Bouncers in pubs/clubs

lpool2k05 · 17-03-2008 11:02AM #1

This has being bothering me for a while and really got to me this past saturday night!

Im in my mid-twenties and my friends and I love going out at the weekend!However recently our nights have being ruined by bouncers. There is 4 lads and 3 girls who head out and we always split up as it would look bad if all 7 went up to the door at once!

Im living in Swords by the way and have being to these venues many times!However despite having NO DRINK at all on me on saturday night we went to the only 2 decent places to go in Swords only to be told 'Not Tonight'.It was only 8.40pm!!So we politely asked why??They replied with 'Not Tonight' again to ALL of us!We then had to go into the city to find somewhere decent which I think is very sad!

We dont do drugs or cause trouble so there can be just no justifiable reason for him not to let us in!We all work all week and just want a good night in our local where we know everybody!!I know loads of people who have this problem and just wondering does anybody have any simular experiences and
what can be done?I know management would just say to us we were drunk or something so i think its fruitless going down that road!

Rant over!Feel a bit better

Gummy Panda · 17-03-2008 11:11AM

Generally bouncers on doors can be power hungry assholes from my experience.

Me and my mates are far from scumbags. We went to the Palace one night (I know its a dump) and the bouncer give us a big speech on how he was doing us a favor letting us in and that if we made one wrong move we were out.

We went inside to see drunk idiots falling off chairs, fight among themselves and dropping glasses. We were wondering why he was lecturing us when he let those monkeys in.

Also I've never been allowed into Capitol bar. Dunno why, just always refused.

If you are talking about Velvet, a lad who use to work with me had a members card for there and was still refused sometimes. He said it was very random

bantee · 17-03-2008 11:25AM

Ya its a major problem going out in Limerick too. The bouncers basically have way too much power on the doors of all the pubs and clubs in the city.
It can put a dampener on a good night out when half of the group get into a pub and the other half get refused. I've know plenty of people who get stopped with no drink on board.
Hot wimmin, on the other hand, are welcomed into these establishments with open arms.

King of Kings · 17-03-2008 11:28AM

lpool2k05 wrote: »

Im living in Swords by the way and have being to these venues many times!However despite having NO DRINK at all on me on saturday night we went to the only 2 decent places to go in Swords only to be told

as a swords resident and ex bouncer - i disagree - they're are loadsa decent places in swords.

anyway back to the matter at hand.
There are a multitude of reasons for refusing a person. In almost 100% of the cases the reason given will not the the real reason. This is for libel reasons.

It could have been how you are dressed or looked. You could have looked rough if any of you had the (but not limited to the following) chains, visible tattoo,a tash, girls with big hoop earings , tracksuit, jersey, trainers, or simply looked dirty or rough.

You would be surprised that in a lot of cases it's not the doormen who refuse uyou but a cowardly manager who may instruct the doorstaff on who to let in. I've had managers stand behind me at the door before saying "aye" or "Nay". I've also been instructed in the past - no blacks, russians (polish ok though - wtf!!), packbackers ,travellers , lower classes, over 40's, under 25's etc.................

Also that spliting into smaller groups rarely works cos bouncer always know who is together or have a suspicion. Groups that hang out together generally have the same look, vibes about them , esp if they are coming up to door together or within a few min of each other.
That could have led to suspicions.

anyway with 7 of you - the chances of being refused are multiplied. esp if you have that "weird looking friend" with you. Don't say you don't have one, cos we all have "that" friend.

It's not fruitless to go down the road of talking to the manager - or even the doorstaff at a less busy time.
In fact I've unbarred people in the past who came to see me , when i wasn't busy and apologised/explained/ just asked why etc........when seeing they were decent and alright I made a point of letting them in next time.
If it means that much to you go politely to the manager and explain (politely)
get his name and then next time you can say this to the doorstaff.

In fairness there are a multitude of reasons and i cannot explain that here. a lot of times I refused people on the basis of a bad feeling or vibe.
for example I liked to ask "where are you coming from". the truth is i didn't care where they were I just wanted to get them talking to see what they were like. And you would be surprised how many people got thick over a simple question like that. So then I realised that they'd be a nightmare with drink on board.

