Venues & setup times.

[Shaun]

Just made final calls to this weekends venues to go over access times.

Friday: Had pre-arranged access for 90 minutes prior start of event (I can do it in an hour but like to have leeway incase of tricky access). So I called the venue to re-confirm access times, only to be told I'd have to arrive and setup prior to 6 o clock (I'm not booked to start till 9pm). The venue manager didn't want me setting up whilst the guests were there (they're arriving at 6pm). :bang:

Saturday: Called the venue last week to discuss access times. Was told I can get in after the meal. I asked if they had an approx time that the meal would finish, I'm told approx 7.15pm -7.30pm. Contracted start time for me on Saturday = 7.30pm. :bang:

[DJWilson]

Surely it's not up to the venue manager? If the client's happy with you setting up in time for the start stated on contract then surely that's all that matters?

[ppentertainments]

As I have said before this is happening more and more. Last Friday I had Steve Hanley helping and we set up within 20 minutes. However, they let guests into the room after 5 minutes.

I am warning clients now beforehand that if access is cut ridiculously short I will only be able to use a very basic setup, regardless of previous discussions.

[dj keevers]

I had a similar problem last Saturday. I took on an emergency gig at a wedding to help someone out since there original DJ wasn't allowed into the venue without relevant documentation (PLI & Pat etc.). I emailed my documentation to the venue manager and discussed with them about possible "house rules" or limitations i.e sound limiter. Only problem of note was during the discussion was that i wouldn't be allowed to set-up my equipment upstairs in concert hall while civil ceremony was taking part in room below. So arrive 30 minutes earlier and allow for time lost to ceremony stoppage. This would be transparent to the client and id still start at the right time as booked.

So turned up at venue moved all equipment upstairs, and my roadies started to setup as arranged, while i checked with on-site manger about any schedule changes or anything else i needed to know. No, everything as pre arranged and bride expected on time. Great no problem. Stopped halfway through set-up at prescribed time and started again when we knew the ceremony had finished, still no problem. 10 minutes later a junior member of staff turns up and says you got to leave the stage area now, no explanation just drop what your doing and leave now. Strange to say the least, especially since we are just wiring everything together and hanging lights and other fixtures. Power leads left hanging. So, as asked we left and went outside as asked, frustrated and angry to say the least, and still in the dark at what was wrong. After 10 minutes the manager turned up and told us that she had decided that she didn't want us inside when the happy couple arrived. Funny, im sorry to say it wasn't and after over an hour later we were still waiting till she thought it was suitable for us to finish set-up. During this time the client and i spoke and he couldn't get the manager to explain why or change her mind. Finally, thankfully we were allowed in and we started 2 hours later than planned

Gratefully the gig went brilliantly, even got a request for bloodrave from blade the movie and finished with a Sash medley as requested.

However i think this shows that no matter how well you plan and organise, your still controlled by the jobs worth venue staff and this can seriously disrupt your day.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Gratefully the gig went brilliantly, even got a request for bloodrave from blade the movie and finished with a Sash medley as requested.

Never heard of it :D surely you mean New Order's Confusion...the Pump Panel Reconstruction Mix? ;)

YouTube- New Order - Confusion (Pump Panel Reconstruction Mix)

[rob1963]

Saturday: Called the venue last week to discuss access times. Was told I can get in after the meal. I asked if they had an approx time that the meal would finish, I'm told approx 7.15pm -7.30pm. Contracted start time for me on Saturday = 7.30pm. :bang:

Not only does that give you a maximum of only 15 minutes to set up in...but that assumes things are running on time, which, if it's a wedding, they probably won't be!

Last Saturday I'd been advised I could have access to set up at 7.00pm. However, things were running rather late, and I didn't get access until 8.35pm! On the plus side, by the time I started it was nearly 9.30pm, so it was a very short gig, and before I knew what had happened, it was nearly midnight & I was playing the last song.

If possible, I get all the gear just outside the room, as this can knock 10 or 15 minutes off the set up time.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Not only does that give you a maximum of only 15 minutes to set up in...but that assumes things are running on time, which, if it's a wedding, they probably won't be!

Last Saturday I'd been advised I could have access to set up at 7.00pm. However, things were running rather late, and I didn't get access until 8.35pm! On the plus side, by the time I started it was nearly 9.30pm, so it was a very short gig, and before I knew what had happened, it was nearly midnight & I was playing the last song.

