Tips, stories, etc? I'm working a door for the next two weekends for Mardi Gras. I've never been on the other side of it, so some words of wisdom would be appreciated. There will be a cop too so I probably won't have to get my hands dirty.
I worked as a bouncer a few times. Being 6'1 210lbs helped out but when people have alcohol in there system they can get brave. Some tips I can give you. 1. Always know your surroundings and be alert(dont have your back to anybody stand against the wall) 2. Be serious but dont mad dog everybody either. 3. Dont be a douche when trying to get someones attention but make sure you let them know you mean business 4. Know the difference between ignoring something and preventing something 5. Always try to give people a warning before kicking them out... 6. If you know someone is gonna get physical on you or threatens you make sure you let the fellow bouncers/cops to keep an eye out towards your direction. It's an easy job but you have to be willing to tolarate drunken fkrs.
It's easy to try to be an a-hole, but be a nice bouncer, too and explain the rules if someone tries to get feisty. I cannot stand the type of emmeffers who can't even explain anything to you... I mean, not everything, per se, just a couple of house rules, and stuff. Good luck, man.
I have, but for a loooooooow key place. Mardi Gras setting seems intense. I'm sure its a LITTLE bit different for each state and setting. Some places want you to be more hands-off and friendly, some will let you do the "door douche" thing, mostly clubs and crazy venues, not really quiet bars. 1) Gotta look strong and competent while still keeping your cool. 2) You're there to DE-ESCALATE things, not incite them. You're more a building escort than a brawler. 3) Get the police/taxi number on speed dial. Might have to call taxis for people. And to feel a little confident in having quick police assistance for backup. But since a cop is there, should be helpful. The main weapon you have is saying "Or I'll call the police" after a couple warnings. 4) TRY NOT to TOUCH people. Mostly cuz people get most pissy when you put your hands on them. Since you're not counting on that to be a full time gig, all you might need to worry about is potential lawsuits though instead of an oversensitve patron. So might be a able to "get away" with more.
<object width="448" height="374"><param name="movie" value="http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/e/16711680/wshhOnSdy4PkJNdZ03i4"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/e/16711680/wshhOnSdy4PkJNdZ03i4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullscreen="true" width="448" height="374"></embed></object> Role model right here.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ojPVOhHhwnk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> three simple rules... 1) NEVER underestimate your opponent...expect the unexpected 2) take it outside. never start anything inside the bar unless its absolutely necessary 3) be nice...until its time to not be nice
I worked as a bouncer for some private shows, dances and helped fill in before at friend's bar. Unfortunately while I have the skills being only 5'-7" and under 150 lbs at the time didn't have the look. I have trained several people who have worked as bouncers and have developed several techniques to deal with drunk people without injuring them, what I call Drunk Buddy Self-Defense Some good stuff posted especially by Shroopy: 1. You are not there to brawl. This was brought up already but it bears repeating. Fighting someone is the very very last option because of risk to you, others in the bar and legal liability. 2. Always be professional. 3. Know first aid.
They're NOT opponents, man. They're patrons... customers... paying clients, etc., etc., there to have a good time with friends, I think. Otherwise... joking, right?
Don't be a dick, living in Miami I've seen every kind of bouncer. Some let the power get to their head & those are the first ones fired. You just have to remember that depending on what venue you're working for, most of those people are customers. You are not a cop, your job is not to tell the annoying drunk guy across the street to shutup, your job is to keep the door clear & check ID's. You have to know that you will be dealing drunken idiots so hopefully you have the patience for that.
I'm not gonna go to the end of the *****ing line. Who the ***** are you? I have just as much of a right to be here as any of these little skanky girls. What, am I not skanky enough for you, you want me to hike up my *****ing skirt? What the ***** is your problem? I'm not going anywhere! You're just some roided out freak with a *****ing clipboard. And your stupid little *****ing rope! You know what? You may have power now, but you are not God. You're a doorman, okay. You're a doorman, doorman, doorman, doorman, doorman, so ***** you! You *****ing f*g with your *****ing little faggy gloves.
Yes, and it isn't nearly the bully pulpit that it appears to be from the outside. Be polite yet firm, and follow the places rules. It really isn't much different than a hostess, but folks think it's a big deal.... Other than a possible ego stroke, it isn't. Have fun, and enjoy it.
