Comments on: How to Become a Bouncer

on 10/30/2007 can girls become a bouncer

on 7/23/2007 thanks for the advice..i thought i had the job sussed,but i had no idea.i been doin it for a year now..but i look too intimidating to get any trouble my way

on 6/12/2007 I'm currently looking for contributions from 'experienced' door staff, supervisors, etc. Anecdotes, tips, course providers, etc, for an 'industry-related' ebook publication & website. If you've got something to say and you know what you're talking about... let me know a.s.a.p.

Look forward to hearing from you.

on 6/12/2007 Re: Step 6

6. Bring a list of references to the interview.

Of course, it's ok to bring any appropriate papers with you to the interview but remember, if this is going to be your first ever placement, you'll not have any references documenting previous experience in this field. And we all know that character references are subjective.

Well, there's my 2-cents worth but if you'd like some more tips, I've got twenty years worth to share with anyone who may be interested.

on 6/12/2007 Re: Step 5

5. Mention any sports you play so that the manager will get an idea of your physical capabilities.

I'm not too sure whether your mentioning of sports activities has any real bearing as your physical prowess can be assessed when discussing their expectations of you (see question h in Step 4 addendum)

on 6/12/2007 Re: Step 4

4. Dress appropriately when you get an interview. A blazer, a clean shirt and khakis will show you have some style. The way you may dress when you work is irrelevant to the interview.

I get where you're coming from here... Never go dressed as a 'bouncer' to your first interview.

Your first questions should always be...

a) Rate of pay?
b) Duration of shift/s?
c) Reputation of venue?
d) Relationship with local law enforcement?
e) In-House Communication protocols?
f) Insurance plans? (if any)
g) Is there a 'Banned' list?
h) What are their expectations of you?

on 6/12/2007 Re: Step 3

3. Look in the yellow pages under "clubs," and call several places to see if they are hiring. Ask to speak to the manager.

If this is your first attempt at getting work 'on the door', find someone else who is also considering this type of work and apply together - and try to get work in your local area. NEVER start your career in an unfamiliar area.

on 6/12/2007 Re: Step 2

2. Go to some clubs and talk to the bouncers, as well as the waiters and waitresses. They might know of job openings or the days on which interviews are conducted.

First-time doorman usually get to know about current vacancies through word of mouth and are usually recommended by existing acquaintances currently 'on the door'. I've never worked a place where I didn't already know at least one or two of the other guys working the venue, and I certainly wouldn't employ anyone that hadn't been previously recommended to me by someone else in the business.

on 6/12/2007 Re: Step 1

1. Take some basic martial arts classes. You may have to defend yourself or others against drunk or angry patrons.

I'll give you that one, it's always good to know how to protect yourself and others from potential harm.

on 6/12/2007 When I first began to read your 6 Steps on 'How to become a bouncer' I thought it was some sort of spoof article until I read further. I don't think it's a spoof now but I certainly feel the advice given is certainly from a slightly different mindset from what I've experienced. I'd therefore like to add a couple of suggestions to your 6 steps...

on 5/10/2007 If you're considering becoming a bouncer or any other security professional, it is essential to learn the laws in your state regarding reasonable use of force. Simply looking mean and knowing how to fight isn't good enough. Otherwise, you can get arrested and/or be sued for assault and battery, and it's unlikely that the business you're working for will back you up (they'll be too busy trying to protect themselves and may even try to place the blame entirely on you). Don't depend on your martial arts teacher to give you this kind of information either. In general though: If a patron has had too much to drink and is becoming unruly, be respectful and first try to use verbal persuasion before resorting to physical methods (he is a paying customer, after all). If the patron becomes belligerent and uncooperative, you may gently take him by the arm and escort him out, or physically stand in his way to block him from going to other areas of the establishment. But if he still refuses to go, you simply have to call the police while keeping an eye on him. Under no circumstances is it legal to use choke holds, arm locks, or beat on somebody merely for being verbally abusive or refusing to leave the property. You should only use such tactics if a patron is actually dangerous and assaulting someone or breaking things, and even then you can only use the minimum amount of force needed. It's also not advisable to look too intimidating, as customers don't like having a hulking gargoyle glaring at them and this reflects poorly on the business. Reputable bars/nightclubs want bouncers who can maintain a friendly respectable atmosphere and use their brains to solve problems before they escalate to the point that physical force becomes necessary.

on 5/10/2007 A physical confrontation indicates that all rational means of resolving the problem have failed. It is humanly degrading to become involved is a physical confrontation - it indicates that reason and intelligence have failed.

on 7/5/2006 A: Inform your backup that you are performing a removal, and get him to take a position at least 5 meters away. Tell the person you need to speak to them outside, and move toward the door, beckoning them with a finger if you need to. They will most likely follow you out. If not, proceed to step B.

B: Repeat step A several times, if the person refuses to move, step in close to them and stand alongside them- never in front, as it is 1: too confrontational 2: too dangerous. Put one hand on their back as you speak to them, and do not allow them to face their body front onto yours, unless you want to get a punch in the head. Inform them that they have to leave. They will ask why. Tell them in brief why they are required to leave, and request again that they leave. No, they cannot go tell their friends/go get their friends, this will add a lot of time to the removal and in the event of a fight it gives them superior numbers. They can ring the person once they're outside. Request once more that they leave, this time firmer and as you do so lightly push on their back with the hand that is already there, moving them forward a step. Keep behind the person lightly guiding them out, and if they try to turn around to face you, push on the back of their shoulders to prevent them from doing so. Get them out the door and proceed to step C

C: Explain to them why they are unable to remain in the bar. Apologize, wish them a good night, tell them they are more than welcome to come back the next night, and leave them to the doorman to keep out, and return inside. If you stay out they will likely wish to argue the point, but once you are gone the doorman should have no difficulty in keeping them out.

If you are unsure of what to do in the event of a fight, you require some martial arts lessons- I recommend ju-jitsu (very good restraints) and aikido (very flowing, very good defense) for security work. Use any striking martial art and you will most likely lose your job, and possibly be in jail- save those forms for the parking lot.

on 3/13/2006 Don't even touch the person that is causing a problem, especially behind the arm. That is unless they are making a scene and you absolutely have to move them. You are asking that they leave the club, touching will only make them feel like their physical and egotistical health is being threatened. Plus, you usually don't know who you are truly dealing.

on 5/10/2007 Don't watch the movie "Road House" to get tips on how to bounce at a bar or club. Most bars and clubs will not have your back if you get arrested for beating up of some drunk guy.