Refreshments while working.

[Cowlinn]

Do you expect food and drink while your working? Is it in your T&C's? When offered do you accept?

Discuss :D

[funkymook]

I don't expect it and it's not in my T&C's. Unless I'm DJ'ing for close friends and know a lot of the guests I won't go to the buffet and help myself, even if invited. But if someone offers to bring me some food then I sometimes accept, depends on the situation though.

I had a wedding meeting last week and the B&G said they've arranged food and drinks for me as I'm there all day - I have no problem accepting this and told them it's much appreciated.

[WWDJ]

No, I don't generally get hungry at gigs, which is amazing, because I am hungry most of the rest of the time.

But, I wouldn't expect a client to provide food, although many do offer buffet.

Drinks wise, if it is my local venue I just purchase drinks while I am there and occasionally have a few pints while working. If I am elsewhere, generally I will sort myself a bottle of water, especially if I am working a bar. Trying to get a drink whilst 5 deep at the bar before the record runs out is nigh on impossible :D

[STEVE HANLEY]

There's a thread on here already about this I'm sure and it's about 100+ posts long:eek:

I just can't remember what it's title was

Edit: That's the baby

http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=29032&highlight=eating+buffet

[Twinspin]

The way i see it is. Its fine if your offered to help yourself to the buffet or the client buys you a drink from the bar. Asking for it is one i wouldnt dare do.

Buffet food i never have even if im offered it. Im always happy with a cold drink but would accept a cold drink if the client offers to buy me one.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Common sense approach from myself. For a normal 7-12 gig I'll eat beforehand and get myself a coke if I need something.

For an all day event then I do require food and drink being provided at some stage.

[Excalibur]

It's imposssible to generalise. There are so many variables. If only they were all like one I did years ago. The host took me, and the Steel Band from Leeds to one side, and said:
" Right lads, I know you're all working, but as far as I'm concerned, you're guests. If you want food or drink, get it. And don't stand at the end of the queue, either. "

[chrisj]

I will only have food and drink if they are offered ie never help myself unless told to.
2 hog roasts and a BBQ at 2 weddings and a 50th in 4 weeks have been nice though. The couples were all very insistant that I had some.
Excuse me but my mouth is watering again.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

In my opinion, for what it's worth....I NEVER have anything, even if I am offered beforehand or on the night itself. It's up to me to make sure I eat before I go out and I will either get myself a bottle of water or have Lime & Soda when I am the function. It doesn't make any difference to me whether it's a 7.00pm - Midnight job or an all dayer. If it was an all dayer then I would take my own food and refreshments and simply notify the customer that I require a break at some point, just like any other job.

It's nice being offered but I don't take up the offer. In my view, there's nothing worse than seeing a DJ help themselves to the grub. It's all very well that the customer has said you're ok to have some but the guests don't know that do they!!?

Saying all of that though, the main reason I don't eat that much when I am working is because I have a dodgy stomach at times and it's not worth taking the chance.

[Ecstatic Events]

As long as there's a full bottle of Smirnoff waiting for me, I dont care!!!

Seriously. No. No and No

Even when offered, it's a no go when it comes to food.

When I got married, I noticed the subject being covered in the DJs T&C's and laughed.

[DazzyD]

I always eat before working so I tend decline offers food. My thinking is if I was to eat something dodgy from the buffet it could upset my stomach and cause problems towards the end of the night. It's much safer to eat something I've made that I know agrees with me.

As for drink, I usually take a bottle watered down blackcurrant juice or just plain water. I don't like spending money while I'm supposed to be earning it and alcohol while working is a definite no-no. Could you image a bus driver having a few pints whilst on the job? It simply doesn't bear thinking about.

[ian8limelight]

I don't like to eat at functions but my T&C's do request that 'soft drinks' are supplied if possible.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Saves me writing it all out.... :D


I don't expect it and it's not in my T&C's. Unless I'm DJ'ing for close friends and know a lot of the guests I won't go to the buffet and help myself, even if invited. But if someone offers to bring me some food then I sometimes accept, depends on the situation though.

I had a wedding meeting last week and the B&G said they've arranged food and drinks for me as I'm there all day - I have no problem accepting this and told them it's much appreciated.

[ppentertainments]

Saves me writing it all out.... :D
Along the same lines as myself :) :)

[DJWilson]

I don't expect it, neither in my T&C's, that's just taking the :Censored: if it was TBH.


I'm usually offered drink and food during the evening anyway.

