Plans to enforce new mandatory physical skills training on door supervisors have been labelled inappropriate by a trade group.
Under new government plans door supervisors will have to undergo compulsory top-up training when renewing their Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences from May 2011.
As well as updates to skills around terrorism awareness, how to handle underage people attempting to enter premises and first aid they will also be given extra training around physical skills.
The Home Office consultation which has been launched on the matter indicates the training will focus on how to restrain and eject people safely.
But Kate Nicholls, head of communications at the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, raised doubts about the training.
She said: "We are concerned that this is being forced through by police who are talking about giving training to door supervisors on physical restraint until police get there.
"This makes them more like a front line police force and we would question whether this is appropriate. Most people see their doorstaff as the public face of their business."
But an SIA spokeswoman hit back by saying the emphasis of the training was on safety.
She said: "The training is, and always has been, clear that escorting and disengagement techniques should not cause pain to the either the door supervisor or the customer being escorted.
"Many of the proposals were suggested by the industry who understand the challenges faced by door supervisors and the skills needed to carry out their duties professionally, whilst protecting the public"
She added: "We see physical intervention as a last resort and should be used only if there is no other option," she said.
The Home Office plan also indicates that the cost of a door supervisor licence, including renewal and training, will almost double to £450 - potentially costing the industry £4-9m per year.
For more information on the consultation and how to respond visit Home Office consultation