The government originally committed to submitting the legislation by the end of this year, but now it is waiting internally with the proposal, even though according to Práva sources, the law is ready. According to critics, lobby groups could be behind it, which the law would pressure.
“Practically all post-revolutionary governments had the adoption of this law in their program statement. It has already happened at least twice in the parliament, but it always ran into lobbying,” Václav Nepraš, chairman of the Security Section of the Chamber of Commerce, told Práv.
“The latest version of the law is the most successful, but it is getting backtracked again,” he added. As stated in the internal report on the state of the security agencies, which is available to Pravo, the absence of the law causes the quality of workers in the field to be poor and their remuneration low. Their exploitation or significant reduction of taxes is no exception.
A dangerous place Angel. Two bloody attacks forced the Prague police to strengthen security
thriller
It was held up by savings, the Austrian claims
“Entrepreneurs and their employees in private security services significantly participate in the prevention of illegal acts in relation to persons and property,” the report states.
Minister of the Interior Vít Rakušan (STAN) postponed the draft law from September 30 of this year until the end of 2024. It is the possible lobbying that has been confirmed by several sources familiar with the issue. According to editorial sources, the law is practically ready, and after the interdepartmental comment procedure, several comments on the economic impact of its adoption remain to be resolved.
All post-revolutionary governments had the law in their program statement. But it always ran into lobbying
When asked if he was being pressured by lobbying groups, the minister replied that the intention to adopt the law is valid, but he wants to enforce a different form than the one that has been created in the ministry so far.
“The standard is important for the Czech Republic. However, the law provided for the fact that a separate department would be created inside just for him, a kind of licensing office with 15 people, which would practically not be in charge of anything else. However, it is not possible to increase capacities in a time of cuts,” the Austrian Minister of the Interior stated for Právo.
Private security activity is currently enshrined in the Trade Act and regulates only the general conditions for entry into business. At the same time, the Czech Republic is the last country in Europe, with the exception of Germany and Austria, where a strong guild system operates. Germany is also preparing a law.
Among other things, the new proposal adds clear entry conditions for entrepreneurs in the industry (integrity, debt-free, security integrity, professional qualification) and also for employees of private security services (integrity, professional and medical qualification).
The Czech Republic is the 17th safest tourist destination
Travel
Adoption of the standard and subsequent cultivation of the private security environment presupposes an increased collection of taxes and levies for social and health insurance. Analysts of the ministry estimate the contribution to the state budget at two to four billion crowns per year.
According to the Department of Industry and Trade, a total of 20,097 licenses for business in the field of private security were issued in the Czech Republic at the end of last year, of which approximately 15,000 entities hold one or more licenses. However, according to the Czech Statistical Office, only around 3,200 companies are active in this field.
The professional public also agrees on the need for a new law. According to Oldřich Rutar, Strategic Affairs Director from the M2C company’s security agency, there is a lack of anchoring in the Czech legal order.
“However, the legal definition of commercial security must not consist only in its regulation, but especially in its competence and rights. It is necessary to avoid a disproportionate amount of duties and administration, which would also bring other obligations that will be reflected in price increases,” he told Právo.
According to Nepraš, the new legal framework could rectify the current situation on the market. “Unfortunately, the conditions for entry into this business are now very undemanding, so this concession can be very easily obtained by a number of subjects who do not have the full professional, ethical or moral capacity to do so,” he concluded.
A new law should tame the security agencies
thriller
