Police found 57 door supervisors failed to prove they were licensed to work during a late-night crackdown on rogue doormen in Sussex.

Officers toured more than 120 pubs and clubs county-wide to check that 300 door staff were legal as part of Operation Fiesta.

From February 28, the Private Security Industry Act 2001 ruled all door supervisors should hold a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.

It proves they have completed industry-accredited training and undergone background checks to ensure they are suitable for the job.

It is a condition that they must wear their blue credit-card sized licence bearing their name and photograph when working.

The maximum penalty for working as a door supervisor without a licence is a £5,000 fine and/or six months imprisonment.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Sussex Police and the SIA regard door supervisor licensing as a significant element in reducing public place violent crime.

"Ensuring the right people with the right skills are engaged in door supervision is one way antisocial behaviour and violence can be prevented and reduced."

Under Operation Fiesta, SIA staff accompanied police to provide the latest information from their licensing records.

Chief Inspector Chris Pascoe, who led the operation, said: "Sussex Police are determined to ensure door supervisors are properly licensed.

"This ensures national standards are maintained in Sussex and licensed premises are in a stronger position to contribute to reducing antisocial behaviour and violence that is all too frequently associated with aspects of the late-night economy.

"While the figures show an encouraging number of door supervisors are complying with the requirements, there are genuine concerns, supported by our checks, that many are not.

"During this operation and after consultation with the SIA, Sussex Police issued warning notices where door supervisors could produce evidence of having completed their training but were not yet in possession of a licence.

"Those who did not have evidence of being trained have been reported for prosecution.

"A record of all such warning notices will be retained by the police and SIA.

"However, with effect from June 1, door supervisors who are unlicensed will be reported for prosecution."