If possible, I get all the gear just outside the room, as this can knock 10 or 15 minutes off the set up time.

This is where having a stand on wheels can help. I have set up all my lighting before and just wheeled it in when they were ready. Saved lots of time.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Seen as i went off topic. Im finding the same Shaun. venues increasingly arnt giving me enough time to set up.

[Vectis]

Moot point now as I have my last B+G meet this weekend at their home, but I usually try to arrange the pre-sales or pre-event meeting with the B+G at the actual venue so there's a 3-way understanding of how things will unfold and all the "what-if" situations are explored.

... and I probably have fewer venues to worry about than most of you so I already know their foibles :)

[CRAZY K]

Just made final calls to this weekends venues to go over access times.

Friday: Had pre-arranged access for 90 minutes prior start of event (I can do it in an hour but like to have leeway incase of tricky access). So I called the venue to re-confirm access times, only to be told I'd have to arrive and setup prior to 6 o clock (I'm not booked to start till 9pm). The venue manager didn't want me setting up whilst the guests were there (they're arriving at 6pm). :bang:

Saturday: Called the venue last week to discuss access times. Was told I can get in after the meal. I asked if they had an approx time that the meal would finish, I'm told approx 7.15pm -7.30pm. Contracted start time for me on Saturday = 7.30pm. :bang:

I would just alert the client and blame the venue.

As soon as the customer realises their big day is being screwed to suit the venue I think you will find a different attitude.

I never argue with the venue--your client is the B and G not the venue.

Be business like and tough which im sure you are--and let the client and venue sort it out between themselves.

Should the venue try the old trick of saying--but other Discos never have this problem--I would use the standard phrase--im a FULL TIME PROFESSIONAL they would say that wouldnt they--ITS :BS:

Whilst being Professional in all our dealings we dont take any :Censored:
and have not found any problems dealing with things that way.

Im sure you wont have a problem.

Incidentally if your then working shorter hours I would not reduce your fee--I have had a similar situation where I did reduce my fee because it suits me--early finish--lighting no longer supplied.

[rob1963]

This is where having a stand on wheels can help. I have set up all my lighting before and just wheeled it in when they were ready. Saved lots of time.

That's actually a good point, Darren, and probably something I'd consider if I wasn't on the verge of winding down...as I'm always keen to make things as quick & easy as possible.

Presumably you can have your console, amp etc placed on the stand & wired up and the overhead bar in place with the lights on it (although obviously not put up to its normal height) & wired up as well.

I guess all you'd have to do then is to wheel in the stand, raise the lights to the correct height, set up & connect the speakers & plug in the mains, which I guess could be done in no time at all.

[DJ James Lake]

This kind of attitude really gets my goat from venues. They wouldnt tell any other professional to do a job quicker so why us.

Imagine a plumber going in to fix a pipe and telling the venue its going to take an hour to sort. Venue manager says you've got half an hour....clocks ticking.

[Mark Wild]

This kind of attitude really gets my goat from venues. They wouldnt tell any other professional to do a job quicker so why us.

Imagine a plumber going in to fix a pipe and telling the venue its going to take an hour to sort. Venue manager says you've got half an hour....clocks ticking.

Quickly becoming my most dreaded moments of the job. At lastnights wedding the venue manager was breathing down my neck as soon as him and his team of 10 had finished what they had to do. I think I might purposely go slow next time this happens and make him/her do a bit of my sweating for me :D

[soundtracker]

This kind of attitude really gets my goat from venues. They wouldnt tell any other professional to do a job quicker so why us.

Imagine a plumber going in to fix a pipe and telling the venue its going to take an hour to sort. Venue manager says you've got half an hour....clocks ticking.

I had a muppet the other week telling me (after I had waited outside for nearly 2 hours) It takes us an hour and an half to turn the room around - this was at quarter to nine!, So I said to him it takes me the same to set up, so shall I just go home then! They soon got their act together and I was in and playing within the hour, which was still ridiculously late, but what more can you do!

[DJ James Lake]

I had a muppet the other week telling me (after I had waited outside for nearly 2 hours) It takes us an hour and an half to turn the room around - this was at quarter to nine!, So I said to him it takes me the same to set up, so shall I just go home then! They soon got their act together and I was in and playing within the hour, which was still ridiculously late, but what more can you do!

Its funny how they always seem to neglect to tell the clients when they book as well.

