THE deadline by which door supervisors must obtain a new licence to work has been extended so that a backlog of applications can be dealt with.

The new Security Industry Authority licensing scheme has been introduced in an attempt to rid the industry of old-style bouncers whose violent and sometimes criminal behaviour was giving the job a bad name.

Under the initial requirements of the new scheme, all door staff working in the North-East region, which includes North Yorkshire, had to obtain licences by Monday.

Venues operating with unlicensed staff faced the possibility of being shut down and the door supervisors themselves could put their livelihoods at risk.

The backlog of applications is such, however, that an agreement has been reached between the SIA and police to extend the deadline to February 7.

Police will not prosecute anyone in North Yorkshire for working as a door supervisor while waiting for their licence application to be processed, but the temporary exemption is also provisional.

During the interim period, all door supervisors must have a current North Yorkshire supervisor's badge valid up to or beyond December 13, they must have undertaken and passed the new qualification or they must have submitted an application to the SIA.

Letters explaining the situation have been sent to all North Yorkshire licensees.

Assistant chief constable David Collins said: "This is a sensible measure to give all parties concerned the opportunity to fulfil their legal obligations. However, I would stress that this is only an interim agreement and the requirement for all door staff to be licensed remains."

Members sought

THE Environment Agency is looking for people to join its regional advisory committees.

New members are wanted for the fisheries, ecology and recreation and environment protection committees.

The committees provide a link between the agency, industry, water users and the public, meeting four times a year. Travel and other expenses are paid.

Application forms are available from Brian Marley on 0191 203 4049. The closing date is January 7.