A NIGHTCLUB boss in Bolton says new rules to stamp out rogue bouncers will bring much-needed regulation to the security industry.

People who work in private security are being told they have to obtain a licence -- or leave.

The new ruling -- which also applies to wheel-clampers -- is being introduced following years of fragmented regulations.

It means that licences will have to be obtained from the British Security Industry Authority, the watchdog set up to oversee the new rules.

Currently bouncers and wheel-clampers only have to apply for a licence from the local authority in whose area they work.

If they are refused, they can virtually shop around -- going from council to council until they find one with criteria they fit, since the rules for gaining a licence differ in different local authority areas,

Mark Law, boss of Atlantis Nightclub in Astley Bridge, said: "What I will say is that the new move has been a long time coming and is very welcome.

"It gives proper regulation to the industry and it means that once a licence is granted to someone, he or she is free to work anywhere across the country.

"When you have just one body handing out licences it makes hiring people less troublesome and gives the profession more respect."

A deadline of next summer has been set for door staff and clampers to get a licence. If they have been convicted of a minor offence in the past two years or a serious crime in the past five years, they will not pass. It would root out all of those who are ineligible for a licence and it could mean up to 40 per cent of bouncers losing their job says the British Security Industry Authority.

Licences will cost up to £200 for three years. Bouncers and wheel-clampers will also have to have possession of minimum qualifications.

The rules will be extended to security guards and private investigators over the next few years.