In reply to Glenda Clarke's comments about Polar Central (Letters, January 5), firstly, a doorman has to abide by the policies of the public house or club were he is working, whether he agrees with them or not.

Secondly, when a doorman says a pub or club is full, it means he has the maximum persons allowed in under the licence and health and safety and fire laws. He will then operate a "one in, one out" policy.

Thirdly, a doorman will not allow groups of four or more men in a pub because, if they do get rowdy, it can make it hard to ask them to leave in a safe and peaceful manner - "We outnumber the doorman so we will do as we want."

This would obviously put the other customers at risk should any disturbance occur.

These are the general policies most professional doormen work by.

Obviously, if the pub or club has different policies that, while not contravening the health and safety laws, are offensive to some people that cannot be helped and the blame should not be passed on to the doormen.

After all, they are there for the public's safety in what can be a very stressful environment.

-davewolf_uk@yahoo.com