I always inform mine exactly how long each of my packages take to setup. The largest one takes 2 hours

[Shaun]

I thought I'd post an update:

Friday gig. Called the client and explained the situation. Despite the venue wanting me there early, they said they would grudgingly allow me in at the pre-arranged time if the client didn't opt to have me setup early. I spoke to the client, explained the situation and discussed the additional fee for the additional time on-site. They opted to go for the early setup. More money for me in the end, but it's ridiculous that the venue put them into this predicament so close the the event.

Saturday: The DSB will stay at home and I'll use my ultimax as it's on wheels. I'll setup outside and wheel it in (weather permitting). Not the first time I've had to do that, so it should all work out well.

[Excalibur]

Quickly becoming my most dreaded moments of the job. At lastnights wedding the venue manager was breathing down my neck as soon as him and his team of 10 had finished what they had to do. I think I might purposely go slow next time this happens and make him/her do a bit of my sweating for me :D

Oh how much you still have to learn, Glasshopper. :( :( :( :( :(

The time taken to set up is always in direct proportion to the grief given to you by the venue manager. :( :( :(

[CRAZY K]

That's actually a good point, Darren, and probably something I'd consider if I wasn't on the verge of winding down...as I'm always keen to make things as quick & easy as possible.

Presumably you can have your console, amp etc placed on the stand & wired up and the overhead bar in place with the lights on it (although obviously not put up to its normal height) & wired up as well.

I guess all you'd have to do then is to wheel in the stand, raise the lights to the correct height, set up & connect the speakers & plug in the mains, which I guess could be done in no time at all.

Until you hit the "stair problem"


I had a muppet the other week telling me (after I had waited outside for nearly 2 hours) It takes us an hour and an half to turn the room around - this was at quarter to nine!, So I said to him it takes me the same to set up, so shall I just go home then! They soon got their act together and I was in and playing within the hour, which was still ridiculously late, but what more can you do!

Spot on--you have to tell these people the realities of life--sometimes I accidentally mention to the client the venue are being unreasonable--:eek:
works for me:D


Quickly becoming my most dreaded moments of the job. At lastnights wedding the venue manager was breathing down my neck as soon as him and his team of 10 had finished what they had to do. I think I might purposely go slow next time this happens and make him/her do a bit of my sweating for me :D

I have also had problems going out the building where a bar manager wants you out so they can go home:eek:

Very unfriendly Bar Manager--how long is it before you get out?

Crazy K--as long as it takes--have you got a problem with that:mad:

You could help me and that will speed it up--as if I dont want to go home at 1am asap

AAAAAArgh!!!

[robbiedj]

Oh how much you still have to learn, Glasshopper. :( :( :( :( :(

The time taken to set up is always in direct proportion to the grief given to you by the venue manager. :( :( :(

And break down time. You really have to be careful packing those cables. don't you. :devil:

[Corabar Entertainment]

Until you hit the "stair problem"



Spot on--you have to tell these people the realities of life--sometimes I accidentally mention to the client the venue are being unreasonable--:eek:
works for me:D



I have also had problems going out the building where a bar manager wants you out so they can go home:eek:

Very unfriendly Bar Manager--how long is it before you get out?

Crazy K--as long as it takes--have you got a problem with that:mad:

You could help me and that will speed it up--as if I dont want to go home at 1am asap

AAAAAArgh!!!

Alan, I've merged your posts together for you.

I've noticed that you post several times in a row quite a lot: could you take a minute and learn how to use the multiquote tool? TA! :thanks:

[Steve the DJ]

Moot point now as I have my last B+G meet this weekend at their home, but I usually try to arrange the pre-sales or pre-event meeting with the B+G at the actual venue so there's a 3-way understanding of how things will unfold and all the "what-if" situations are explored...

That's what I do, although whether or not the banqueting/venue staff on the day are informed or take any notice depends on so many things.

[simon1969]

Right there is a lot of experience on here why oh why:confused: dont people check out venues (if they havn't been before) before the gig and speak to the venue manager about access or even phone communication is key!!
Also a lot of people on here have booking forms stating terms and conditions for setting up etc.
If still your not happy ring or contact your customer who hopefully will have more clout than you, and explain what is going on.
Not always this simple but should be!!

[yourdj]

I had a client contact me the other day saying:


"we have booked a hall and the staff have said you need to be packed up and out after in 15 mins" its all contracted etc. so she looses some deposit if it goes over.

