Gang members are showing up

OP has gotten plenty of advice.

We wish you well with your changes.

Do what every mall does. Play shitty elevator music.

I've been in a million bars that say no colors no Club affiliation vests Etc. Use your marketing Moxie to Market to the 20 somethings and advertise seven night a week karaoke until they stop coming. Nobody can take that shit for too long

Don't downvote me to oblivion, just telling a story. I used to live on the Southside of Chicago in a neighborhood that was slowly turning the corner towards being fairly safe. A guy bought his grandfather's bar from back in the day that had been closed for a long while and opened it back up. He threw on a solid selection of local crafts and got some hipster bartenders. Things were good for several months but then came the gang idiots. His response? Threw up a couple of pride flags and started hiring LGBTQ DJs multiple nights a week. The hipsters kept coming, the gang idiots left, and he got a whole other crowd to start coming. That may have been a particularly Chicago way of handling things, but depending on where you're located it could be worth consideration.

Hire off duty cops as security. Increase prices. DO NOT OVER-SERVE.

Be nice about it. Show respect to all your guests equally. They might become very loyal and protective guests.

If you have a jukebox and they play offensive music, block it. That's what the bars in my area do and it works.

Change the music and sell out of items popular with that crowd.

Hey. I was part of a club change that went from armed security to unarmed door men in about a month. This club was referred to in the gang scene as the office because it's where a large majority of their business took place.

Step 1 was removing people from the parking lot. You're in or on the smoking patio or you left. Simple.

Step 2 was music. Rock and techno. No nickelback because "That shit go hard"

Third was honest talks with leaders. You appreciate their business. You welcome it. But such as they run their own business and are responsible for it, so are you and you'd appreciate their understanding that your interest in protecting your liquor license and your employees as well as your investment.

Is all about respect. If you're firm, respectful, but fair you shouldn't have any issues.

If you want to talk more in detail send me a dm and I can talk to you there about specifics or call you or whatever.

It isn't the end of the world

karaoke.

Adding a cover charge at the door could be a good way

Tell them you want in. Get jumped. Wear red. Start a rap career. Make millions. Hide it in offshore shit. Take the kids to the islands. Live in paradise. I honestly don't see the problem

Congratulations if you play your cards right you can increase your customer base and also found the next owner of your bar. Same thing happened to my co worker. I think he made it work for a couple years before selling.

In the United States any establishment can refuse service to anyone provided you don't do so discriminatory, which means you can not judge people based on a legally protected class, e.g. race, gender, country of origin, religion, etc. Gangs are not a protected class.

Otherwise, lots of good advice here. "no gang colors" signs, off-duty cops as security, figure out what they like and stop providing it for a bit even if its off-putting to some others. Ask those off-duty cops working the door to come back days off for free beer too! They'll get the hint and move on--hopefully. But you gotta move on this now. Don't let them get comfortable.

Not sure what your local laws are--does your state forbid bars from allowing patrons wearing gang affiliated colours, names, symbols/tattoos? Works where I'm from--bar cops a huge fine and one supervisor with a backbone and one call to the cops usually works out fine.

Hire security for the bathrooms.

Sounds like it’s time to hold a pba fund raiser.

Absolutely do not have tv’s on boxing, mixed martial arts. No colors, vests allowed. Raise prices, control music.

Raise your prices

A bar in my college town had this issue. They hired off duty security and got a new sign that said ‘we’ve upped our standards, so up yours!’ - it worked.

They’re probably doing Hella Coke in your bathroom if they’re spending a lot of time in there

I hear Dalton just got done with his last job.

You need to hire a bouncer named Dalton ASAP

This is realistically the only way. "Now you'se can't leave".

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4UBXTC24T8g

Play BOTH kinds of music :

Country

And

Western

gonna have to make it a country bar at this point

r/CaliBanging

I always throw in Barry Manilow when I want annoying people to leave the bar I’m at. 100% success rate so far

I had the same problem with a bar in Vancouver BC and here’s what we did. I set a meeting with the gang task force requesting to be added to the bar watch program. This gives them the rights to randomly stop in, ask customers for IDs, and remove gang affiliated patrons. They would give stickers we could place on the front windows. Then when said members would come in, I would serve them as normal. I would wait 10-20 mins at which point I would pull the obvious leader to the side (very important). I’d say “hey dude, just got a call from the gang task force. They wanted to let me know they are dropping by for bar watch tonight. Just wanted to give you a heads up”. Then see what they do. If they leave, they will thank you on the way out. If they don’t leave, call the gang task force.

Most major cities have similar programs. You need to find a way to communicate to them without being disrespectful… otherwise you are in a lose lose situation.

