Hale and Pace's "Two Rons" helped launch the scheme in Portsmouth

The Security Industry Authority introduced a pilot scheme in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, requiring all doormen and women to do four days training and be subject to thorough criminal records checks before they start work.

The scheme becomes law in the county in June, and across the UK by the end of next year, but BBC One's Real Story programme discovered that registration on the courses was so low that some venues may be forced to close.

Some bouncers questioned the value of the training while its cost - up to �300 plus a �190 registration fee - was driving many others out of the industry.

Licensees won't be able to maintain the necessary degree of order Pete Boucher, trainer

"I love it on the doors but I'm giving it up because it's not cost effective," said Liam Allisan, a doorman in Portsmouth where the number of weekend revellers has risen by a quarter over the last five years.

The government estimates 10% of bouncers will drop out, but Real Story was told by one organisation involved in the scheme that the figure could be as high as 40%.

The 30 hour course is designed to teach staff how to diffuse trouble and defend themselves.

Bouncer Martin White was jailed for assaulting a student

Another aim is to prevent assaults such as the one carried out by Bristol bouncer Martin White who was jailed for five years last month after pushing his walkie-talkie into a student's face so hard his eyeball burst open.

But ex marine Pete Boucher, who delivers the government-backed training, admitted it was not going according to plan.

"I think we're going to struggle with the numbers and the consequences of that will be that licensees won't be able to maintain the necessary degree of order."

Some of the bouncers Real Story spoke to were concerned the course did not include elements such as first aid or restraint.

Schemes 'will work'

Others said those with a lot of experience in the job would resent the prospect of more compulsory training.

Shariff, a bouncer in Leeds where the local council already enforces courses for bouncers, said: "Nobody can tell you how to do the job.

"You won't get anyone to do security now."

But the Security Industry Authority insisted both the pilot and national schemes would work.

Spokesman Robert Buxton said: "There will be people who will choose not to continue within the industry or people who won't make the grade but they shouldn't be doing that sort of job."

Real Story: BBC One, Monday 15 March at 1930 GMT and live on the Real Story website.