A CRISIS could be looming for pubs and clubs across Cleveland following a clampdown on unregistered door staff, which could lead to licences being revoked.

More than 20 people are facing court action for breaching strict new rules regulating the industry.

Police also handed out 27 written warnings for non- compliance with the Security Industry Authority's guidelines.

Under the previous Cleveland Door Supervisor Registration Scheme, 659 bouncers were registered.

But since the law was changed, last December 13, only 102 licences have been issued to staff working the doors.

Cleveland Police gave the staff a long change-over period before enforcing the rules, to allow people to get their new licences.

But it appears that hundreds have yet to apply.

Superintendent Mick Sedlatschek, head of community development for the force, said the idea behind the changes was to tighten up on unsuitable people acting as doormen and to raise standards of training.

He said: "A total of 650 packs were requested by people to be registered under the new scheme. Of those, 277 were returned - but some were not properly completed and were sent back.

"The current situation is that, at the start of April, only 102 front-line licences were granted to people on the doors and about 70 more are waiting for the results of criminal record checks.

"All those working the doors should be properly trained in dealing with people, sorting problems out and giving first aid."

Jim Sugget, of Annie's Bar, in Linthorpe Road, and a trustee of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers', said: "I can see some town centre pubs or clubs being forced to close down if the problem is not sorted out by the time they come up for re-licensing in August."

Most of the staff who were checked at the weekend were correctly registered.

However, 21 door staff were reported for summonses and 27 have received formal warnings.

Supt Sedlatschek said: "The penalties for not complying with the Act are severe. If someone is convicted, they will not be allowed to work as a door supervisor for five years."