Pubs and nightclubs across Dublin are now demanding photos alongside job applications to vet the 'good looks' of potential employees in a bid to attract dwindling customer numbers.

Twenty-one-year-old Roe McDermott submitted between 30 and 40 job applications to popular bars across Dublin and found the vast majority required a photo. "This time last year I sent out the same amount of applications to the same places," she said. "Only once was I asked for a headshot. This year, it was almost a case of every employer but one asking for it."

McDermott says the practice has put her off applying for the positions advertised. "Some advertisements for positions would link me up with their websites which would further highlight this new focus on looks. I applied to Tonic in Blackrock and its emphasis on image made me certain I wasn't going to get the job."

Tonic states on its website "this sleek and modern bar is generally full of good-looking tanned people. Tonic is the place where gorgeous women go and men follow."

A spokesman for Tonic said "It is not our policy to have photos supplied with applic­ations. Feel free to put it in, but you'd do better to actually bring in the CV in person."

According to McDermott, the shift in employers' requirements is down to a greater emphasis on attracting customers towards their good-looking staff to re-ignite the ailing industry.

Such positions are being advertised on well-known websites such as Jobs.ie. A spokesman for Jobs.ie said that "for any bar or club to require a headshot when it is merely floor staff or bar work being advertised is something we do not allow.

"We take these advertisements down when we see them and we have done this in the past. Jobs.ie does not condone any employer to judge on looks before a CV has even been considered."

While most bars contacted claimed it was not their strict policy to have headshots included, they said those who submitted a photo would have a better chance of having their applications viewed.

A spokesman for the Sugar Club in Dublin said "it is not strictly necessary, but adding your picture will certainly do you no harm". Oliver St John Gogartys in Temple Bar says it is now looking for something "additional to a CV" and encourages applicants who are more "creative looking". Messrs Maguire said it would expect the majority of its applications to have headshots. Winters Bar in Dundrum also said applicants should send both a CV and photo.

A Ballsbridge bar manager, speaking to the Sunday Tribune about the reasons for the new trend, said: "It is now the case that the better-looking people will get the jobs. It is more of a necessity now in tougher times to have better-looking staff and it's more vital than ever to have the bar as friendly and amenable as possible."