How to Be a Club Bouncer

Nightclub bouncer protecting the stage.

Being a club bouncer can be a very rewarding, yet challenging experience. You will meet many people and enjoy the club environment without spending a ton of money on drinks, though it takes a physically strong and patient person to handle a position as bouncer of a club or bar.

Things You'll Need

• Self-defense training
• Conflict-resolution training

Instructions

1. Pack on the muscle. Club bouncers are usually bigger guys who spend a hefty amount of time in the gym. No club owner is going to hire someone who doesn't appear to be able to defend himself.

2. Learn to deal with people. A big part of being a bouncer is handling the drunks waiting in line to get into the club, and the more alcohol the person has consumed, most likely the rowdier they are going to be with you. It is important to be able to keep your patience and remain calm.

3. Talk to club owners and managers. Get to know the people responsible for hiring bouncers, and ask them if they have any available positions open. Perhaps they know of another bar looking for bouncers.

4. Mention any special skills that directly relate to the role of club bouncer. When you land an interview, be sure to mention any sports, martial arts or self-defense programs you've partaken in. These show not only dedication and discipline but showcase your physical abilities as well.

5. Read up on the teachings of Gandhi and Buddha. The role of club bouncer is to help keep the peace. Read up on different ways of diffusing a hectic situation with as little violent force as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Familiarize yourself with the identification cards of your area and surrounding areas. Your job as club bouncer also means you will be checking for proper age verification, and things will go a lot smoother if you know exactly where to look on the ID. Letting people into the club or bar who are not of proper age can lead to the termination of your job. Try to remember frequent customers, and build a relationship with them; it will make yourself and the club look good. Try to get a good night of sleep prior to working because club bouncers work very late hours.

• If and when people get a little too rowdy, never try to handle the situation alone. Always call for a manager and/or fellow bouncer to help handle a person turned violent because of too much alcohol.

References

• Club Bouncer Job Requirements
• Nightclub Security Training
• How To Become A Bouncer

Resources

• Ask A Bouncer