I sometimes expect a drink but never go to a buffet etc.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

If you don't agree with it then fine, but it is not taking the :Censored::Censored::Censored::Censored: to have something in your contract like that.

I am starting to get a little annoyed with people's attitude towards this.

[Nexus]

To be honest I never 'expect' anything. I dont feel comfortable eating in front of clients with a roomful of people looking on. But that's just a personal opinion and wouldn't criticize anybody who thinks differently.
Having said all that, their have been occasions where I have eaten when invited, usually during a particularly long event.
Never drink alcohol when working and prefer to get my own drinks, you never know what little pranks people get up to these days.

[rossken]

I've often found at all day events (Weddings especially) there's suppliers refreshments made available. To be honest, its the best part of the day - In another room with soup and sandwiches chatting to photogrpahers/videographers/band members etc.

At evening events I often find the client will bring me a plate of food from the buffet, or make me go up and help myself. If I'm helping myself I always let the guests go first and I'll take whats left - I'll eat anything! :D

There was one event I did for an Italian couple where I had a place set at a table and they made me sit and eat with them.

As for drinks - I usually just get a pint of tap water from the bar... sometimes I splash out and have a can of Irn Bru.

[Cowlinn]

If you don't agree with it then fine, but it is not taking the :Censored::Censored::Censored::Censored: to have something in your contract like that.

I am starting to get a little annoyed with people's attitude towards this.

I think demanding food in your T and Cs is borderline on taking the michael. If you want to eat, bring food.

Do you make your plumber a roast dinner when he fixes your sink?

Accepting drinks is fine, not demeaning them.


Out of interest is it in your t and Cs ?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I think demanding food in your T and Cs is borderline on taking the michael. If you want to eat, bring food.

Do you make your plumber a roast dinner when he fixes your sink?

Accepting drinks is fine, not demeaning them.


Out of interest is it in your t and Cs ?

Geez I hope you got a big sofa.

Have you people who have the issue with the t&c's asking for drinks and food to be provided considered that customers are happy to do so. Bands and other Wedding suppliers have this in their contracts so what makes DJ's differently? Mr Stead had it bang on in his earlier post.

[soundtracker]

Geez I hope you got a big sofa.

Have you people who have the issue with the t&c's asking for drinks and food to be provided considered that customers are happy to do so. Bands and other Wedding suppliers have this in their contracts so what makes DJ's differently? Mr Stead had it bang on in his earlier post.

Thank you sir, I've given up the debate, if people don't value themselves, that's their problem! You can lead a horse etc!:cool:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Geez I hope you got a big sofa.

Have you people who have the issue with the t&c's asking for drinks and food to be provided considered that customers are happy to do so. Bands and other Wedding suppliers have this in their contracts so what makes DJ's differently? Mr Stead had it bang on in his earlier post.

Every one is different and has their own opinion and no'one is right or wrong. It's what you feel comfortable with isn't it. I personally don't feel confortable with it even though I am offered to join in around 75% of the time. It's a nice gesture and makes you feel like you are appreciated but I still won't have anything but that's me.

If people want to put it in their T&C's then that's up to them...it makes no difference to me at all. If there is a band at my function too and they are all eating, that doesn't bother me either....I can look after myself.

As for the example about making a roast dinner for a plumber...that's a bit OTT in my opinion. A plumber certainly would not expect anything just as some of us wouldn't. If there were plumbers out there that had it in their T&C's that they required food when they visit....I wouldn't hire them! Obviously it's just an example.....

Whenever a Plumber, Electrician or whatever visits, I always offer them a coffee or tea...nothing wrong with that and it's probably along the same lines as the DJ being offered a meal or a visit to the buffet isn't it?

[Corabar Steve]

The big difference being, the photographer isn't snapping away when he's chowing down on a chicken leg, the toastmaster hasn't got a mouthful of quiche when he's announcing the formalities & the band aren't tucking into a 3 course meal while they're playing Mustang Sally

[Megamix]

i put the laptop on autoplay, push my self to the front of the queue and sit in the corner stuffing my face :evelgrin: :evelgrin: :evelgrin:

[Dynamic Entertainment]

i put the laptop on autoplay, push my self to the front of the queue and sit in the corner stuffing my face :evelgrin: :evelgrin: :evelgrin:

Dont joke...last year I had a photographer who was at the buffet liuke a shot...and I'm mean Bride...Groom...photographer...everyone else...in that order. In this case there was a few comments passed about his "enthusiasm" ;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I think demanding food in your T and Cs is borderline on taking the michael. If you want to eat, bring food.

