Should bouncers at bars be licensed and forced to take training under provincial laws?

It’s a hot topic these days.

Concerns are being raised as bargoers come forward with stories of being roughed up at nightclubs and assault charges were laid against two bouncers from the Alehouse in Halifax.

Minister of the Liquor Control Act, Colton Leblanc, says there’s nothing they can do within current laws pertaining to security staff.

“It’s up to bar owners to ensure they have hire quality staff and provide training,” Leblanc offered on Thursday. “As far as gaps [in current laws], I do not see any gaps. My job under the act is to ensure the safe consumption of alcohol at establishments.”

Thirty-one-year old Ryan Sawyer was found unconscious on the street near the Alehouse in Halifax on December 24.

He later died in hospital and no arrests have been made. There’s been no confirmation from police if bar staff were any way involved.

In 2010, the NDP government, which had a majority, introduced legislation that would have required bouncers to be licensed and trained in a number of areas.

It was never passed into law, but with a majority they could easily have done so.

Justice Minister Brad Johns confirmed his staff are looking into why it never passed.

“At the time, I was not an MLA, but I thought it was good legislation. Until I find out why it was not passed. I can not really comment further.”