Two arts students walk into a bar…but are stopped at the door by a bouncer. Ahh bouncers – the rejected rugby players of the nightlife scene. Stereotypically 6 feet tall, tattooed, and with as much hair as Sinéad O’Connor – and usually angry at you for trying to get into a pub or nightclub. Looking like an action figure they also have some catchphrases, “Not tonight man” “Can I see some ID there please?” and of course “I think you’ve had too much”. Another typical bouncer thing to do is to stamp your wrist for re-entry as if you were an overdue book from the Glucksman (I understand that the Glucksman scan your book not stamp, but if you got the reference you probably still laughed anyways).

Most pubgoers will remember the frustration of being turned away for being underage when you are only a few months shy of being 18. What’s even more frustrating is finally turning 18, acquiring a coveted Garda age card, and stepping up to the entrance only to be turned away as its over 20s that night – and when you’re finally 20 it’s suddenly 23s night. It is quite a predicament for any young student. Of course, entry is harder in certain places with the main three being Icon, the haven known as Costies, and the place full of first years – Angel Lane. With Icon being the home of the stereotypical bouncer, Costies don’t necessarily have bouncers more so a man known as ‘Flan’ who will shake your hand, take your fiver then wave you on. When it comes to Angel Lane there is a clear bias when it comes to men and women trying to enter. When it comes to women if you’re not intoxicated you’re allowed to enter easily whereas if you’re a man you have to show ID, be sober, be wearing the right clothes and jump through hoops. But there is one nice pub in limerick where dealing with the bouncers at the door alone would put you off drinking there and that place is (drumroll for dramatic effect) Charlie Chaplins. My advice make sure you have ID, no reason to be refused, and a rabbits foot because they randomly deny people entry.

After inquiring with a few friends, it is clear that there is a lot of unwarranted aggression from the bouncers of Limerick with stories about people being refused entry and then being pushed out of the way for no reason. Also, people being thrown out of a place for no reason and without explanation. Someone even mentioned male bouncers going into the womens bathroom making them feel very uncomfortable – they say that it happened in Angel Lane, a place that among locals would be considered  a fine establishment, whose patrons would be shocked to hear this (that was sarcasm for those unable to tell).

So there you have it – make sure you have ID, smile, and stay safe.