Licensees could have their licences revoked if plans for compulsory doorstaff registration are accepted by the government.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA), which was set up last year to improve the standards of the private security industry, wants to clamp down on doorstaff used by pubs and bars by checking their criminal records, introducing a compulsory registration scheme and ensuring they have been properly trained.
If unqualified doorstaff are used by licensees they could face possible revocation of their licence or prosecution.
The SIA, which will be responsible for managing and implementing the new scheme, revealed exclusively at a conference run by the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) that it is considering excluding people who have been prosecuted or cautioned for serious offences.
Molly Meacher, chairman of the organisation, (pictured), said: "Criminality among door supervisors remains relatively high.
"We would like to take a tough line if the offence has been committed within the last five years."
She said the organisation wanted to end poor standards, high turnover of doorstaff, lack of adequate training, long hours and low pay. It is looking at ways of improving door staff's conflict management skills and the language skills of some door supervisors who speak very little English.
The Security Industry Authority is a non-departmental body that reports directly to the Home Secretary. In April 2004 it will become an independent organisation responsible for:
- licensing security staff;
- making sure that all staff are trained and supervised to their guidelines;
- monitoring the activities of those working in the industry;
- ensuring individuals carry and wear an SIA licence;
- setting standards of conduct.