PUBS and clubs could be forced to close because bouncers have not applied for a new door staff licence, police warned yesterday.

From December 13, it will be a criminal offence to work as a door supervisor in the area without a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

In North Yorkshire, more than 4,000 application packs have been distributed, but only 800 have been returned - 200 of which were completed incorrectly.

The licence has been introduced to rid the industry of its old-style bouncers whose criminal and violent behaviour gave door supervision a bad name. It is being introduced region by region, and the key date in the North-East, which includes North Yorkshire, is December 13.

Under the licensing scheme, all door supervisors are required to undergo an identity and criminal background check and reach set levels of training and professional standards.

Training covers areas such as conflict management, emergency procedures and drug awareness.

Assistant Chief Constable David Collins said: "The force has been at the forefront of introducing licensing schemes to clean up the image, and sometimes the reality, of door supervision. We totally support this new licensing scheme and see it as the way ahead.

"However I am concerned at the apparent failure of the industry within our area to become involved.

"With only 600 correctly completed applications so far out of more than 4,000 potential applicants, I can foresee real difficulties if the situation has not improved within the next month. I urge all door supervisors to make sure that they are registered for the scheme as soon as possible.

"Venues operating with illegal staff are failing their customers and putting their safety at risk. Anyone working as a door supervisor without an SIA licence could damage their entitlement to a licence in the future and are therefore risking their livelihood.

"If licensees use unlicensed door staff after December 13, they could lose their licence, and as the police have the power to close premises, this would not be a good business move during the run up to Christmas."