Allowing entry is like walking a tightrope

Rasiajo

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posted on 54 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Follow us:WhatsappFacebookTwitterTelegram.cls-1{fill:#4d4d4d;}.cls-2{fill:#fff;}Google NewsHow do you find a bouncer when you need one? Either you ask any event planner to hire a few hands or you can check a directory. “Almost every security agency offers bouncer services,” says Gopi Krishna*, who has been a bouncer-promoter for years, “But the really good bouncers are usually found with body-building masters. We take them and train them before placing them in bars,” he says.With an increasing number of star hotels opting to source their bouncers through agencies, the ‘pub-loyalty’ factor for bouncers is getting affected. “Not only are the tips received by bouncers reduced through the agency commission, there is no guarantee that a particular bouncer can work at a pub as an employee. Whichever hotel the agency points him at, he must go and work,” says Jacob, reasoning that it is important for a bouncer to integrate himself with his workplace.However, select hotels and pubs like 10 Downing Street and B-Bar have taken cognizance of this and have appointed bouncers as staffers with benefits. “We have trained them well and they can double up as security handlers. So we give them every benefit that is due to them,” says Arasu Dennis.One problem that bouncers have with working for an agency is split-loyalty - apparently, most bouncer-agents occasionally drop into pubs for some fun with a gang of guys. “Though they know the no-stag rule, they insist on being let in, because they feel that they own me. Who should we be loyal to at that point?” asks Kasim, who was faced with this predicament at a star hotel in Guindy. Usually, a refusal can lead to threats and career-suicide.“Most often the managers just refuse them entry and ask us to handle it. Sadly, we are caught between our guru and our gurukulam. It’s an unpleasant task that I hope no bouncer faces,” he adds.Incidentally, Kasim was attacked and his bike smashed, by a gang of bouncers for refusing them entry. He has quit the trade and works as gym instructor now.first published:January 01, 1970, 05:30 ISTlast updated:January 01, 1970, 05:30 IST
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How do you find a bouncer when you need one? Either you ask any event planner to hire a few hands or you can check a directory. “Almost every security agency offers bouncer services,” says Gopi Krishna*, who has been a bouncer-promoter for years, “But the really good bouncers are usually found with body-building masters. We take them and train them before placing them in bars,” he says.

With an increasing number of star hotels opting to source their bouncers through agencies, the ‘pub-loyalty’ factor for bouncers is getting affected. “Not only are the tips received by bouncers reduced through the agency commission, there is no guarantee that a particular bouncer can work at a pub as an employee. Whichever hotel the agency points him at, he must go and work,” says Jacob, reasoning that it is important for a bouncer to integrate himself with his workplace.

However, select hotels and pubs like 10 Downing Street and B-Bar have taken cognizance of this and have appointed bouncers as staffers with benefits. “We have trained them well and they can double up as security handlers. So we give them every benefit that is due to them,” says Arasu Dennis.

One problem that bouncers have with working for an agency is split-loyalty - apparently, most bouncer-agents occasionally drop into pubs for some fun with a gang of guys. “Though they know the no-stag rule, they insist on being let in, because they feel that they own me. Who should we be loyal to at that point?” asks Kasim, who was faced with this predicament at a star hotel in Guindy. Usually, a refusal can lead to threats and career-suicide.

“Most often the managers just refuse them entry and ask us to handle it. Sadly, we are caught between our guru and our gurukulam. It’s an unpleasant task that I hope no bouncer faces,” he adds.

Incidentally, Kasim was attacked and his bike smashed, by a gang of bouncers for refusing them entry. He has quit the trade and works as gym instructor now.