Police will have powers to shut down bars for up to 24 hours if they suspect trouble may break out, under legislation due to be debated when the House of Assembly reopens.

The Liquor Licence Amendment Act means high ranking officers will no longer have to get consent from a Justice of the Peace to close premises in certain circumstances.

The bill, tabled at the end of the last Parliamentary session, states Police can take action if "a serious disorder or threat to public safety has occurred, is likely to occur or is reasonably expected to occur on a licensed premises or any place of business of the licensed person nearby".

Anyone failing to abide by the instruction will be fined up to $5,000. Bar staff will also have to undergo training on responsible alcohol sales as part of the legislation, so they can learn to handle potentially violent situations and stop serving customers who have drunk too much. And people won't be allowed to enter the premises until 48 hours after signing up as new members, in a bid to stop thugs looking for trouble in clubs they don't usually visit. MPs will debate the bill when the House reopens early next month.