LONDON - Female university graduates are being recruited as door staff in a new drive to rid Britain's bouncers of their thuggish image.
The move, backed by the British Institute of Innkeeping, is seen as crucial in safeguarding Government plans to transform city centres into 24-hour cafe societies.
Research by the University of Durham found a new proliferation of late-night bars in town centres created battlegrounds for violence where police resources are overstretched and bouncers uphold the rule of law.
Council officials in Bournemouth believe female door staff help create a less confrontational atmosphere.
Spokesman David Wordley said: "It is likely a female has an advantage over a male in dealing with aggressive male behaviour."
Cathie Smith, of the Institute of Innkeeping, said: "With the growth of the night-time economy, door supervisors are becoming the ambassadors for the venue, they set the whole tenor of the evening."
All Bournemouth bouncers must undergo a 16-hour training programme.
Course director Peter Boucher said women were excellent because they were less susceptible to being drawn into escalating situations, were non-confrontational and good at listening.
- INDEPENDENT
Girls hold key to less violent English bars
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