For those of you who are not aware I am part of a drinking establishment's "security team". It is a good job which I really enjoy for the most part because my employer runs a tight ship. There are many things they are very strict about for instance we are not allowed to accept any tips of any kind. However we are the best paid (working out to be about $17 an hour).

In the "bar industry" most bouncers (security staff) are paid very low although "tips" (also known as greasing) is overlooked as staff rely on this extra money to be able to survive. These "tips" are paid by a patron so staff overlook the fact they may not have adequate (or any) ID (showing their age), drug dealing or rowdy behaviour. A doorman could make up to $400 on a busy evening (already on top of their $8 to $10 an hour wages). These types of acts are the industry norm.

Has anyone else worked in the bar industry? Do you have any comments about these policies.

Dave (In Calgary)

Is over the cover charge?

1981 a bar called the OLD MUNICH in montreal. 13 of us go into the bar and the guy were with slides the bouncer a $20. 8 or 9 of us were under 18.

In the old Hull bar strip days, just across the Quebec border from Ottawa, we would get in to the clubs without any ID or “grease”, and we were like 16 and 17 years of age. Ah the good old days.
I use to DJ at a bars and functions and it was common for people to offer money/drinks to me for playing their requests. I didn’t see any harm in that.

SENS FAN

Hulabaloos.. Casanova, Club 61..The Chaud... Fanny's (bank street).. Silver dollar I remember those days

Originally Posted by SENS FAN

In the old Hull bar strip days, just across the Quebec border from Ottawa, we would get in to the clubs without any ID or “grease”, and we were like 16 and 17 years of age. Ah the good old days.
I use to DJ at a bars and functions and it was common for people to offer money/drinks to me for playing their requests. I didn’t see any harm in that.

SENS FAN

Re #2 Yes, this is over and above the cover charge (sometimes called an "entertainment fee" which usually pays for a live band)

re #5 I don't have a problem with people tipping for service. If their server is good with bringing out their food, topping up their beverages etc.

Our "door hosts" get a percentage of the tips which are given to the bartenders and servers (which prop up our wages). Our contact with the paying public is somewhat limited and probably doesn't warrant a "tip". My experiences with "tips" to date is for special privileges.

Honestly, I like this system of "no tipping the door hosts". This way I am not obliged to turn a blind eye to bad behaviour. The last thing I want is drug dealers or excessively drunk patrons which I will have to deal with in the end.

Tips, or what ever you call it if someone is giving you something they expect something in return it just the way the world works. From the local coffee shop handing out coffee to the cops to the guy dropping cash in the bouncers hand they all expect something in return. Weather that be better service or favors but eventually they will call in to play that exchange for something. Just my opinion.

I've been a Doorman for the last 8 years... and yes i believe we have the right to accept tips, but only for certain reasons...... on the door, i only accept tips for line bypass, $20 a head works out to be some good cash...

Little off topic but if i move to Alberta what chances of me getting a pretty decent security job. Compared to Ontario here and crap and such.

Originally Posted by Admin

1981 a bar called the OLD MUNICH in montreal. 13 of us go into the bar and the guy were with slides the bouncer a $20. 8 or 9 of us were under 18.

So that's why it closed