CLUB and pub bouncers rejected in other towns could end up in Accrington if Hyndburn does not introduce its own doormen registration scheme, a leading councillor has warned.

Coun Ian Ormerod was speaking after Hyndburn licensing committee said it wanted to take a fresh look at the merits of a registration scheme for door staff.

Coun Ormerod, committee chairman, said: "We want door staff who are well trained and there in a customer care capacity, not well-dressed bullies."

A scheme where door staff have to be approved by the council and police has been looked at previously for Accrington, but considered unnecessary. Coun Ormerod said: "It's happening in other parts of the country and it is something we should be looking at again in consultation with the police and the Licensed Victuallers Association.

"If other areas bring in registration schemes and doormen lose their positions because of some criminal record being brought out they may finish up in Accrington.

"If one local authority doesn't have a scheme then it will attract the ones rejected in areas which do have registration schemes.

"It is possible we would attract undesirables to Accrington in these positions."

Councillors asked officers to bring a full report to a future meeting of the licensing committee.

Registration and the training of staff came under the spotlight as councillors also welcomed legislation that gives local authorities new powers to revoke or not to renew public entertainment licences at premises where there are serious drug problems.

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