How to Be a Bouncer at a Bar

There are some hard and fast rules to follow in order to become a successful bouncer. It may come as a surprise to many but being a bouncer involves skill, the use of psychology, good judgement, physical strength, and a working knowledge of human behavior in a social setting. This social setting involves many behaviors and emotions and it is a setting that involves the drinking of alcohol. A bouncer must be a peacekeeper, control crowds, conduct safety rounds, check identifications and sometimes confront rowdy and sometimes violent customers.

Things You'll Need

• A good self-defense class.

Instructions

1. The majority of people believe the typical bouncer is a big lout with no brains, a dull look in his eyes and a smashed nose. They think of the bar bouncer as a big ogre who beats people up, throws them out of bars, and basically destroys their night of fun. He is viewed as a separate part of the fun-loving staff of the drinking establishment who sits on a stool in the corner of the entrance checking ID's and occasionally beating the tar out of some hapless drinking patron.A successful bouncer in a creditable drinking establishment explodes these aforementioned myths. He is an integral member of the staff whose importance to the management of the bar cannot be overlooked.

2. In order to become a good bouncer he must be trained and oriented by a veteran bouncer. He must learn many things from someone who has experience for to be a bouncer is not just a job it is an adventure. A bouncer must become familiar with the establishments protocols and procedures. Knowledge of how a bar employs bartenders, waitressess, bar-backs and other personnel is a must. The bar can be a very volatile place and it is the bouncer's responsibility to protect the staff from the patrons and the patrons from the staff, if neccessary. Therefore the bouncer must learn the routine of the bar, such as dancing, music, live bands and intermissions if there are any. This helps with crowd control which is another important responsibility of this job; keep people moving, keep the aisles and exits cear. Keep crowds from mobbing or overwhelming the waitresses or bartenders. In many places a bar must legally close at certain times. That means it is the bouncer's job to clear out the customers and send them home. This takes a lot of tact and some measured forcefulness because you are the one shutting down the party. The customers are sometimes reluctant to go. Patience is a virtue but strong encouragement is also needed. Again the veteran bouncer will teach you how this is done. Of course in large bars there are several bouncers in smaller venues you may be the only one. Use good judgment, be safe, and keep things in perspective. Use the most effective safe and quick method you can think of.Checking for proper identification helps the bar comply with the law. Some fake ID's are lousy; others are quite sharp. The veteran bouncer will show you how to spot a fake ID. Underage drinkers can get the bar in a lot of trouble, both legal and financial.

3. Bouncers are in a bar to keep the peace. Sometimes this means stopping someone from doing what they think is fun but is clearly poor behavior in public. For instance a female customer might actually ask you to please stop a male patron from becoming too aggressive with her. Others like to take off their clothes and some partrons like to fight. The bouncer must ensure the safety of all the people in the bar, limit any damage to it, and make sure laws are not broken.

4. Rarely a fight breaks out between a bouncer and a bar patron. Usually it is the customer or customers who are the aggressors.The bouncer must fight back in self defense or to protect someone else. If you are inexperienced it is a good idea to take a self defense class. The bouncer must win the fight and do so as quickly as possible. One very important rule is to never let yourself be pushed to the floor. There the bouncer is extremely vulnerable especially when facing more than one opponent. Bouncers must protect each other. It is important to 'have each other's backs. Another cardinal rule to follow; never drink on the job. To remain sober is a great advantage when dealing with situations that arise in a bar. A clear head will make your job easier. Dress well but comfortably. You are not a ninja master or a thug. You are a bouncer and bouncers must keep up appearances.

5. Rarely is bouncing considered a career but it can be an entertaining way of earning extra money and may lead to a job in management as your knowledge of the business grows. Being a bouncer can be rewarding if you follow the rules, keep a sharp lookout, and never let them get you down

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you know what the job entails before becoming a bouncer.

• Becoming a bouncer is not for the faint of heart.