I told her that hall people are idiots and to go elsewhere. Even I would struggle with 15 mins on max power.

She told them that and booked a better venue and thanked me.

I had one hall where the girls spent ages cleaning up and did a great job. They missed the toilets and the bloke (not telling them) said they would lose £200 deposit - honestly how long does it take to clean a toilet. plonkers.

Its as if you owe them for taking up some of their weekend (which they get paid for).

[Excalibur]

Right there is a lot of experience on here why oh why:confused: dont people check out venues (if they havn't been before) before the gig and speak to the venue manager about access or even phone communication is key!!
Also a lot of people on here have booking forms stating terms and conditions for setting up etc.If still your not happy ring or contact your customer who hopefully will have more clout than you, and explain what is going on.
Not always this simple but should be!!

Doesn't matter what's written on the contract, if you can't get in to set up, you can't start on time.


I've had customers book me for functions, say 7 till midnight, no probs. What time does the venue open? You guessed it, 7 o'clock!!

[Mark Wild]

I just got back from the wedding venue I'm working at on Saturday, when talking to the venue manager about turn-around times etc. he asked me how long it takes me to setup, when I said " About 1 hour " he nearly spat his front teeth out at me and laughed. I asked " How long does your typical DJ take to setup for a wedding, he replied " 10 - 15 minutes, we provide the table and chair normally too, do you want us to provide them for you also? " to which I replied " No thank you, it's fine honestly I won't be needing them, I'll see you on Saturday, thanks for all your help "

I have in my T&C's setup times required all signed by the client, I'm going to relax more when setting up from now as this really was starting to do my head in lol. I will never be a 15 minute setup outfit and neither do I want to be, all good things come to those who wait. These people spend huge amounts on venues and deserve my setup to complement it and be presented to a very high standard, this takes time I'm afraid.

I'm learning Master Po ;) :D :D :D

[simon1969]

I just got back from the wedding venue I'm working at on Saturday, when talking to the venue manager about turn-around times etc. he asked me how long it takes me to setup, when I said " About 1 hour " he nearly spat his front teeth out at me and laughed. I asked " How long does your typical DJ take to setup for a wedding, he replied " 10 - 15 minutes, we provide the table and chair normally too, do you want us to provide them for you also? " to which I replied " No thank you, it's fine honestly I won't be needing them, I'll see you on Saturday, thanks for all your help "

I have in my T&C's setup times required all signed by the client, I'm going to relax more when setting up from now as this really was starting to do my head in lol. I will never be a 15 minute setup outfit and neither do I want to be, all good things come to those who wait. These people spend huge amounts on venues and deserve my setup to complement it and be presented to a very high standard, this takes time I'm afraid.

I'm learning Master Po ;) :D :D :D

Makes you think who has been setting up there in the past 15 mins ?!!
Must have been superman setting up or sid is around again haha !!!
Takes me at least an hour to set up, this is why its so important to arrange and sort out with your customer.
Times etc and ideally speak to customer face to face I emailled my friend the other day for a wedding i'm doing for her with loads of questions and she was totally confused as to why I wanted to know all these things :bang: :confused: i'm visiting venue next week to look at place and arrange times etc with them (wish me luck) ......

[simon1969]

Doesn't matter what's written on the contract, if you can't get in to set up, you can't start on time.


I've had customers book me for functions, say 7 till midnight, no probs. What time does the venue open? You guessed it, 7 o'clock!!

Bad communication again !!
You have said 7 till midnight thats your playing time not including set up time check with venue that you can get in early to set up if not back to your customer to explain why and remind them of your conditions about setting up ....

[Corabar Entertainment]

Bad communication again !!Please don't insult the membership and assume that everyone here is doing it wrong and you're doing it right! :bang: :bang:

If you've never had any issues - that's great, and I hope you never do, but sometimes, no matter how many times you state your requirements/check timings etc, things either don't go to plan or else people just ignore you. You can't force people to read/listen!!!

eg: A couple of weeks ago, I had discussions with the client about set up / break down times, followed by emails with the venue, followed by 2 or 3 telephone conversations with the venue. All sorted - fine.

At the end of the night, my DJ had a grumpy bar manager standing over him, complaining, tutting, and generally hassling him about how long it was taking him to get out. (This was 15 minutes after the gig had finished).