But then again - like society in general - some doormen are just dicks. I've certainly worked with a few.

Gummy Panda wrote: »

Generally bouncers on doors can be power hungry assholes from my experience.

thanks!
with that attitude no wonder you've trouble getting in. Most bouncers just want a safe club cos
1. less work for them
2. less grief from manager
3. a club with less grief generally gets a big crowd and thus future employment

To this effect they have to make instantaneous decisions on people. I've got it wrong heaps of times, refused choirboys and let lunatics in. sorry my bad.
Did I mention that the decision is instantaneous so it's an instinct decision. sorry i wish i could study for it but I can't.

But believe me , I was more upset than you, having to drag the lunatics out later, deal with the violence that sometimes came with that.

bantee · 17-03-2008 11:35AM

King of Kings wrote: »

There are a multitude of reasons for refusing a person.
It could have been how you are dressed or looked. You could have looked rough if any of you had the (but not limited to the following) chains, visible tattoo,a tash, girls with big hoop earings , tracksuit, jersey, trainers, or simply looked dirty or rough.

LOL. "No Village People" allowed should be clearly displayed on the door.:D

King of Kings · 17-03-2008 11:42AM

bantee wrote: »

LOL. "No Village People" allowed should be clearly displayed on the door.:D

if somebody serenaded me with "in the navy" i'd let them in.

anyway didn't the indian get got for a stash of coke recently. so he'd be barred :P

Gummy Panda · 17-03-2008 12:06PM

King of Kings wrote: »

thanks!
with that attitude no wonder you've trouble getting in. Most bouncers just want a safe club cos
1. less work for them
2. less grief from manager
3. a club with less grief generally gets a big crowd and thus future employment

I've worked in pubs that have changed bouncers and security companies. I've seen a bouncer upset and pissed off all night refuse people for no reason, then when a customer approached the manager about it, the bouncer refused to work the door.

I've seen bouncers attack people who were drunk outside the pub (not the one i worked in) because they knew it was a easy target. I've seen a bouncer on well know bar in temple bar let in 16 year old girl because she was going to get off with him later that night.

Like I said, generally from my experience of bouncers they are power hungry assholes and i stand by it.

lpool2k05 · 17-03-2008 12:18PM

Gummy Panda wrote: »

I've worked in pubs that have changed bouncers and security companies. I've seen a bouncer upset and pissed off all night refuse people for no reason, then when a customer approached the manager about it, the bouncer refused to work the door.

I've seen bouncers attack people who were drunk outside the pub (not the one i worked in) because they knew it was a easy target. I've seen a bouncer on well know bar in temple bar let in 16 year old girl because she was going to get off with him later that night.

Like I said, generally from my experience of bouncers they are power hungry assholes and i stand by it.

I totally agree with you!Sorry if i dont look like a hot girl!I just want a few drinks after slaving in work all week!It just isnt on!!

Fair enough if they are being cheeky I wouldnt let them in myself but If you are sober and polite they shouldnt refuse you based on race or looks!We all deserve a chance!

When Im abroad they are begging people to try their club but here you just get power hungry assholes as you said refusing people a good night!Who do they think the are??They are just normal people like us!Its no wonder you hear of attacks on bouncers!!All people want fair go!!

Moojuice · 17-03-2008 12:27PM

Bouncers think you should be thankfull that they are letting you in to spend your money on the over-priced drinks in their ****ty over crowded establishment. Some bouncers are decent, there to stop trouble and nothing else, but most are pwer tripping assholes.

JC 2K3 · 17-03-2008 12:29PM

Ah, a classic AH thread.

OP, if you got refused in two places in the same night, then there was obviously a reason for it.

Personally, I've never been refused by bouncers, apart from the odd time, and it's always been for a valid reason.

lpool2k05 · 17-03-2008 12:38PM

JC 2K3 wrote: »

Ah, a classic AH thread.

OP, if you got refused in two places in the same night, then there was obviously a reason for it.

Personally, I've never been refused by bouncers, apart from the odd time, and it's always been for a valid reason.

