Government plans to make all bouncers train for a new licence may create a
staffing crisis in the entertainment industry.
Local authorities now have the discretion to order premises to have door
supervisors as part of liquor or public entertainment licences.
Under the new rules drawn up by the Security Industry Authority, all
bouncers will have to obtain the Level 2 National Certificate for Door
Supervisors by April 2005, otherwise it will be illegal for them to work.
The training includes conflict management skills, dynamic risk assessment to
avoid conflict, self-awareness, proactive service delivery and effective
communication.
Employers hope that it will separate the image of professional door
supervisors from the ‘criminal’ image of the ‘bouncer’.
However, industry practitioners are afraid the cost of obtaining the licence
will drive people away from the industry, with training costs in excess of £200
and the licence costing £190.
Adrian Stevenson, director of the Door Supervisors Training Organisation,
said the training was excellent, but created high barriers to entry into the
industry.
"Door supervising is not something people do long term," he said.
"The average stay is two-and-a-half years, and the average door supervisor
earns £40 a night, so buying the training and licence will not be
appealing."
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Cathie Smith, director of qualifications at the British Institute of
Innkeepers Award Body, said that April 2005 was a realistic timeframe to get
all door supervisors to train for the licence.
She added that employers eagerly anticipated raised standards and a new
professionalism in the industry.
