Some nightclub owners want to hire uniformed Policemen to be on duty outside their doors in a bid to deter potential troublemakers.

The idea, which was floated by Escape club owner Paul DeCouto, was seconded by the proprietors of the Spinning Wheel and O-Zone.

Mr. DeCouto's club and the vicinity around it have been the scenes of recent violent outbursts by young people, who have since been faced with new stricter rules aimed at cracking down on the trouble.

He said: "There are definitely a number of clubs who would like to a Police presence on the door. Having a person in uniform there would give the effect of having Police and our own security guys working together."

Mr. DeCouto also said he thought it would be empower Police more in the eyes of the clubs' regular patrons because it would "show that they are both working towards creating a safe environment".

"A lot of people think that the Police are out to get them," he said.

"This would show them that they are here to keep things peaceful but also that there are repercussions if there is any trouble. The point is made more so with the uniform."

He said having a Police presence would also allow there to be a direct radio link with more officers should there be need for back-up.

Asked if he felt the idea might deter people from coming in the club, Mr. DeCouto said: "No. We know that there is a problem and we would rather address it than just let it go. Its more of deterrent to have an officer on duty.

"People want to go where they feel safe. Most of our clients are ladies. We will do whatever it takes to ensure they are safe."

Spinning Wheel owner Gladwyn Ming said: "I think that anything that will deter trouble is a great idea. We'd been looking for something like this and a lot of people have come up with it."

And O-Zone co-manager Jason Bracewell agreed that having a uniformed Police officer stationed on the door of the club was a "great idea".

He said: "This subject was brought up at our last meeting with the Police. I think that the problem is probably with manpower but if there were officers willing to do it then we would bring them in."

Asked which nights the officer would most likely be stationed, he said: "I suppose only on the busier nights. I think it would certainly deter unruly behaviour and it might force people to use better language in the vicinity of our entrance.

Mr. Bracewell added: "We don't have a lot of problems but if the occasional problem came up it would probably be deterred. The average person knows that the Police are there to make sure everything is under control. It might even be good PR for the Police."

But Captain's Lounge manager Melvin Dillas called the idea "ridiculous" and said he believed it was the responsibility of the club owners to keep watch over their premises.

He added: "It's not the way we would go here. We don't think that its necessary here because we handle our situation pretty well. Businesses should take care of their own responsibilities.

"If they want to hire a man that's not in Police uniform then that would be fine. But people act up even when Police are out. People that want to cause trouble will cause trouble. I don't think it would be a deterrent."