LAST chance saloon has shut its doors on bouncers working at South Lakeland nightspots without a licence, with the police vowing to bring the full weight of the law to bear on those who fail to comply with the new laws.

South Cumbria Police have sent a letter to pubs, clubs and bars across the area warning them that door supervisors discovered without a Security Industry Authority licence will be prosecuted from this week.

The warning comes after the police gave door staff two months to ensure they are eligible to work following the introduction of the new law, the Security Industry Act 2001, which came into effect in Cumbria on November 15.

Extra time was given due to a small take up of the licences in the North West which was highlighted during a police operation in Windermere last month, which found none of the door staff working on January 28 held the licence.

Working without a licence, which costs £190, can carry a prison sentence of up to five years and an unlimited fine.

The Citizen has reported how classes are being held to bring door staff up to standard with the new laws, which are designed to cut out the criminal element from door supervision following a series of high profile assaults by bouncers.

However, there has been grumbling among some licensees who have had to send staff as far away as Barrow to ensure they are working within the law.

Licensing officer at Kendal, Pc John Brooks, said the time had come for the flexibility to end.

"We have given them the warning and enough time to get everything in place," he said.

"We understand that there have been some difficulties with getting staff to classes but licensees have been aware of these new licences for some time yet have still not acted."

Advice on licences is available from PC Brooks by calling 01539-818652 or licensing and enforcement officers at South Lakeland District Council on 01539 733333, extensions 7467 and 7472.

To apply for a licence call 08702 430100 or visit the SIA website at www.

the-sia.org.uk.