That’s tough but I mean if they’re spending and being harmless who cares but if you really want them to not comeback then you try this

If you don’t have security , hire security for a couple of weeks . Maybe Enforce a strict dress code , hire a host and take reservations only

Sucks that the uptick of sales come with a price that includes possible drive-by shootings. It’s tricky dealing with gangs -and yes we’ve had the same problem except with MC’s. A sign stating ‘no colors, no hats no exceptions’ is a good start. Not ordering certain products.ie Hennessy. The dealing has got to stop by any means necessary. You want to change the atmosphere and attract the customers that will spend freely and not cause trouble because someone looked at them wrong. I feel a good barometer for a bar is if women feel safe enough to come in alone. Been there, done that 12/10 would not recommend.

Where is your bar? If it’s in La you may be right.

Ask police to come thru occasionally.

I would think you most certainly can tell anyone they are not allowed/welcome in your bar. However, if they are in a gang than that likely is not a smart move. You definitely do not want them retaliating or waiting for you to close up one night to jump you.

I would suggest what others have suggested. Which is to more or less ruin the atmosphere that draws them there. Maybe play so jazz or elevator music, just Something to throw off their "vibe". If you can distinguish them well enough maybe you just inform your regulars of what is happening or why the sudden change in music/atmosphere and that it's just to try and remove them.

If you are friendly with local PD I would suggest asking if one of their off duty/undercover officers would mind coming in around whatever time the gang frequents just to "observe". If they can get anything actionable they may very well call in on duty PD to make arrests and shut it down. If anyone in said gang asks if you called the cops just say you would never do that to your paying customers. Hint that local PD has started frequenting the place as a hangout or that you have seen local PD sniffing around the area. This will likely cause them to relocate entirely.

I have not opened my bar yet (plan to habe doors open in the next 3 months) and we don't have gang activity in my area but I do worry about confronting known violent offenders if something happens. I am fairly average in terms of build but being outnumbered and outgunned when confronting people like that does not seem like the wise choice.

I have darkened the doorways of plenty of bars which post “No Colors” signs outside. You can do what you wish to protect your investment by refusing service to gangsters. Granted, the same people may show-up but without their colors it tends to lower the temperature.

Get security and have a strict dress code!!

Qh

Turn up the lights bright and enact a dress code.

Actually, you can kick anyone out.

Also just display a sign that says "no gang colors"

And hire a bathroom attendant to hand out towels and stuff. Should be enough to prevent drug dealing/using in the bathrooms

Invite the blue crew, what could go wrong...

Start holding events for the PBA Policeman's Benefit Association and any other local police clubs/groups where you give them good deals on food and drink.

"If they are coming to your bar, it means you're doing something they like. Observe closely; it could be anything from the jukebox to the 'anything goes' crowd, or even the cheap drinks.

Consider removing the jukebox and playing more female-friendly music regularly, such as Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber. Use a set playlist (like Rockbot) to ensure employees can't change the music.

Raise the prices of popular drinks and lower the prices of cocktails like martinis and margaritas, then promote these changes on social media. When you offer a special on something like a martini, if they request it in a 'man glass,' charge the full price. This strategy will discourage those just looking to get drunk on a budget and attract women who want a night out.

Enforce a no-smoking/vaping policy. Implement firm rules and stick to them; ask violators to leave. You'd be surprised how many people will stay away after being reprimanded for breaking a rule like no vaping.

Although a troublesome crowd might temporarily boost sales, they can ultimately compromise your bar's concept and will eventually move on, leaving you with nothing. Stop them at the door if they wear gang colors. If you try to eject them once they're inside, it can escalate to 'well, I'm not leaving, what are you going to do about it?' Very few people will try to fight their way in if they know they won’t be served."

Also for some reason they absolutely hate when you don't over serve them and they often wont come back .

ID everyone regardless of age. Expired IDs or pictures of IDs are not allowed. This will solve way more problems than you think.

Changing music and such to aim towards another group and maybe offering game nights(trivia and other things)

I worked at a spot that had a no gang colors allowed because it used to be a hard core biker bar pre covid

I used to work security at a bar that maintained a pretty strict dress code. No chains, no "gang colors", no "cuts", backwards hats, and some other shit.

It was essentially our discretion as to what fell into whatever designation.

Good call not engaging if you don’t want any part of it.

Strict dress code would be the easiest, but everyone will hate it.

You could always do a 1-2 week long very shitty promotion…like “only wild turkey” the get rid of people. They will leave.

Ask for valid not expired ID's.

Are they starting fights or causing issues?

Where’s your bar? What city?

You'll need bouncers and a dress code. No face tattoos, no hats, no bandannas, dress shoes required, no gang colors- red/blue. Metal detector/pat down people at the front, because if you have gang members, you have weapons in your bar. Period. Also, add a sign that says "We reserve the right to refuse anyone."

They'll probably realize it's because of them and they probably won't take it well at all. The only thing that [many] gang members respond to is violence. Again, why I suggest bouncers.

As a retired bouncer, I would like to add that I never had problems with any Asian gangs. Just spoke to them with respect and we we're good. Black gangs were a little more difficult, but pretty much the same thing. Mexican gangs, not so much. We had fairly regular fights with them.