Do you make your plumber a roast dinner when he fixes your sink?

Accepting drinks is fine, not demeaning them.


Out of interest is it in your t and Cs ?

Yes.

We aren't talking about a job where they can pop off and have lunch or whatever and each job is taken on individual merits.

[James]

For myself, the answer is rarely

The last thing i want is to be standing on a stage or whatever munching on chicken legs

I have 'raided' the buffett in the past, but 9/10 i'll make sure i have something to eat before i go, and get something after the gig

[funkymook]

For myself, the answer is rarely

The last thing i want is to be standing on a stage or whatever munching on chicken legs

I have 'raided' the buffett in the past, but 9/10 i'll make sure i have something to eat before i go, and get something after the gig

If I do have some buffet I make sure it's non-greasy, easy to eat without being obvious food - nothing worse than having a chicken leg and then realising you forgot the serviette and have to touch your gear with greasy fingers!

[BossmanKaraokeDisco]

Always get offered from the buffet but mostly decline as too busy drinking the beer :beer3:

:sofa: Wait for it :D

[DJ Paulie]

99% of gigs I do I get offered food & drinks. I accept them as I see them as perks of the job or consider them as a tip ! I haven't passed my test here so don't drive home, so if anyone buys me a pint I'll drink it but slowly !

[hammy]

When offered the buffet I always send my roadie up but not till all the guests have left the buffet area.

As for "would you give the plumber a roast dinner", Actually yes I would feed him if he was here for 4 hours, We had a plumber in for about 5 hours fitting a new boiler and shower and gave him untold cups of tea and chicken and chips

[Cowlinn]

When offered the buffet I always send my roadie up but not till all the guests have left the buffet area.

As for "would you give the plumber a roast dinner", Actually yes I would feed him if he was here for 4 hours, We had a plumber in for about 5 hours fitting a new boiler and shower and gave him untold cups of tea and chicken and chips

Cups of tea and coffee is obviously totally normal, but I find the plumber sitting down to eat Chicken and Chips with you and your family weird...

[DJ Paulie]

Dear Hammy, I would like to come & inspect your boiler, it'll take 6 hours so can I have pie & mash !

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Dear Hammy, I would like to come & inspect your boiler, it'll take 6 hours so can I have pie & mash !

And Ill be inspecting the shower....

[DJ Paulie]

And Ill be inspecting the shower....

Chicken & chips for you then ?!

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Chicken & chips for you then ?!
I'll settle for Chateaubriand.... :D

[hammy]

I must add it wasnt in his contract and he didnt sit with us, I just felt he should eat :p

[Cowlinn]

I must add it wasnt in his contract and he didnt sit with us, I just felt he should eat :p

You didn't let him sit with you :eek:


You rude git :D :D

[hammy]

:D :D

[Charlie Brown]

Matt, if you valued what you do and the service you offer you wouldn't find anything rude.

Yes, it's weird eating in front of the guests but a DJ is one of the most important aspects of their big day.

[Cowlinn]

Matt, if you valued what you do and the service you offer you wouldn't find anything rude.

What nonsense? You're the DJ, you're not god's gift. So when your working as you "value yourself" you wouldn't find anything you do as rude? You think your immune from causing offence to people??!!

I think it's totally unprofessional to eat on the job, I can't believe some peoples views on this.

You're paid to work, to do what you do best, not to sit around and eat!! On my wedding day I would be appalled if the DJ was munching his dinner while trying to entertain my guests, and being paid by me!!

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I see wehere your coming from Matt, and kind of agree with you in that for a 4-5 hour disco you shouldnt need to eat ;) ...whats your feelings on an all-day jobby?

[Cowlinn]

I see wehere your coming from Matt, and kind of agree with you in that for a 4-5 hour disco you shouldnt need to eat ;) ...whats your feelings on an all-day jobby?

Give yourself an hour or so break, price the job accordingly.

In that hour break, grab some food. Obviously you cannot go a whole day without eating, but I don't think people should be eating while working.

I don't know why people think it's acceptable just because we're in the entertainment industry. I know hammy said he fed his plumber but I think this is a one off and I can't see many of use giving the plumber dinner!!

[Danno13]

This isn't a normal job though, it's anti social hours and it's not always easy to eat a full meal at 3pm-4pm before leaving for a gig. It's not like you're asking for an hour break to relax or 5 mins every hour for a fag break! It's a basic human need to be able to eat and it keeps your energy levels up which is vital for what we do.

