A night out to a pub or club in Essex should be a safer experience now the south east region has joined a new national scheme.
The new license which is issued by regulating body Security Industry Authority (SIA) will mean all door supervisors will have to undergo an identity and criminal background check and reach set levels of training and professional standards in a nationally recognised qualification.
The SIA believes the move will rid the industry of the small pockets of old style 'bouncers' who still work the doors of pubs and clubs and whose criminal and violent behaviour has given door supervision a bad name.
The new law will come into effect on February 28 2005 and from then on it will be a criminal offence to work as a door supervisor in the south east without an SIA license. This does not extend into Greater London.
SIA Chairman Peter Hermitage said: "With a thriving pub, club and bar scene, the south east accounts for a high proportion of Britain's door staff.
"It's vital the public feel secure when they enjoy a night out without worrying about problems arising inside or outside a venue.
"Now with this new national licenses, patrons of pubs, bars and clubs across the country can enjoy a night out safe in the knowledge that there are qualified and trained staff on the doors."
"Mr Hermitage added that the industry provides an essential and professional job but a small minority had given it a bad name. "
Published Wednesday November 10, 2004
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