A NEW national licensing scheme for pub and club door staff has been launched in west and north Wiltshire.

The new licence, issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), came into effect across the south west from Tuesday.

From August it will be a criminal offence to work as a doorman without one of the new licences, which includes identity and criminal background checks as well as nationally recognised qualifications.

Training will cover everything from conflict management, emergency procedures and drug awareness, to rid the trade of the old-style "bouncer" image.

The SIA licence will become effective nationwide from April 2005.

Chairman Peter Hermitage said: "It's vital people feel safe when they go out to bars, pubs and clubs and as a parent, I recognise how important it is that you know your children are going to be safe when they are out.

"Unfortunately, the industry as a whole has suffered because of a small minority who give it a bad name.

"The new licence will protect the public from untrained and unsuitable operators and will improve the industry's image."