Then again, I've also had the venues who just point blank refuse to discuss anything with you. They ignore emails and phone calls and I've even had them tell the client they are the ones who have the contract with us, so they should be sorting everything out with us and that we shouldn't be bothering the venue directly! This leads to 'chinese whispers' and things get lost in translation.

Poor communication on our part? I think not! :mad:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Bad communication again !!
You have said 7 till midnight thats your playing time not including set up time check with venue that you can get in early to set up if not back to your customer to explain why and remind them of your conditions about setting up ....

To add on to Angelas point from knowing Peter on here for a while now I very much doubt that is the case as with many people on here.

[Corabar Entertainment]

To add on to Angelas point from knowing Peter on here for a while now I very much doubt that is the case as with many people on here.
SECONDED!

[CRAZY K]

Alan, I've merged your posts together for you.

I've noticed that you post several times in a row quite a lot: could you take a minute and learn how to use the multiquote tool? TA! :thanks:

Yes of course ==im struggling here trying to set up a Bank Account:eek:

[Corabar Entertainment]

:lol:

...Hmmmm.... wonder what that's all about then ;) :D

[CRAZY K]

:lol:

...Hmmmm.... wonder what that's all about then ;) :D

Its all to do with compliance, signing off, paper trails, links and auditors.;)

Ho hum:D

[yourdj]

Please don't insult the membership and assume that everyone here is doing it wrong and you're doing it right!

Yep. He did not say he turned up at the gig did he? :)

The post states that he asked what time does the venue opens!

[simon1969]

Please don't insult the membership and assume that everyone here is doing it wrong and you're doing it right! :bang: :bang:

If you've never had any issues - that's great, and I hope you never do, but sometimes, no matter how many times you state your requirements/check timings etc, things either don't go to plan or else people just ignore you. You can't force people to read/listen!!!

eg: A couple of weeks ago, I had discussions with the client about set up / break down times, followed by emails with the venue, followed by 2 or 3 telephone conversations with the venue. All sorted - fine.

At the end of the night, my DJ had a grumpy bar manager standing over him, complaining, tutting, and generally hassling him about how long it was taking him to get out. (This was 15 minutes after the gig had finished).

Then again, I've also had the venues who just point blank refuse to discuss anything with you. They ignore emails and phone calls and I've even had them tell the client they are the ones who have the contract with us, so they should be sorting everything out with us and that we shouldn't be bothering the venue directly! This leads to 'chinese whispers' and things get lost in translation.

Poor communication on our part? I think not! :mad:

Woah there !!!
Sorry I made an assumption there and I thought (naughty me having thoughts) :eek: I have had problems with venues and probably will have more!!
Also I never said I hadn't but from bad experinces I have learn't from them.
I was not in any insulting the membership or you for that matter probably i'm teaching grandma to suck eggs !!!
I take back my comment on bad communication sounded like you had said to customer you were hired from 7pm- 12am apolgies ....
As for awkward venues and them telling you that its between you, and client that's just bad business and I would put them in my little black book of venues to aviod or warn your customer of problems in the past about set up times etc.
Sorry everyone again!!

[gaza]

And break down time. You really have to be careful packing those cables. don't you. :devil:




I did a year six leaving Disco last night and it was only from 6pm - 8pm, when i was setting up the teacher that had booked me came over and said " they want to lock up the school at 820pm ":eek:
So i told her that it will take me about 35 mins to pack down and get out, but then she she said " oh ok then". i still ended up sweating like a pig while i was rushing to get the stuff into the car:bang:

I wish you could buy an inflatable rig.

[Excalibur]

I did a year six leaving Disco last night and it was only from 6pm - 8pm, when i was setting up the teacher that had booked me came over and said " they want to lock up the school at 820pm ":eek:
So i told her that it will take me about 35 mins to pack down and get out, but then she she said " oh ok then". i still ended up sweating like a pig while i was rushing to get the stuff into the car:bang:

I wish you could buy an inflatable rig.

Rule one in such matters. Get the caretaker on your side from the outset. Everybody else is of no consequence to you once the music has stopped. ;) ;) ;)

[funkymook]

Rule one in such matters. Get the caretaker on your side from the outset. Everybody else is of no consequence to you once the music has stopped. ;) ;) ;)

Totally agree - I always try to contact the caretakers at village halls etc beforehand and have a chat. I think if you come across that you are working with the venue as well as for your clients they really appreciate it. Also, when I'm all packed up at the end I usually ask if I can help with anything before I go.

