Molly Meacher, head of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which was launched last week, has announced that doorstaff holding the British Institute of Innkeeping's (BII) National Certificate for Door Supervisors - Licensed Premises (NCDS) will not have to retrain to comply with new regulations.

The SIA, a government watchdog tasked with regulating the security industry, will be introducing a new system of national licensing, expected to be in place by 2005.

'Any door supervisor not holding the BII or equivalent communication skills and conflict management certificate must take the approved course and assessment in those skills,' said Meacher.

Cathie Smith, director of qualifications at the BII, said: 'We welcome moves by the SIA to regulate door supervisors and improve standards within the sector. Doorstaff have had a bad reputation in the past thanks to a minority of disreputable operators and we hope the SIA regulations will help turn this around.

'Doorstaff in pubs are often the first and last people the customer sees and can make or break a pub's reputation. With the right training they can improve the experience for the customer as well as ensuring a safe night out.'