Bouncer Life at Strip Clubs: Challenges and Realities
As a bouncer in various strip clubs in Tempe and Phoenix, Arizona, I found the role to be both challenging and rewarding. The position offered me a unique taste of nightlife and a good income, but it also required dealing with the less desirable aspects of the job.
Job Environment and Customers
The type of customers at these clubs usually ranges from college students, professional sports teams in town, and casual meetups for men with disposable income. However, it's not uncommon to encounter problematic characters like pimps, gang members, and drunks, who can quickly turn a fun evening into a nightmare.
The Strippers' Perspective
While the dancers and strippers at these clubs can be enjoyable company, they are often seen as contributing to a problematic atmosphere. Many bouncers view the strippers' mentality as basically being "hookers without the mess," as their sole job is to arouse and make men pay for it. Despite the mixed feelings, some bouncers form relationships with the dancers, as I did when I married one.
Daily Duties of a Bouncer
The primary function of a bouncer is to serve as a deterrent and prevent issues from escalating. This typically involves standing outside the club, monitoring the parking lot, ensuring the safety of the dancers, and managing confrontations. Some bouncers even perform janitorial duties or run errands as part of their responsibilities.
Challenging Situations
Despite the relatively low incidence of major trouble, when issues do arise, they can escalate quickly. For example, a scuffle between dancers or outbursts from intoxicated patrons are common but rarely lead to serious confrontations. In exceptional cases, such as the incident in South Carolina where a dancer was thrown into another during a minor altercation, it takes quick action to de-escalate the situation.
In a more troublesome club scenario, a group of rowdy customers showed up twenty minutes early, and despite being warned, one prankster caused a dancer to be frustrated, leading to a costly response. This forced us to secure the club and deal with the aftermath, highlighting the necessity of providing the illusion of security to maintain the club's reputation.
Pat Downs and Controversies
In some clubs, bouncers conduct pat-downs for weapons, though this is often seen as a deterrent rather than a preventative measure. Regardless of the security measures in place, issues occur, and the bouncer's role becomes crucial in maintaining a safe environment. Even skilled bouncers may face traumatic experiences, such as witnessing a dance brawl or dealing with a potential security threat.
Challenging Working Environment
The life of a bouncer can be physically and mentally taxing. Long periods of standing and waiting, combined with the need to be always alert for potential threats, can be exhausting. There are moments of excitement, but these are often offset by the mundane tasks and the exposure to unsavory characters.
Regardless of the challenges, the job offers insight into the nightlife culture and a unique experience. For those who enjoy meeting people from various backgrounds and can handle high-pressure situations, bouncer work can be a rewarding career path.