Just as the 21st birthday girl has become a fixture in Gainesville nightlife, so has "that guy," the one who ends up getting kicked out of the bar every time he goes out.
Contrary to popular belief, bartenders and bouncers don't start their night just waiting to kick somebody out.
Most of the bouncers I know want nothing more than to get through the night peacefully. As far as bartenders are concerned, why would we get rid of our major source of income? Hourly wages for bartenders hover around $3.50; your tips pay our bills.
However, there are certain behaviors we simply can't let slide.
Just because somebody insults one of your "bros" doesn't mean you have to engage in drunken UFC-style fights to prove your overwhelming masculinity. I realize this is a sweeping generalization, but there's something about excessive alcohol consumption that makes guys think they can take on people twice their size. Once you get to this point, the bouncer is removing you mostly for your own safety.
Drinking to the point of vomiting is another quick way "that guy" ends his night early. This may seem like common sense, but I have watched a guy throw up on the floor and still seem confused as to why I was telling him to leave. Cleaning up puke is the thorn in every bartender and bouncer's side. As far as I know, the only person who doesn't mind cleaning up vomit is your mom, and she doesn't work in Midtown. But "that guy" is not alone; any guy can fall victim to this unfortunate circumstance.
If you happen to find yourself being "that guy," retain as much self-control as possible, and the next time you see the same bartender, laugh it off. Oh, and it never hurts to tip big to make up for it.
Gabrielle Falconeiri is a junior majoring in journalism.