[Charlie Brown]

[QUOTE=Cowlinn;545063]What nonsense? You're the DJ, you're not god's gift. So when your working as you "value yourself" you wouldn't find anything you do as rude? You think your immune from causing offence to people??!!
/QUOTE]

Well, I think I'm the 'be all or end all' of their big day. The evening reception is probably one of the most important parts of the day. What will people remember the most? Why should the band or photographer munch on food whitest we stand gorping like a mug? My view was very different a year ago but since I've been doing weddings - it's all changed.

IMO, we should be treated as 'mini celebs' - our job is to entertain, bring the guests together and ensure they have a blast!

I don't eat in front of the punters but most of my clients arrange for a meal in another room. It's not in my T&C's but tomorrow morning it'll be the first thing I add.

[Cowlinn]

This isn't a normal job though, it's anti social hours and it's not always easy to eat a full meal at 3pm-4pm before leaving for a gig. It's not like you're asking for an hour break to relax or 5 mins every hour for a fag break! It's a basic human need to be able to eat and it keeps your energy levels up which is vital for what we do.

It doesn't matter what hours it is!! Do Nurses, Doctors, Policemen, Firemen, Bus Drivers, TV presenters and all other jobs that work unsociable hours eat WHILE working? No, they have a break.

When people are being paid A LOT of money to do a job, sometimes 5 or 6 hundres pounds upwards, they should be doing their job, not eating.

I need to stress I'm not saying don't eat, I'm saying take a half hour break and eat. On just a night job eat before you leave.

[Danno13]

Just to put this in some perspective Matt, how many gigs have you actually done? How many weekends have you worked Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun nights all in a row? How many Weddings have you been there at 9-10am in the morning and left at 2-3am?

[Cowlinn]

Just to put this in some perspective Matt, how many gigs have you actually done?

In my lifetime? Off hand I don't know between 60 - 80


How many weekends have you worked Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun nights all in a row?
Not many, maybe one.


How many Weddings have you been there at 9-10am in the morning and left at 2-3am?

None.

Not sure what relevance that had?

[Danno13]

QED

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I think the relevence is Matt that when you do 4 nights off the belt end and 2 of them are all day jobbies then you cant pick and choose your time to eat ;)

[Cowlinn]

I think the relevence is Matt that when you do 4 nights off the belt end and 2 of them are all day jobbies then you cant pick and choose your time to eat ;)

So from 9am until the event starts at 7ish, you wouldn't have 15 minutes spare? You literally are working the entire time?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

So from 9am until the event starts at 7ish, you wouldn't have 15 minutes spare? You literally are working the entire time?

I have been in the past, yes.

When I was 18 I was a technicial/roadie for a company providing 6 soundsystems to various tents/stages at The Wickerman Festival...For 4 days before the gates opened I was up at 8 working toi it was dark and getting food on the move...i was eating bacon butties whilst programming lighting desks etc...in this line of work mate the job comes first and you eat when you can and when your offered...maybe you have rose tinted glasses because you usually work relativly short lengths of time. :)

[Cowlinn]

QED

:whoosh:


I have been in the past, yes.

Do you not think that's bad for your health to work more than 10 hours without eating or drinking anything?

[Danno13]

You can't just tell your body to be hungry at the exact moment you have chance for a break either, especially if you stick to a regular eating pattern on weekdays.




Do you not think that's bad for your health to work more than 10 hours without eating or drinking anything?

Errr... yes, that's what we're trying to say!

[Cowlinn]

Errr... yes, that's what we're trying to say!

Do you not think it's unprofessional to eat while you should be working?

[Danno13]

I think it's more unprofessional to go hungry and have it affect your performance. People understand that you need to eat!

[Cowlinn]

I think it's more unprofessional to go hungry and have it affect your performance. People understand that you need to eat!

I still can't believe in 10+ hours they're wont be a 15 minute slot to eat.

[Charlie Brown]

Danno - do you eat in front of the clients?

I think Matt would rather leave the room and have a fifteen minute break to eat his dinner in peace...which is what I do.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Do you not think it's unprofessional to eat while you should be working?

But the point is...what if you actually cannot schedule time in to take a break and leave the equipment?

I had wedding 2 years ago which was all day...normally you could leave the system running, but they wanted the afternoon music to be deep house (mixed properly) out on the lawn (weather dependant) and the wedding breakfast was a bbq. That meant that i couldnt leave a CD running and nip off for a break...I had the groom handing me burgers and bacon butties which I was eating whilst mixing and it was perfectly accepted because they valued what I was doing and knew that it needed my full attention...

