People with violent backgrounds will be banned from being security guards to ensure they don’t further inflame hot-tempered situations in bars and clubs.Police will have the power to refuse licences to anyone who has been convicted of a violent or dishonest offence under the Private Investigators and Security Guards Amendment Act, which passed through the House of Assembly on Friday.National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief told the House: “This is a strict provision, but it is reflective of the importance of the role of security guards in the current climate and generally.”The amendment comes a year after legislation was passed requiring all security guards to get training as part of Government and police’s attempts to get to grips with soaring gang violence.“Attendance at licensed premises should be enjoyed by all patrons,” said Mr Perinchief.“Part of the experience should involve the confidence that one’s safety and security is properly regulated and that, in the event of an incident, law-abiding patrons will be safe and anyone who has enjoyed one too many will be treated with dignity and in a professional manner.“The police cannot be everywhere but it is important that those persons exercising a quasi-security service or function be properly trained and, through that training, not worsen or aggravate any sensitive situation that might arise.“Therefore, the Act requires that persons in this field receive training; but not just any training. The Commissioner of Police is required to certify the training itself, and that it has been undertaken in an approved form and delivered by an approved provider before any licence is issued.“This bill also provides for the Commissioner to refuse to issue a licence to an applicant for a specified period and adds to the reasons the fact that he or she has been convicted of an offence of which violence or dishonesty is an element.“The people of Bermuda have a right to recreational pursuits and the enjoyment of licensed premises, events, concerts and the like.“They deserve to do so in an atmosphere of safety and security, comfortable in the knowledge that another layer of protection is well trained and certified.”Shadow Justice Minister Trevor Moniz noted owners of bars including Bootsie’s and The Beach on Front Street had complained about increased violence in recent times.Mr Moniz warned Bermuda is an isolated jurisdiction which makes it difficult to get training abroad, and also claimed there’s a perception that Government is showing favouritism hiring security guards.Former Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton gave his support to the Act, saying it’s important security guards are well trained so that people can feel comfortable in clubs and restaurants.In his Ministerial Brief, Mr Perinchief also listed a number of new powers given to police as part of the crackdown on gangs, including the authority to stop and search.“The use of this power has significantly and positively affected the disruption of the rhythm of those engaged in anti-social behaviour and acts of violence,” he said.