Club membership
looneylarry
I have run into some clubs in Kansas where you have to buy a membership to get in. It is usually a small fee, $10 or $15, and you have to fill out a card with name, address, phone, etc. The odd thing is that the first time in is a waste, they take your card, turn you away, and tell you that if everything checks out you can come back in about 7-10 days and activate your membership. When I thought about it, $15 for a year and no covers during that year, it seemed pretty reasonable. You can also bring in one guest for free each time. I was a little pissed about the first visit being just a card submission and going home. So now each time you come in (renewing annually), you present your ID, they look it up on their computer, then let you in.
Here's the question: anybody feel a little queasy about that? Each time they know your real name. If there is any scene in the club or any disagreement, they will know who is involved. The dancers often float in and out of the booth, and if they are friendly with the door guy, they could also easily find out your real name and other stuff. They may put a star next to your name on the screen as you come in, so that on any given night they can see who's in the club. Let's see, it looks like Dan Smith, Bob Johnson, Jim Logan, and Jerry Wanker are here right now. The only thing is that I don't think they watch to see who has left and check them out. But they do check them in. I mind my Ps and Qs and avoid drama like the plague and I gave them an address that's one address old. But any misgivings?
Here's the question: anybody feel a little queasy about that? Each time they know your real name. If there is any scene in the club or any disagreement, they will know who is involved. The dancers often float in and out of the booth, and if they are friendly with the door guy, they could also easily find out your real name and other stuff. They may put a star next to your name on the screen as you come in, so that on any given night they can see who's in the club. Let's see, it looks like Dan Smith, Bob Johnson, Jim Logan, and Jerry Wanker are here right now. The only thing is that I don't think they watch to see who has left and check them out. But they do check them in. I mind my Ps and Qs and avoid drama like the plague and I gave them an address that's one address old. But any misgivings?
17 comments
It's still more than a bit intrusive, but gives the club a modicum of protection from busy body lawmakers.
I'm not saying don't be concerned about it, but the level of paranoia about it seems...extreme, and coming from me, that's quite a statement.
Ask the club what they use it for, specifically. Most states require that question to be answered, and truthfully. They're probably just using it for an internal unique identifier, so they can positively identify you when you come back. That's what allows them to claim the private club status, the fact that they can be virtually certain they can keep non-members out.
As far as the background check, it'll help with criminal types, but it doesn't help them avoid LE, because most LEOs can insert whatever information they any into the background check systems, and can fabricate any identity they want.
When the next customer came in, she said, "Ron, this is Steve, " pointing to me, "he's your guest, ok?" Ron and I did a head nod, I paid $8 and went in.
Also right about being tracked a bunch of other ways. A lot of clubs scan licenses, and/or make you sign in, and who knows who's recording license plates -- LE, the club, etc. Or why they might be doing it.
The club you mentioned, also not long after, was raided and never reopened, to my knowledge.