[Cowlinn]

Danno - do you eat in front of the clients?

I think Matt would rather leave the room and have a fifteen minute break to eat his dinner in peace...which is what I do.

Exactly. Clients won't mind you taking a break!


But the point is...what if you actually cannot schedule time in to take a break and leave the equipment?

I had wedding 2 years ago which was all day...normally you could leave the system running, but they wanted the afternoon music to be deep house (mixed properly) out on the lawn (weather dependant) and the wedding breakfast was a bbq. That meant that i couldnt leave a CD running and nip off for a break...I had the groom handing me burgers and bacon butties which I was eating whilst mixing and it was perfectly accepted because they valued what I was doing and knew that it needed my full attention...

What did you do on this occasion?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Mix and eat at the same time...

[Cowlinn]

Mix and eat at the same time...

Sorry, but I find that un-professional.

I don't know what you could have done to be fair, but I wouldn't have done that.

It's a hard one I know, but I'd hate to see someone I'm paying my hard earned cash eat while working.

This is just my opinion though :D

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Well considering it was the Groom handing me food...

[Danno13]

Ok so in the real world ...

For a "normal" 7-12 gig I'll probably be leaving my house around 4.30/5, when I get to the venue I'm either straight in to setup, or (usually!) waiting as things have overrun (no chance of getting anything to eat here as the venue are more worried about serving guest, and rightly so) Setup for say 7pm-8pm, things are overrunning so you can't nip out for a sandwhich as you're required to be setup ASAP.

Once you've started you'll be "working" till say the buffet at 9pm, and by the time the guests have helped themselves, it's almost time to start off again - so at this point would you be asking for a 15 min break to eat? Or would it be far more professional to have arranged something in advance? Then it's party time till 12-1am, packed up for 1-2am.

Point is, it's rarely ever practical to have a proper 15 min break (and who wants to rush down a meal in 15 mins anyway?) so you need to have some kind of compromise.

[Cowlinn]

Ok so in the real world ...

For a "normal" 7-12 gig I'll probably be leaving my house around 4.30/5, when I get to the venue I'm either straight in to setup, or (usually!) waiting as things have overrun (no chance of getting anything to eat here as the venue are more worried about serving guest, and rightly so) Setup for say 7pm-8pm, things are overrunning so you can't nip out for a sandwhich as you're required to be setup ASAP.

Once you've started you'll be "working" till say the buffet at 9pm, and by the time the guests have helped themselves, it's almost time to start off again - so at this point would you be asking for a 15 min break to eat? Or would it be far more professional to have arranged something in advance? Then it's party time till 12-1am, packed up for 1-2am.

Why can't you have an early dinner before you leave at 4pm, then some toast when you get in if you're hungry?

[Danno13]

Do you eat at 3pm every day then? Not really very easy if you're not hungry at that time!

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Theres this saying......."Teaching grandma to suck eggs" Look it up Matt.

[soundtracker]

Do you not think it's unprofessional to eat while you should be working?

My venues do, that's why they bring me a plate of food every week, just to make me look like an amateur!:muppet:

[Cowlinn]

Do you eat at 3pm every day then?

Not every day no?

If I'm working from 6 - 12 I do yes.

[Danno13]

Well I think your definition of "working" is different to mine. I can't remember the last time I got back from a gig at 12, or left at 6 for that matter.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

So eating at 3pm...you still looking at 10-11 hours before you get your toast when you get in at 1 or 2am.

[Cowlinn]

Theres this saying......."Teaching grandma to suck eggs" Look it up Matt.


My venues do, that's why they bring me a plate of food every week, just to make me look like an amateur!:muppet:


Not every day no?

If I'm working from 6 - 12 I do yes.

This isn't even a worthwhile discussion anymore, it's just pointless bickering and people doing the same old.

It's very predictable.

Everyone knows my thoughts on this, don't think I need to say any more :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I think it's totally unprofessional to eat on the job, I can't believe some peoples views on this.



Wait until you have long term experience and you might change your mind.


Just to put this in some perspective Matt, how many gigs have you actually done?


Just what I was thinking....


Theres this saying......."Teaching grandma to suck eggs" Look it up Matt.

:lol:


My venues do, that's why they bring me a plate of food every week, just to make me look like an amateur!:muppet:

So unprofessional....:eek: :D




It's very predictable.



What is predictable is someone having not a lot of experience telling people that have been doing this job for years and years for a living that they are unprofessional because they need to eat.