It's amazing how quickly a grumpy caretaker/manager can turn into your friend when you take a bit of time to talk to them.

[yourdj]

Totally agree - I always try to contact the caretakers at village halls etc beforehand and have a chat. I think if you come across that you are working with the venue as well as for your clients they really appreciate it. Also, when I'm all packed up at the end I usually ask if I can help with anything before I go.

It's amazing how quickly a grumpy caretaker/manager can turn into your friend when you take a bit of time to talk to them.

You get some proper plonker caretakers though. Some think they own the venues and act like lord of the manor :p

As you say it is good too get on with them. Bar staff as well. I always give tips in venues i want to return too. :)
Not the ones i don't though unless the staff are nice.

[Mark Wild]

You get some proper plonker caretakers though. Some think they own the venues and act like lord of the manor :p

As you say it is good too get on with them. Bar staff as well. I always give tips in venues i want to return too. :)
Not the ones i don't though unless the staff are nice.

For what?

[CRAZY K]

At the end of the night, my DJ had a grumpy bar manager standing over him, complaining, tutting, and generally hassling him about how long it was taking him to get out. (This was 15 minutes after the gig had finished).



Glad we are discussing this problem of getting out quickly--as I have said to plenty of people ---it takes as long as it takes ( unsaid hint-- message--- get off my back):D

By a stroke of total coincidence the venue I had a lot of grief at last year (Richmond area) will be used by me in August as I recommended it to a new Corporate client.:eek:

I cant wait to see the bar managers face when he realises who I am and how long it takes for me to get packed up==

How long--AS LONG AS IT TAKES PAL

:Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh:

[Excalibur]

Most topical this thread. When I have awoken tomorrow morning, I'll post a good gig/bad gig report of last night's wedding with Justin and I encountering the standard range of trials and tribulations. ;)

[yourdj]

For what?

A drink at the bar or something?

Had one last night. British legion.
The bloke came up towrads the end and said:

"you know we finish at 10 past"
I said "no we dont im booked until 12.30 ask the bloke whos birthday it is"

He then went up to the guy whos birthday it is and made him tell me we finish then.

No offense but they paid to book that room till 12.30. He just wanted to go out after. :( i told the lad he is taking the :Censored: and he agreed. Being a nice guy he just submitted to him.

The bloke then had the cheek to request a track (which i did not play). :p

[Excalibur]

A drink at the bar or something?

Had one last night. British legion.
The bloke came up towrads the end and said:

"you know we finish at 10 past"
I said "no we dont im booked until 12.30 ask the bloke whos birthday it is"

He then went up to the guy whos birthday it is and made him tell me we finish then.

No offense but they paid to book that room till 12.30. He just wanted to go out after. :( i told the lad he is taking the :Censored: and he agreed. Being a nice guy he just submitted to him.

The bloke then had the cheek to request a track (which i did not play). :p

If I had a pint for every time I've been booked till past midnight, and the venue staff have told me they close before, I wouldn't sober up for a long while. :D

[yourdj]

If I had a pint for every time I've been booked till past midnight, and the venue staff have told me they close before, I wouldn't sober up for a long while. :D

Bit cheeky isnt it :p

[DJ Jules]

If I had a pint for every time I've been booked till past midnight, and the venue staff have told me they close before, I wouldn't sober up for a long while. :D

Bit cheeky for who though...? A lot of the time the venue's license prevents them from having entertainment until after midnight, and expect it probably stated that somewhere in the booking paperwork (if the client read it). I expect a lot of these come down to a misunderstanding between the venue and the client regarding the difference between "end of licensed hours" and "everybody out time". I.e license ends at midnight, everyone out (including the staff) by 00:30 ;)

I always ask the venue staff at the start of the night what their license terms are, when I can play till, and if there is any flexibility in going over that time. Then I know where I stand from the start. If that's different to the client's expectation, then I'll get them to talk to the venue at the start.

Julian

[Excalibur]

Bit cheeky for who though...? A lot of the time the venue's license prevents them from having entertainment until after midnight, and expect it probably stated that somewhere in the booking paperwork (if the client read it). I expect a lot of these come down to a misunderstanding between the venue and the client regarding the difference between "end of licensed hours" and "everybody out time". I.e license ends at midnight, everyone out (including the staff) by 00:30 ;)

I always ask the venue staff at the start of the night what their license terms are, when I can play till, and if there is any flexibility in going over that time. Then I know where I stand from the start. If that's different to the client's expectation, then I'll get them to talk to the venue at the start.

