Donald Gorrie: Vetting system needed

The MSP told reporters: "I have been listening to concerns about door stewards allegedly turning a blind eye to drug pushers, and that there are too many people being hired as door stewards that hold criminal convictions.

"Of course there are very many well-run pubs and clubs and some excellent and honest security firms such as Rock Steady, but it appears that there is an extensive criminal element infiltrating the industry and this needs to be countered by firm action from the executive."

The MSP said a senior policeman told him that some bouncers operated a "private enterprise" in which they sold on drugs found on people entering pubs and clubs.

"Police checks are needed for applicants to drive a taxi, be a window cleaner or help in youth clubs but no checks are currently needed by door stewards," said Mr Gorrie.

It is extremely important that high standards are achieved right across the security industry

Catherine Park, BSIA

"At the bottom end of the market, there is a problem with unsuitable people getting jobs as door stewards."

The MSP has written to Justice Minister Jim Wallace calling for a national register.

He said door stewarding should develop into a proper full-time job with pensions, national insurance and holidays and that all bouncers should be licensed.

The BSIA's Catherine Park told BBC News Online that some form of regulation would help the industry.

Reputation tarnished

"It is extremely important that high standards are achieved right across the security industry, in view of the vital role that its personnel play in protecting people and property," she said.

"The British Security Industry Association has been lobbying for regulation of the security industry for the last 15 years, in order to remove from the sector the small proportion of individuals who have been tarnishing its reputation.

"We are very pleased that the Private Security Industry Act has now been passed in England and Wales, and would like to see similar regulatory conditions throughout the UK."

The Scottish Executive has already pledged to tighten up regulations for door staff and carry out a public consultation exercise.