New nightclub is employing door staff trained to use handcuffs on unruly customers.

The Koo Klub in Pool Valley, which opened last weekend, is believed to be the first club in Brighton to take such a step.

Some venues are worried about litigation if someone claims to have been injured.

But Koo Klub's head doorman believes handcuffing someone is more likely to prevent an injury from taking place.

Robert Smith, 19, said: "Everywhere else in Brighton is scared to use them because they think if you use them you will be sued. If you use them the right way they help you more than if you haven't got them."

Mr Smith, from Patcham, has been training to use handcuffs for four months but has never had to use them. He is one of two staff at Koo Klub qualified to restrain people with cuffs after learning the relevant legislation and how to avoid hurting the customer.

As of yesterday, every door worker in England is legally obliged to hold a licence approved by the Security Industry Authority.

Maria Cox, 42, from Horsham, who co-owns the Koo Klub with her husband Peter, said the club's door staff were trained in all aspects of security work, including personal skills. She said: "Hopefully Koo Klub will never have to use handcuffs. They are just a back up. It gives the police confidence in a new venture and it gives insurance companies confidence."

Sue Heard, spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove police, said: "Door supervisors in the security industry are legally allowed to restrain people if they become unruly." She said handcuffing must only be used as a last resort and done responsibly.

Door staff at three nightclubs in Worthing - The Church in High Street, Toad at the Presshouse in Chapel Road and Eden in Goring Road - were granted permission to use handcuffs last September.

The move was opposed by human rights group Liberty.