Julian
Pretty much my experience, also. Toby's post baffled me somewhat. :confused:

[rob1963]

I always ask the venue staff at the start of the night what their license terms are, when I can play till, and if there is any flexibility in going over that time. Then I know where I stand from the start. If that's different to the client's expectation, then I'll get them to talk to the venue at the start.

I'm not really interested in licencing terms or whether there's flexibility in playing on.

When I arrive at a venue, the one question I always ask the person in charge is what time the music has to finish.

Occasionally, it's later than the finishing time which the client put on the booking form, in which case I tell them that the client's only booked me until xxx, so that's when I'll be finishing.

Sometimes, they say the music must stop earlier than the time which the client booked me to, in which case I will speak to the client & tell them that although they've booked me until xxx, a venue official has told me that I must finish at xxx. In most cases, they accept that, or if they have a problem, I'll ask them to have a chat with the person in charge, although in most cases they'll go to find an official without me having to ask them to.

[CRAZY K]

Glad we are discussing this problem of getting out quickly--as I have said to plenty of people ---it takes as long as it takes ( unsaid hint-- message--- get off my back):D

By a stroke of total coincidence the venue I had a lot of grief at last year (Richmond area) will be used by me in August as I recommended it to a new Corporate client.:eek:

I cant wait to see the bar managers face when he realises who I am and how long it takes for me to get packed up==

How long--AS LONG AS IT TAKES PAL

:Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh: :Laugh:

OH DISASTER:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Looks like I wont be going bacjk to the gig where I :Censored: off the bar manager on packing up times--the gigs off :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

[DJ Jules]

When I arrive at a venue, the one question I always ask the person in charge is what time the music has to finish.

Occasionally, it's later than the finishing time which the client put on the booking form, in which case I tell them that the client's only booked me until xxx, so that's when I'll be finishing.

Sometimes, they say the music must stop earlier than the time which the client booked me to, in which case I will speak to the client & tell them that although they've booked me until xxx, a venue official has told me that I must finish at xxx. In most cases, they accept that, or if they have a problem, I'll ask them to have a chat with the person in charge, although in most cases they'll go to find an official without me having to ask them to.

What I said then, with the exception of:


I'm not really interested in licencing terms or whether there's flexibility in playing on.

I'm not sure (one too many late nights recently - and too much Erasure :cool: ) - but did I say something which means something else? :D

Julian

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I'm not really interested in licencing terms or whether there's flexibility in playing on.


I am. Want to keep everybody on board, clients, venue and all of the other guests.

[rob1963]

I'm not really interested in licencing terms or whether there's flexibility in playing on.


I am. Want to keep everybody on board, clients, venue and all of the other guests.

It's impossible to keep everybody on board, just like it's impossible to please all the people all the time, because there will also be punters who want you to go on & there will always be staff who want to go home.

If the client has booked you until midnight & a venue official tells you the music must finish at midnight, I think it's unprofessional to then start asking about flexibility & whether you can play one or two more after the finish time.

:shrug:

[DJ Jules]

If the client has booked you until midnight & a venue official tells you the music must finish at midnight, I think it's unprofessional to then start asking about flexibility & whether you can play one or two more after the finish time.

:shrug:

That's exactly why I ask them in advance. I know this is an old conversation now, but a gig I was at a few weeks ago didn't really get going until 11:00. I'd already talked to the venue who said that they had a 12:00 finish booked, but they were quite happy for music to be played until 12:30 (and their license included music until 1:00!) so when midnight came and the client came and asked me quietly if I could play on, I knew exactly where we all stood.

If they'd said that their license ended at midnight or 23:45, or they weren't prepared to hang around, then I also would have known where I stood and would have finished at or slightly before midnight or 23:45 or whatever.

Anyway, different horses, different courses, etc etc... :)

Julian

[simon1969]

God it all sounds so complicated :eek: :eek: !!!!!!!
Licensing times vary so much don't they? :confused: :confused:
As I have said before and other people have I usually speak to venue before hand and the clients after the venue so I can explain about times to them.
Speak to the venue manager not the barmonkeys as in the past they have given me completly wrong times and this has been embarassing for me.