Yeah I thinks it the fact that I aint female with big breasts

yummycake · 17-03-2008 12:42PM

eh why don't you just go ahhh fuc it and move on to a place that the bouncers will let you in and enjoy the night instead of worrying about crap like that. :eek:

Pen1987 · 17-03-2008 12:49PM

OP, if you got refused in two places in the same night, then there was obviously a reason for it

Got a point.

The fact that you lot were all going into a club/discobar at 840PM means the bar was likely pretty empty at that point. So 7 people walking up together within minutes of each other would of clearly been marked as a large group because there prob wasnt anyone else going inside within 10minutes of you lot.

The Palace is v.strictly 20 to 25 I believe. The bouncers will let pretty much anyone in once theyre not dressed like they fell out of a bin lorry 5mins ago once theyre in that age group.

Capitol bar is 22+ and predominatantly female, anytime Ive gone in their its been 70-30 female to male ratio. Youd get in there going in with a group of classy women or with a girlfriend.

connundrum · 17-03-2008 12:50PM

King of Kings wrote: »

You would be surprised that in a lot of cases it's not the doormen who refuse uyou but a cowardly manager who may instruct the doorstaff on who to let in. I've had managers stand behind me at the door before saying "aye" or "Nay". I've also been instructed in the past - no blacks, russians (polish ok though - wtf!!), packbackers ,travellers , lower classes, over 40's, under 25's etc.................

To add to that, I've been instructed to insist on:

Allowing a limited amount of Irish coming into a venue, in Dublin.
No runners, unless they look expensive.
No sports jerseys, unless it Leinster rugby.
No large groups (over 6 people)
No single men i.e. walking up to the door on his own.

The combinations of the above are limitless, and they are just the fruitiest examples I can think of.

Violence on part of door staff is completely the fault of the door staff concerned. Door policy i.e. who is to be let in or not, is completely at the discrection of management.

Melion · 17-03-2008 12:53PM

Im a doorman aswell and as the other lad said, there are a lot of reasons that people wont be let into clubs and told "Not Tonight" mainly for the reasons he pointed out i.e someone in the group looked rough etc. And i totally agree with what he said about there being a cowardly manager behind him instructing who to let in and who not to allow in. The club im in has a strict no travellers policy which is illegal but he still sticks by it.

And ive posted on here about it, the days of all bouncers out to crack some heads and try to look tough doing it are long gone mainly because of the new licence law that is in place for us. If you were to see a bouncer doing anything like that unprovoked then just report it to the guards if you have such a problem with it.

ImDave · 17-03-2008 01:31PM

There is a popular night club where I go to uni, which I must say has the most efficient doormen/bouncers I have ever seen. If there is someone drunk, they always have them spotted half way back in the queue (Although that many not always be too hard

). Last week, a friend of a friend tried to get in and was told he was too drunk, despite the fact that he had no drink in him at all. He waited untill it quitened down and asked the bounucer again why he was refused. The bouncer took him aside and told him it was becase he was dressed similar to a scanger, but could not say that aloud. The simple fact is there was a certain standard the management were looking for, and this guy didnt meet it. So I would be of the opinion that there is always a reason for refusal, not just down to what kind of mood the doorman is in.

projectmayhem · 17-03-2008 02:03PM

with the number of bouncers that appear to be here, next time you get refused just say you're from boards.ie, it might work...

Wook · 17-03-2008 02:05PM

gosh imagine a nightclub without...bouncers...good luck to you

the_syco · 17-03-2008 02:10PM

Melion wrote: »

The club im in has a strict no travellers policy which is illegal but he still sticks by it.

Heh. Pub I used to work in allowed them in... and called EVERY bouncer on the books in. Seriously. There was 20 of them at least, plus another 10 from another pub. Discrimination? No. Who started the fight? The groom. Why? The best man slapped her ass, and suddenly knives appeared. We watched, herded them outside, where there was 3 riot vans, and two Gardai cars (from Maynooth/Leixlip/Lucan/etc)...

They never got into the nightclub. Mainly because they were in a cell by 5pm.

robric · 17-03-2008 02:24PM

King of Kings wrote: »

.....
In fairness there are a multitude of reasons and i cannot explain that here. a lot of times I refused people on the basis of a bad feeling or vibe.
.........

so because you dont like the look of someone you dont let them in, but someone that you like the look of gets in, isnt that just proving the point about the power hungry thing...... you ruin peoples night out because you have a vibe. nice one

rubadub · 17-03-2008 02:29PM

lpool2k05 wrote: »

There is 4 lads and 3 girls who head out and we always split up as it would look bad if all 7 went up to the door at once!

