Tips on how to get into picky nightclubs

Clubbing With Confidence: tips on how to get into picky nightclubs

For some people clubbing is something they do once in a blue moon and if they can’t get into a particular club, they quickly move on and try the next one. For others, it is crucial that they get into a particular club – especially for those who follow DJs – and, if they don’t, they feel disappointed. For the second group clubbing becomes more than just a hobby – it becomes a lifestyle.

What distinguishes clubbing from other types of recreational activities is that there is no guarantee that you will be able to get into the club of your choice. Whether you belong in the first group or the second, here are some tips to increase your chances of getting past the ‘attitude assessors’ and ‘door bitches’ and into your favourite nightclubs:

* If you have never been there before, call the club to double check opening times and door policies. Some clubs are notoriously fussy about dress code and can be unpredictable about who they to let in. For instance, I once won some tickets to a club and when I called the info line – much to my surprise – I was told to wear sneakers rather than open-toe shoes! Other clubs will only let members in on particular nights or if you have a VIP pass. In general, the less you have to pay to get into a club, the harder it is to get in.

* Look confident as you approach the door staff. Try not to look nervous but don’t be too cocky either. Act like you are confident that you will get in and chances are, you will, as door staff tend to like people who project confidence.

* When you get there, queue up quietly and patiently. As unfair as it sounds, try not to complain about the queue. Making negative comments about the bouncers in front of them is a definite no-no. This may seem obvious but I once had a friend who called the bouncers pigs and, needless to say, they wouldn’t let her into the club after that.

* If you are a guy, try going with at least one other girl. As sexist as it sounds, door staff can be funny about letting in large groups of males. Clubland is probably one of the few places in the world where being female is an advantage.

* Likewise, certain clubs can be funny about people who go clubbing on their own. You will pick this up pretty quickly just by watching the door staff. If in doubt, ‘fall in’ with a group of people.

* When you get to the front of the queue, wait for the door staff to give you their cue. Some will nod, others will tell you straight out you can come in while others will not say anything. If in doubt, ask. Whatever you do, try not to be too confrontational with the door staff especially if you want to keep coming back to the same club. You want to blend into the background, not be remembered as someone who argues with them.

* If they won’t let you in and you are lucky enough to know someone who works in the club, try pulling rank. Calmly say, “I am friends with so and so.” It can work wonders but only try this if you are legit. There is nothing more embarrassing than being caught out!

* On the other hand, if the door staff are asking you questions such as, “Where are your friends?” lying can help. I once went to a club on my own and they asked me that question, implying that if I was on my own they wouldn’t let me in. So I lied and said my friends had turned up early and had gotten in and in the meantime, I had made arrangements to meet them inside the club later on. I got in with no problems.

* In any case, try not to look desperate to get in. The more nonchalant you can be, the better. If the door staff won’t budge, don’t plead or whine but walk off calmly and try again next time. It sucks but it’s better than letting them know how disappointed you are! Just make sure you have a stab at them in the forums when you get home ;-)


Once in side, don’t forget to have a great time
And good luck!


Queenie A Rosenberg

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