How to Moonlight as a Bouncer

If you need a second job and you crave a little excitement, consider moonlighting as a bouncer. If your main job puts you in an office all day, bouncing will liven up your nights while you earn some cash. However, before you run out to the nearest club and apply, consider some guidelines that will help you make the right decision.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Flex your muscles. You need some physical ability to protect yourself and others. Clubs don't want a massive hulk as much as they want someone with confidence that can take control during a conflict. Off-duty and former police officers often moonlight as bouncers.
2. Speak with the employer of your day job to make sure it's permissible for you to take on a second one. Most of the time, it's fine but some employers believe your attention span is shorter when you work a second job.
3. Control your temper. Clubs aren't looking for another hothead; they're looking for someone to calm the hotheads down. Unfortunately, an advertisement for a bouncer position often brings in street fighters looking for a legal brawl.
4. Treat all guests equally. As an employee of the club, bar or party, you are an extension of the management. The club is in business to do business. Be polite to all guests. Of course, if trouble breaks out, the club is counting on you to be able to handle it in a manner that reflects well upon them.
5. Provide security at the door by checking the guests' identification and allowing only those who are old enough to enter. Watch for drunk and disorderly patrons and ask them to leave.
6. Prepare yourself for some physical contact. Although good management helps clubs maintain a safe atmosphere for all, when numerous people consume alcohol, sooner or later, tempers flair.
7. Follow the management's policy in removing troublemakers but also pay attention to the letter of the law. Use of excessive force may cause a patron you ejected to file legal charges against you, the club or both.
8. Protect your identification from patrons whom you eject from the club. Unfortunately, pride, once damaged, can result in wounded and vengeful feelings. Remember, it's just a moonlighting job. It's not worth risking your health or life.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't apply to be a bouncer if you have an uncontrollable temper or like to engage in fights or arguments.

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