NIGHT-time revellers in Yorkshire are in safer hands, thanks to the introduction of a national licence scheme for doormen.
Door staff now have to undergo background and criminal checks, as well as a period of training, to achieve the Security Industry Authority licence.
From December 13 it will be an offence to work as a door supervisor in Yorkshire without such a licence.
The training scheme includes conflict management, emergency procedures and drug awareness.
It is estimated that nationally there are 95,000 doormen at pubs, clubs and bars across England and Wales.
Authority chairman Peter Hermitage said: "It's vital people feel safe when they go to bars, pubs and clubs.
"The industry 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 improve the industry's image."
A voluntary scheme to register doormen in Kirklees has been working for some time.