Go up in couples, then send 1 girl out to get the last lad. Dunno if things have changed much but thats what we used to do in "difficult" pubs, it is rare to see them refuse a couple. We used even go up holding hands to make it look more like a couple.

Just thinking nowadays just get 2 of the lads to go up holding hands! no way in hell they will risk refusing you for fear of being branded homophobes!

AckwelFoley · 17-03-2008 02:30PM

Gummy Panda wrote: »

Generally bouncers on doors can be power hungry assholes from my experience.

Just for your bloody information, i workd as a bouncer for 3 yars and i can tell you one thing for certain....

You are correct.

Thats one of the reasons i gave it up. Too many were into looking the part, and not doing the part when there was trouble.

I wasnt interested anymore of getting a bottle in my face because too many of them were interested in adjusting the ear piece in their ear... so funny.. because i worked with one lad.. he wore the er piece.. but there was bo radio connected.. he just wore the ear piece and tucked the csable under his belt... douche

Schism · 17-03-2008 03:08PM

I don't know I think there might be some case for randomness being a factor for refusing admittance into clubs.

For example there's a club that I go to literally every time I'm out, once last year I was refused for no reason, was just told "no, next". I waited and asked the bouncer beside the guy that refused me and he was all sympathetic but still would'nt give a reason.

Went to the same place the next weekend and the same bouncer let me in no questions asked, even opened the door for me!

I still don't know what I did wrong that night

Xavi6 · 17-03-2008 03:17PM

Bouncers, power trip, refused, rant, AH. Yep I think that's all the boxes ticked for a typical thread on this. Boring.

donomo · 17-03-2008 04:16PM

Gummy Panda wrote: »

I've worked in pubs that have changed bouncers and security companies. I've seen a bouncer upset and pissed off all night refuse people for no reason, then when a customer approached the manager about it, the bouncer refused to work the door.

I've seen bouncers attack people who were drunk outside the pub (not the one i worked in) because they knew it was a easy target. I've seen a bouncer on well know bar in temple bar let in 16 year old girl because she was going to get off with him later that night.

Like I said, generally from my experience of bouncers they are power hungry assholes and i stand by it.

This is, of course, a sweeping generalisation. I asume that reading what some bouncers have posted on this thread, that you realize that they are not all gung ho, steaks-on-legs. A "Bouncer" is not a breed, it is a job. No more than all accountants being embezling, patsy-happy creeps, are bouncers all, drunk bashers and fun-killers.

Don't get me wrong, I have been refused from clubs and pubs countless times, and quit often for no good reason and i understand the incredible frustration felt. I have gotten past bouncers and into clubs for free, just because i've linked arms with a pretty girl. It can be bewildering and annoying.
But in the same breath, i know some bouncers very well and nicer people you couldnt meet.

Well thats me about done, i've got all my hyphonated words in.Sound-hey

Gummy Panda · 17-03-2008 04:58PM

Well in all fairness i did say that from my experiences with bouncers that they are power hungry assholes. I understand the other lads coming in and saying otherwise. I'm not trying to convince people of one opinion or other.

I'm just stating from interactions through previous jobs and going out, that this is generally what i have experienced from them.

sebastianlieken · 17-03-2008 04:58PM

even though ive never been refused entry in ta any place, i can totally see where these feelings towards bouncers are coming from. I wont really take any side, just because both sides have fair points. Bouncers can be power mad assholes, but many of them are sound as hell.

funny thing happened me in the sin bin in limerick last week (which by the way always has around 6-10 bouncers) the place was DEAD, probably more staff than other ppl, myself n the lads were jus standin off the dance floor havin a few pints n chattin away (seriously, thats all we were doin), bouncer comes up ta me "dont you be messin with that railing, im watchin you"...im thinking

WTF

, n tell him "wudja piss off n go bug sumone else"....(kind of an involuntary verbal fart

), surprising thing is he looked at me for a few seconds n walked off. lauged my ass off! guess they needed the business! (plus he was only a lil fat bouncer) that was the only experience ive had with a spanner of a bouncer.

i have three friends who are bouncers, n id say they would back up what "king of kings" said to the letter.

