| Author | Message | ||
     Fltwistygirl |
So, with a bunch more venues here in our backyard, just wanted to take an informal poll on what's cool and not. If one is at a music venue that serves food and beer, but also has music in the same area (no separate entry) and live music begins at...say 8, but you are there eating, drinking and having a good time at 7:30, with plans to hang out, is it acceptable for the bouncer to come by and ask for the cover? When? For the record, Mrtwisty says no. If you are in before that, and spending $ to support the biz already, please stay and enjoy. But that's just him and what he learned in hospitality with "Minnesota rules." We are damn nice people. Please give your input and thanks. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I think if you are there and HONESTLY there to eat and drink before the show, and not just using the meal as an excuse to "dodge" the cover...explain it to the bouncer and stay. You're probably spending more than the cover charge in food/drink. Coming in early and ordering *A* drink just to dodge the cover? ••••••. Option 3? If there are a couple/few venues that you will frequent for their shows...get to know the staff. Once they know you and like you (that's the important part)...you probably won't be questioned. And, I answer this as a "sound guy" for a few local bands. We get paid as a result of covers...but if managers know we have "regulars" and they have "regulars", we get a consideration for a full dance floor and a nice bar take for the night. | ||
| Pwnzor |
If I am already inside the place and somebody asks me to pay the cover charge afterwards, I am leaving and will never return. I have never had this happen, and I am from the second most rude state in the nation. | ||
| Xdigitalx |
I am with Pwnzor,... Seems to me they don't want to stay in business. They should start the cover an hour or so before showtime,.. at the DOOR. Send the manager an email with this link to BAR RESCUE | ||
| Pwnzor |
And another thing... If they know they will be charging a cover later in the evening, their door staff should be telling people "it's free up until 6pm" or whatever appropriate time. Then I can make the decision to run in, grab a drink and then leave, or to just go to a different place altogether. That last scenario would have me coming back another time, or possibly paying the cover in advance if the show is something I actually want to see. | ||
| 86129squids |
I used to bartend at a good blues bar here- most of the patrons were used to having someone ask for cover once the band was getting setup, no big deal. The folks who didn't care to see the band just settled their tabs and headed to the other places downtown. Cover charges generally serve to pay for the band that night, and given the economics of running a bar, are a necessity. When a band is especially good, I make a point to throw some $$$ into their tip jar as well- most people take musicians for granted. I do not. Good on ya Fl girl for caring and sayin so! | ||
| Ezblast |
I never thought Georgian's rude. Fist is a tie between NY and Jersey, followed closely by Texas then Maine, then distantly Missouri - been to all 50 states - actually except for the hardcore hicks, most of the south was the most pleasant states to been in - if it wasn't for the humidity, I'd stayed in Fla, gators good eating and boots, wallets and such - lol - there really isn't that much of a difference though - most folks in the US are still pretty tolerant of each other and willing to help when needed. And be nice about it to boot. EZ | ||
| Xdigitalx |
What if the patron say's they paid already??What if some jack wad who got wind of the door fee...went and tried to collect the money already keep it for himself. If the place packs regularly... then this is moot and not a big deal at all. The managers won't give a rats ass about you and your dinner. | ||
| Steeleagle |
If I'm in the establishment and THEN the time for a cover charge passes, I've already spent the money on the cost of the cover charge on drinks or food. Motive shouldn't matter. I'd say asking for a cover when you've already been there is petty and larceny. (Sorry roadies and band members!) Consider the opposite: 2 for 1 until 6 PM. If you get there before 6 PM, should you continue to get 2 for 1, whereas other patrons arriving later wouldn't? | ||
| Pwnzor |
I never thought Georgian's rude. I live in Georgia. I'm FROM California. | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Can't be as rude as the Swiss, they take rudeness to an art-form. Sometimes they're so subtly rude that you don't realise til hours later, then you feel like a real hick. | ||
| Paint_shaker |
If you are already in the place (spending $$) and there is no notice a cover will be collected if you remain after a certain time, I say NOT acceptable. Hasn't happened to me as of yet, but if it ever does. I will square by bill immediately, depart said premises and not likely return. | ||
| Vtpeg |
Went to see a band last year, got there early and ordered some food as well. Bartender suggested a donation (I was happy to make) in lieu of cover, since they hadn't got me at the door. Probably a fair compromise. | ||
| Pwnzor |
Bartender suggested a donation That is an entirely different and acceptable scenario. | ||
| Nm5150 |
I think if you are already there you shouldn't have to pay a cover IMHO but I am not a professional musician.I did play at a bar last night on a whim but I will only play for drinks,food or free t shirts from the bar.I have a way to make money and when I played for money it just kind of took the fun out of it for me but that is just me.The owner did ask me for my number and invited me back though  | ||
| Lynrd |
As a former working musician: The band may be "Playing for the door" and the cover may be to pay the band. If so, if you don't pay cover, at least tip them early and often if you're hanging out to listen to the music. And if it's my band - "The more you drink, the better we sound" | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
What's the band called Lynrd, "The Ex-Wives"? | ||
| Datsaxman |
Asking me to pay the cover, after I had been in there eating for a while? That would not go well for the club. Very bush league stuff. (Pro musician for many many years, and used to playing for the live gate, or tips and part of the bar business) Yes, folks who make a LOT of money at their day jobs doing simple things seem to take musicians for granted. "Oh, don't you do this as a hobby?" NOT REALLY. Being a musician is like college with grad school added in. Lengthy and expensive training. saxman |
