Delays in granting bouncers' licences could leave clubbers all dressed up with nowhere to go.
Security firm bosses have warned that nightspots will have to shut their doors from this week if badges giving doormen the all-clear to work have not arrived in time.
Under new legislation, all bouncers in the UK must pass an exam and obtain a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which runs checks to make sure they do not have a criminal record.
In Essex, staff without badges to prove they have passed will be unable to work legally from Monday - and a backlog of applications at the SIA has meant many are still waiting for the all-clear.
David Webb, of Heybridge-based Regency Security, said: "The problem is that the vast majority of security companies in Essex, including big firms like us, have nowhere near enough licenced doormen."
Colchester licencing officer Mick Aitchison told the Gazette: "There's no change in what we are saying. As from Monday, doormen will require a licence from the SIA to be able to legally work."
Clubs and late-night pubs in Colchester claimed they did not expect a shortage of doorstaff would force them to shut their doors.
Published Monday, February 28, 2005
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