IMO, bouncers do kinda need the image of being hard-ass jerks just for the psychological aspect to deal with drunken boyos n scobes. the image of a bouncer needs to demand respect.

King of Kings · 17-03-2008 05:42PM

robric wrote: »

so because you dont like the look of someone you dont let them in, but someone that you like the look of gets in, isnt that just proving the point about the power hungry thing...... you ruin peoples night out because you have a vibe. nice one

you have upset me with your twisting of my words

When I said "like the look of" i'm not talking about BT clothes, hot tits or ass etc. ....I'm talking about that hungry under fed junkie look, the sovereign rings, the knife scar, the bad attitude somebody gives off when asked a simple question like "where were you before this", the incoherent answers to the previous question.

Power is involved in the job admittedly , but I've better and more enjoyable things to do - like hit on chick than waste my time refusing people for the hell of it.
Surprisingly most doorstaff hate rows, we see enough and prefer a qt pint at the end of the night with a blank incident report book.

People mightn't want to hear the truth that somebody (usually the pub owner or manager) thinks they're undesirable. truth hurts, sorry about your loss

I get rude shop assistants occasionally - i don't write here whining.

OP I count 8 pubs/clubs on or just off swords main thoroughfare. You tried 2 and got refused . god love ya.

Rossibaby · 17-03-2008 05:59PM

i've only suffered it twice so far,the other times were being for underage with no ID.and sa said before when i was underage and walked up with a girl arm in arm,just turned 17 and i got into a classy place that is usually reserved for people in their early 20s...

in galway i have got the ''not tonight you've too much drink on ya'' even though i hadn't touched anything that night and even when i do im not one of those that looks drunk i usually will keep my wits about me and my eyes dont go red like some guys i know.i didnt argue cuz one of two of my mates were rejected just ahead of me...they wouldn't know we were together as everyone their was a student and we were apart in a big line.

next time was same place different bouncer,i again was sober and well dressed apart from i had runners on[which were allowed and no-one wheres shoes really there]...the guy took my ID and asked a question,obviously to see if i was drunk and could i answer...i was fine but he kept staring at my ID,then he confers with other lad beside him and goes ''look your runners are far to casual for here'' i was like wtf!he goes ''no theres no problem with you just those runners arent allowed'' [nike air classics,i suppose alot of travellers and skangers do wear them]i argued for 5 mins with them that i lived a bit away and would need a taxi etc...they were lie ah its not that far....so anyway i return about half hour later having swopped my 130 euro runners for 20 euro appa ones with a hole in the side....guy winks and goes ''ah changed your runners,sweet,in ya go''

my roomate in college is barred from one club,gets rejected every week from the club i had the trouble in and why you ask?because they think he's someone else who starts fights etc and he got this from the start when he was never out in the city before!the ones at home in sligo are grand,if you've got ID you're pretty much in unless your really drunk and they think your dangerous.again girls get in there as young as 15 and they look it too,damn peedos.

alot of bouncers you encounter are complete tools who think they are hard and have no worries pushing you around.funny actually one of my mates actually was made take off his ring because it was a sovereign...funny because he's not exactly hard or a skanger..i do think some bouncers deserve a hiding though,minority are just complete dopes and satisfy themselves by pissing people off

daiixi · 17-03-2008 06:05PM

King of Kings wrote: »

You would be surprised that in a lot of cases it's not the doormen who refuse uyou but a cowardly manager who may instruct the doorstaff on who to let in. I've had managers stand behind me at the door before saying "aye" or "Nay". I've also been instructed in the past - no blacks, russians (polish ok though - wtf!!), packbackers ,travellers , lower classes, over 40's, under 25's etc.................

What is a packbacker???

King of Kings · 17-03-2008 06:11PM

daiixi wrote: »

What is a packbacker???

never heard of them? you should get out more

stung :eek:

you know what i meant. backpackers. smart ass

Bouncers in pubs/clubs

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