What it Takes to Be a Bouncer

Bouncers are responsible for making sure bar patrons are enjoying themselves safely.

Most of us have a "movie idea" of what a bouncer typically is: an incredibly big, intimidating and ferocious fellow, who looks as if he wants to maul everyone in sight. According to the experts, this should not be the case in any scenario. A bouncer should maintain a positive demeanor and have basic training in criminal law as well as first-aid procedures.

Misconceptions

There are misconceptions that bouncers have the authority to physically remove a patron from the premises for breaking a club rule. According to nightclub security analyst, Chris E. McGoey, this is not true. Legally, bouncers cannot "use force against a patron" unless in self-defense. If you want to work as a bar's bouncer, you should understand that physical aggression toward customers is actually against the law.

Function

A bouncer's duty is to monitor the behavior and actions of patrons at a venue (usually a bar or nightclub) to make certain that everyone follows the venue's rules. A bouncer's ultimate goal should be to make sure patrons are having fun but are not out of control. McGoey states that "the best bouncers are mature, personable, friendly and can talk to people without appearing threatening or intimidating." He goes on to suggest that bars and clubs should consider females for bouncer positions as well as males.

Requirements

A bouncer should have some kind of background working in security; he should also possess a positive attitude and should not be prone to bouts of "hot-headedness" or temper tantrums. Employers don't generally hire ex-convicts or individuals with a history of violence. McGoey suggests that bouncers study basic criminal and civil law before applying for the position. Bouncers should also learn about non-violent or physical confrontation between two parties.

Considerations

According to BouncerOnline.com, many nightclubs and bars neglect to provide their employees with the proper administrative tools necessary to understand premises and club policies and paperwork. There are many procedures that bouncers, in particular, should be aware of while on duty, including basic emergency procedures, escorting patrons and employees, incident reports, dress code, pat-down search figure and bouncer/nightclub terms.

Warning

Many nightclubs deal with liability suits from patrons because of physical force brought on by bouncers, usually outside of the club. Nightclub patrons have died from "positional restraint asphyxiation," says McGoey, where the bouncer handcuffs the patron and lays her face down on the ground. With proper training, bouncers could have avoided these deaths. Bouncers should aim to be trained in first aid, CPR, and restraint protocol before starting the job.

References

• Crime Doctor: Nightclub and Bar Security
• Bouncer Online: Forms and Documents