BOUNCERS who do not protect Bolton’s pub and club goers could lose their licences in a new police crackdown.

Police have already requested the licences be taken from two male bouncers who work in the town centre after incidents caught on CCTV in which they were seen not doing their job.

Another bouncer has been warned and police concerns have been referred to the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which regulates bouncers.

Police say only a minority of bouncers in Bolton fall below the required standard.

The incidents included allowing a boy under age 18 to enter a bar and failing to diffuse an incident.

PC Andy Vernon, of the police's partnership and licensing team, said: “We find 99 per cent of door staff in Bolton are brilliant and support the police and the premises where they work but we have reported three people recently to the SIA governing body.

“It is important to have high standards for door staff as members of the public and police rely on them to keep us safe while we on a night out.

"The police are working hard to reduce violence in the town centre and we are successful but don’t expect door staff to contribute towards violent crime.”

The SIA regulates the private security industry and aims to ensure workers are trained, qualified and meeting expectations of the role.

PC Vernon said one bouncer has been warned his licence will be revoked if he fails to meet expectations again.

A second man, who works in the town centre as door staff, was convicted of assault following an incident while he was working.

And a third man failed to protect a child from harm. Police said he allowed a teenager, aged 16, into the bar despite another businesses refusing him entry just before.

The teenager was not part of a police operation and was genuinely trying to drink in the town centre.

Mr Vernon said: “The vast majority of door staff do comply with licensing objectives and police but we have found the odd one has demonstrated standards below that level."