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

The Security Industry Authority hopes the licence, which has come into force in Hampshire, will make unprofessional door staff a thing of the past.

Licensed bouncers will have to train in key areas like "conflict management" and undergo criminal record checks.

By 11 April 2005 it will be illegal for door staff to work without a licence anywhere in England and Wales.

Comedy duo Hale and Pace, whose "Two Rons" sketches poked fun at the old-style bouncer, helped launch the new scheme on the beach at Portsmouth.

The industry as a whole has suffered because of a small minority who give it a bad name Peter Hermitage, SIA

The pair appeared in character, with walking frames and grey hair, to symbolise the death of the traditional doorman.

As well as breaking up fights, the new breed of door staff will need to train in drug awareness and coping in an emergency.

The licence is the first nationally recognised qualification for door staff, who until now have been regulated by local authorities, if at all.

By 4 June it will be a criminal offence to work as a door supervisor in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight without an SIA licence.

Licensing will then be rolled out region by region, reaching London last.

'Unsuitable operators'

SIA Chairman Peter Hermitage said: "It's important people feel safe when they go out to bars, pubs and clubs.

"The new national licence will ensure we have qualified, highly trained door staff in pubs, bars and clubs across the country.

"Unfortunately, the industry as a whole has suffered because of a small minority who give it a bad name.

"The new licence will protect the public from untrained and unsuitable operators, and will improve the industry's image."

Hazel Blears, Home Office minister for crime reduction, policing and community safety, added: "This new era of trained professional door supervisors is just the start of the process that will lead to the transformation of the private security industry.

"National training standards and personal licensing will allow the industry to continue to play its vital part in tackling crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour and promoting community safety."