Bouncers and private security officers guarding money during transport will have the right to hold persons causing a disturbance until the police arrive, according to a Bill published today.

The Bill regulates the duties of bouncers and private security guards. Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici said yesterday the new legislation would end the 'jungle situation' in this sector.

In terms of the proposed law, bouncers would have a right to refuse entry to people known to misbehave, and to use minimum force to evict those causing a disturbance or molesting other people. They may also control such persons until the police arrive.

Security guards may stop persons entering premises where money is being kept. They can also search such persons and demand to see their identity documents. .

Bouncers and security guards would be subject to penalties for using excessive force. Similarly, persons who assault such bouncers or security officers would face higher penalties than ordinary assault.