Pubs and clubs are suffering from a shortfall of 100,000 bouncers, with a government deadline aimed at cleaning up the security industry’s image looming next week.

So far, 23,500 licences have been accepted for accreditation for the new Security Industry Authority (SIA), which aims to govern ‘door supervisors’, while a further 20,000 are being processed.

This still leaves a huge need for new recruits to the bouncer trade, offering agencies a new market.

Venues also need to be aware of the costs of the new accreditation. Registration costs £190 for three years and involves four days of training, while qualification costs a further £400.

The bouncer registration system is already compulsory in most parts of England and Wales and will come into force in London by 11 April.

SIA spokesman Robert Buxton sees both punters and pub and club owners benefiting from the legislation. “This is good news for bouncers, because it professionalises them, and it’s good news for the public because they know that there are trained and vetted staff working in the venues,” he said.