I have had very good and the odd bad experience with stewards. But we have to judge everyone as an individual.
IMO if you have an issue with a steward ask to see their SIA licence. The should be carrying & in veiw at all time this ID Badge.
The Licence is blue and has an ORANGE bar down the right hand side with the words "DOOR SUPERVISOR" though the orange bit.
If the person fails to carry or have this badge then they are breaking the LAW. If they carry one that has a blue bar down the side and says "SECURITY OFFICER" then he/she can NOT carry out stewarding duties, again they are breaking the LAW
The SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry according to the requirements set out by the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
"IF" the steward is doing it for free then they dont need a Licence, they are to have NO benifit for doing the job ie free tickets etc.
A person can face up to 5years Imprisonment and / or £5000 fine.
hope this helps slightly