The Big Bounce (2004)

In the Style of The Bouncer Blog.  My husband, Brandon Hurley was a bouncer in Fayetteville, NC for a few years. I interviewed him to get another point of view on bouncing.   

    Q:How long did you bounce and where?

    A: I was a bouncer at 2 different establishments. The first place "Husk Hardware" was set in downtown Fayetteville, NC on the main road, Hay Street. I was a bouncer there for about 7 months until it shut down due to "Managerial" issues. The second place was "Paddy's Irish Pub". It was located on Raeford Rd in Fayetteville just 2 miles from the downtown area. I was there for 1 year until I joined the military.
    
    Q:What made you first decide to bounce?

    A: I decided to become a bouncer when my good friend Shane asked me if I was interested. We both worked at Best Buy and he supplemented his income by bouncing on the weekends. He explained that they were leaving it to him to find people and he thought it would be easier to use friends. I was not the size of a typical bouncer you would see at the entrance of a club or bar. But I had specific talents he wanted; speed, agility, strength, and a "no time for BS" attitude.
    
    Q:Can you remember your first time, how was it?

    A: My first night bouncing was an interesting one. I was nervous already going in. I was tasked with checking ID's and keeping an eye on the people in line or outside smoking. 20 minutes into my shift my buddy screamed my name from inside because a fight broke out with 3 guys. I came in and I was behind my buddy as he cleared a path for me. I watched as one person at a time began to take flight as he pushed through. Once I was in a spot to get through I jumped in between them, I placed one guy in a choke-hold after bringing him to my level since he was much taller than me, then my buddy grabbed one of them and one of our bartenders grabbed the other. We escorted them outside where there was a cop waiting. I forgot to mention that this bar was strategically place one city block from the Fayetteville Police Department. Location location location!


    Q:What is your scariest experience?
    
    A: Scariest moment was one night at Paddy's it was a slow night for us. We just had our regulars and a few others. The bar next door was known to be a rowdy one. Not the greatest members of society frequented this place. I was picking up dirty glasses to take to the bar to clean when the bartender from next door came in and screamed for me and the other bouncer. We ran next door. When I walked in 2 empty beer bottles whizzed by my head and shattered on the wall. That's when we notice that their bouncers were getting jumped. Shane and I went in to action and we began to clear a path using whatever we had feet, fists, chairs. You name it we used it.  As we got to the group we started pulling people off. Someone jumped on Shane's back and I ripped him off and slammed him to the ground he was not getting up. Shane grabbed 2 guys and dragged them outside to the cops. I grabbed one guy and tried to get him out as well. When we got to the door he pushed me away and grabbed the cash register near by and threw it at me. I moved out of the way and charged him plowing through him like a wrecking a ball. We landed against a wall. He threw a punch which landed on my ribs. I grabbed his head with one hand and threw a quick elbow and it broke his nose. On his way down I met him with a knee that would end his attempt to hurt me. I drug him out side. From there we cleared everyone and restored order. That night I got home and like normal began my routine of removing my smoke and beer soiled clothes and noticed that I was covered in blood. Christene came out of the room and was freaked out. "Oh my god is that your blood"? I assured her it was not mine and told her the story.

    Q:What is your funniest experience?

    A: my funniest experience was having to remove 2 girls from the bathroom for doing inappropriate things. That was an awkward conversation with the owner an the cops. The girls thought it was funny, I was a little embarrassed to explain what I observed when I entered the bathroom. 
    
    Q:Do you drink more or less after your experience, Why?

    A: I drink less, however it has nothing to do with being a bouncer. I drink less because I have grown up and became a social drinker. I don’t mind getting a nice buzz here and there but for the most part I try to remain responsible. 
    
    Q:What are the order and steps to break up a fight?
    
    A: Steps to breaking up a fight
1. observe everyone and look for signs; aggression, shouting, facial expressions, body language
2. If any of these signs are observed move closer to that area and make your presence known
3. Talk to the people who are potentially fighters.
4. Let other bouncers know about the situation, everyone needs back-up 
5. If the fight breaks out pick one and attack from behind get control and get them out of the situation. Make sure someone has positive control of that person and go back in and get the others. Rinse and repeat!

    Q:What is your advice to drunk people at bars (etiquette)?
    
    A: Respect your bar staff and bouncers. Don’t cause any trouble and tip well. we love people that are there to enjoy our business and have a good time. Besides we still get paid if you are there or dragged out. Be responsible!