I'd like to add that I'm of European ethnicity and I don't have a personal problem with any ethnicity. This was just my personal experience of 10+ years working in Central CA bars/clubs.

If you're not willing to take these precautions, then you'll need to completely change the vibe of your bar/club. You'll need a cover charge, different music, different drinks, (and prices)

Hire retired guy for mens room. Like big casinos. He wears tux. Offers colonge and changes towels. Cheaper than off duty security.

Actually one of the easiest way to do it is tell cops to start coming into your place, with visible badge and they can have a reasonable amount on the house. They will make this the new cop shop.for a while until you problem moves on

Call Dalton

Play smooth jazz. Saxophone

Treat them nicely. They are people too. As long as they aren’t making a problem take their $.

Have a law-enforcement appreciation night.

Ask your local PD to send a car to sit in the lot. They would love to know where the hot spots of activity are.

Increase prices and if they aren’t buying they are leaving.

Have country nights when they come in. Only play country hits.

Play Sweet Caroline on loop.

Take away the top 3 liquor / beers they order.

It's a shitty situation that I've seen more than once with more than one business owner. It sucks because that actually spend a ton and usually tip very, very well. They also bring a higher level of drug dealing than you normally find in a bar. (If you think there isn't any, you're crazy. Anywhere alcohol is sold, so is cocaine.)Violence comes with that, eventually. It will also become their territory. They will more than likely start fucking with the other guests that don't bang.

So what you do is make Henny (or whatever the liquor of choice is) 2x the price. That shit was $8? It's $16 now and so is patron. No hats and no plain Ts. You can also put up a sign saying no gang/club colors or apparel.

I almost forgot one of the most important things. Limit the jukebox. Make it so you can only play classic rock and country. The music playing is literally one of the most important aspects of getting them out.

No cussing. Throw out anyone you hear cussing. No exceptions. No feet on tables.

Road. House.

Pay attention to what they drink and when. When they want something "top shelf" they'll all usually want the same thing. Stop carrying that.

The story as to why you stop carrying it is whatever you want it to be, but it's definitely not anything to do with them.

Host a police officer fundraiser at the bar.

You don't have to be in a gang to sell cocaine at the bar lol every small town bar around me has it's few dudes that post up and sell blow there. It's good for business dude. Doing cocaine makes you metabolize alcohol faster, you can drink like a fuck. Don't be a fuckin square man, your running a bar. Unless your in a major city there's no real "gang members" in your bar lol if anything they are wanna be gangsters selling super stomped on blow 😄

Other than their choice of apparel and their IBD, are they nice boys?

I was in bar in Scottsdale Arizona that had a ‘no air Jordan sneaker rule’. No idea who they targeting but it was a huge place and we were denied entry bc one member of our group had them on

Dress code

Play the Grateful Dead for a few weeks

Post a sign No Colors of any kind allowed - gangs will know what you mean No Cuts allowed - bikers will know what you mean Word it how you want. Be vigilant and expect backlash of some kind

Somebody will get shot sooner or later.

Hire Jake Gyllenhaal for head of security

If sales are up and they aren’t causing any problems what’s the big deal.

Invite the rival gang

Join the Hopper gang, let’s ride!

Charge a small cover charge

Have you ever seen “Roadhouse”?

Sounds like it's time to go country

Organize events that they most like wouldn’t enjoy… such as musical bingo

I’ve lost count of how many bars I’ve seen with a sign reading “no colors” etc out front. Put up a sign, get a bouncer, enforce the rule.

Change the devote to primarily blue

Hire a bunch of male strippers with cop outfits

Engelbert Humperdinck. Will save the day.

Firstly, why your bar is popping isn't your marketing...its the music you are playing. You chose the simplest, easiest route to pack your club. Which is the rookiest of all mistakes, playing shit that will fill your floor with the younger chicks dancing...which is what draws the guys spending money...21 to 30 age range. Seemed easy at first I bet, now you know why seasoned owners are very critical of what the DJ's are up too. Your security is in for a tough row to sew and there will be pissed off customers when you turn people away for the ol' dress code, no hats, cuts, colors or whatever. Word of advice...if you implement a dress code be consistent and fair across the entire spectrum. Hat's mans ALL hats, gang shit...means bikers and cowboys too. Good luck, shits about to get very difficult. Stay safe.

Do a promotion for support of law enforcement. That'll drive them away for sure lol

Post a sign saying no gang colors allowed

This happened to my dad’s friend years ago. He started closing early for a few weeks. He lost some money on it but ultimately they moved along and he went back to normal once they were gone

Hire a bouncer to check for guns and drugs. They'll probably move on.

The bar I realularly frequent has a sign out front that says, "Bikers welcome, colors are not." Maybe this can be a conversation starter for the employees to engage with the gang bangers.

Offer cops a free drink.