire hazards; and (i) request Police intervention whenever necessary. 17. (1) A security stewards agency shall allocate security stewards to sports events in line with the outcome of a risk assessment undertaken by the sports event organiser or site proprietor, as endorsed by the Commissioner. Allocation of security stewards pursuant to a risk assessment. (2) If the measures taken by the sports event organiser or site owner and the security stewards to prevent danger are insufficient, the security stewards shall minute and report the factors endangering security to the Police. 18. (1) A security steward may order any person to leave from his area of operation if such person: Removal of individuals. (a) is disturbing public order or endangering security at the sports venue; or (b) despite being warned, fails to obey any legitimate order issued to maintain order or security. (2) The security steward shall request Police intervention in case of non-compliance of such person as mentioned under sub-article (1). 19. (1) Throughout the performance of their duties as stipulated in accordance with this Act, security stewards shall have in their possession the valid means of identification approved by the Commissioner. Identification of security stewards. 8 [ CAP.650. SECURITY STEWARDS IN SPORTS VENUES (2) Security stewards shall carry the valid means of identification issued by the Commissioner throughout the performance of their duties, which shall be presented on request by any person attending the sport venue, and shall wear such distinctive uniform and distinctive badges or other marks as may be prescribed. PART IV General Powers of the Minister to make regulations. Indemnity insurance. 20. The Minister may make regulations regarding: (a) procedures for the award of licences to agencies or security stewards; (b) this Act; fees payable additional to those provided for by (c) Act; and additional duties to those provided for by this (d) this Act. any other matters ancillary to the provisions of 21. (1) Every security stewards agency licensed in accordance with this Act shall, for as long as it is so licensed, be covered by an indemnity insurance, in such manner and for such amount as may be prescribed against any liability which such agency may incur for compensation in respect of any loss or damage that any other person may suffer as a result of any act done or omitted to be done by the agency or by any security steward employed by the agency, in the carrying out of any services provided under a licence issued in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Such insurance shall be made by the security stewards agency if the person licensed is a security steward. (2) Every person bound to be covered by an indemnity insurance in accordance with this article shall on a yearly basis, within a week of taking out or renewing such indemnity insurance, inform the Police in writing and produce a valid copy of the indemnity insurance document and the relative number of the insurance policy. (3) For the purposes of this article every security stewards agency bound to be covered by an indemnity insurance shall, together with the information required under sub-article (2), submit a list of persons that it employs, if any. (4) Any changes to the list of persons employed submitted in accordance with sub-article (3) shall be notified to the Police within two (2) days from the occurrence of any such change. (5) Any person who fails to comply with any of the provisions of this article shall be deemed to operate without the licence required SECURITY STEWARDS IN SPORTS VENUES [ CAP. 650. 9 in accordance with this Act. 22. (1) No person shall provide courses for the provision of academic training and other qualifications that may be required for a person to obtain or hold a licence as a security steward, unless the said courses have been approved by the Commissioner in the form set out in the Schedule, following consultations with the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport as established in accordance with the Sports Governance and Integrity Act. Courses approved to provide training.      Cap. 626. (2) The fee payable to the Commissioner by a person to provide academic training or other qualification in accordance with sub-article (1) shall be two hundred and forty euro (€240.00). Such fee shall be payable upon the Commissioner’s approval. (3) All applicants for a security steward licence shall attend the course indicated in sub-article (1), while applications for a renewal of a s e c u r i t y st e w a r d l i ce n c e sh a l l o n l y b e c o n s i d e r e d b y t h e Commissioner if the applicant has attended such a course within the preceding two (2) years. 23. Any person who: (a) operates a security stewards agency in contravention of any of the provisions of this Act or of any licence issued thereunder or acts in breach of the provisions of article 21, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction, to a fine (multa) not exceeding twenty three thousand and three hundred euro (€23,300.00), or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one (1) year, or to both such fine (multa) and imprisonment; (b) who acts or is employed as a security steward, at a sports venue in infringement of any of the provisions of this Act or of any licence issued thereunder, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction, to a fine (multa) not exceeding four thousand and seven hundred euro (€4,700.00), or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both such fine (multa) and imprisonment; (c) who employs, engages or permits the use of security stewards services, in breach of article 4 or otherwise is in breach of any provision of this Act other than those to which paragraphs (a) and (b) apply shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction, to a fine (multa) not exceeding one thousand and two hundred euro (€1,200.00); (d) being a security steward at a sports venue, exercises excessive use of force or in any other way abuses of the powers conferred upon him under this Act, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction, to a fine (multa) Offences and penalties. 10 [ CAP.650. SECURITY STEWARDS IN SPORTS VENUES not exceeding two thousand euro (€2,000.00), or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve (12) months, or to both such fine (multa) and imprisonment. Data Processing.   Cap. 586. 24. (1) Any processing of personal data carried out by the Commissioner for the purposes of this Act shall be made in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679, the Data Protection Act and any regulations made thereunder, and the fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subjects. (2) The Commissioner shall carry out the relevant data processing operations which are limited to the extent necessary and proportionate to the objectives pursued by this Act. SCHEDULE (article 22) Training Course for Security Stewards in Sports Venues Course Objectives Successful completion of the course shall enable a participant to: (a) enforce the provisions of this Act; and (b) address difficult situations, insofar as possible without the use of physical restraint. Methodology Following closely the provisions contained in this Act and other relevant legislation, the modules shall introduce the keynote subjectmatter, skills required, threats and vulnerabilities. Tuition shall include presentations, demonstrations, discussions and participation in project exercises. Quality of direction, tuition and presentation is to be assured through the participation of qualified specialists or acknowledged experts in all fields of the keynote subjects. Syllabus 1. Security steward services as defined in this Act. 2. The science of Security and Risk. 3. Conflict management training and addressing difficult situations. 4. Occupational Health and Safety (including basic first aid, basic assistance in fire-fighting, and safe evacuation of persons). SECURITY STEWARDS IN SPORTS VENUES [ CAP. 650. Basic Skills (a) (b) situations. Observation. Assessment of security threats and safety (c) Appropriate action according to situational circumstances. (d) Safety. Communication and Interpersonal Skills (a) Overcoming communication barriers. (b) Conflict management. (c) Negotiating difficult situations. (d) Dealing with vulnerable persons. 11