It really does make me laugh.

[Shaun]

I don't eat in view of any guests - period! I'll eat on the way or when I get home, or often I'll buy a few service station sandwiches which I'll eat out of sight after setup. In front of guests it's a no-no for me. Just a personal thing I guess.

[funkymook]

A bit of perspective here - we're not talking about the DJ having a full on three course meal behind his decks, it's usually some snacks you've bought yourself or a few bits and pieces from the buffet, eaten quite discreetly.

For me it's mainly to keep my blood sugar up otherwise I can start feeling really awful at a long gig with no food, so I usually have something with me just in case.

[Ecstatic Events]

Im Diabetic - So I'll ALWAYS have something to hand. Normally chocolate of which I'll happily munch behind the booth if required.

We DO need to eat (and suggesting otherwise is idiotic) - and on the long gigs I do except NOT expect hospitality.

I go to gigs prepared in the food and beverage department....

Interesting read so far. Especially from the less experienced.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I don't eat in view of any guests - period! I'll eat on the way or when I get home, or often I'll buy a few service station sandwiches which I'll eat out of sight after setup. In front of guests it's a no-no for me. Just a personal thing I guess.

A personal thing or opinion is fair enough.

To say someone is unprofessional because they eat whilst working or they are taking the :Censored::Censored::Censored::Censored: is a different matter.

I always eat before I work., but have the T&Cs in my contract for all day events.

[Javlingames]

A bit of perspective here - we're not talking about the DJ having a full on three course meal behind his decks, it's usually some snacks you've bought yourself or a few bits and pieces from the buffet, eaten quite discreetly.



Exactly what he said.

[DazzyD]

Exactly. Clients won't mind you taking a break!
...

So, when I last did an all day event, I was onsite at 10am to start at 12pm. They wanted me to entertain the guests who didn't attend the wedding from 12pm and then the guests from the wedding from 6pm til the end of the night at 11pm. So, a 13 hour day. Because the day was really busy, there was no scope for a break - yes, not even 15mins! - and I could hardly stop the music and say "oh, time for my break now!". So, I was extremely grateful for a few sarnies passed to me around 5pm-ish.

[juicylucy]

I think it is acceptable to have a few discrete sarnies and a choc bar to keep the energy levels up, eaten during a song, obviously i wouldn't take a mouthful at the end of a track in case of announcements etc. However I do think it is a bit ott to expect refreshments to be provided in your t and c's. If you can remember to take some large speakers, an amp, mixer and lights surely a small box of sarnies can be taken in unnoticed and eaten the same.
:confused:

[Jason]

I've just taken a booking where I'll be working with a band (4 piece).
I'll be setting up at the same time as them, and starting my set when they end, with about 2 1/2 hrs of DJing.
I'm also taking over during their break.

I've just read their terms, and essentially they require food and drink for 4 people (2 vegetarian) as part of their terms.

My terms do not current have such a clause.

So, I'm in attendance for longer, working (ie DJing) for longer, yet they are requiring refreshments.

I think they are right...

Last weekend was a 3pm depart from our base and a 3:30am return. Luckily, we had 3hrs of downtime where we located a local pub and had a very long dinner. Yes, I even had coffee :-)
However, this came out of my earnings, and made the gig less profitable.

We'll be feeding our DJ and TOG and ensuring they have refreshments - but I'm sure most of us would do the same if we had to hire a service..

[Robstar]

I did a christening yesterday.. one hour set up six hours stood up, one drink (water) and one loo break, i was offered food but turned it down (politely) as i always do and one hour pack up so eight hours plus travel time and un packing at home . now when i was a retail manager i never would let my staff work six hours without a break never mind the nine hours taking everything into account..

I was starving when i got home and knackered. BUT i don't see an easy way around this for the type of gigs i do and the market sector i mainly operate in.

One bonus yesterday was that everyone and i mean everyone at the party was beautiful, i felt well out of place! , they were all stunning looking the blokes looked like models as much as the ladies and they were all beautiful in attitude too , very lovely and nice people not a arrogant person amongst them all really nice beautiful people. The nicest group of people i have done a function for. so the long hours without proper food and water was worth it.

I would feel cheeky putting i require food and drinks in my terms and conditions , i would feel happier putting i need rest breaks or something of that nature and i would factor that into my costs.

funny as a store manager i fought so my work colleagues had proper breaks but when its me I don't really think about it.

[Charlie Brown]

I've just stumbled across this :eek: :eek:

FOOD & DRINKS CATERING


A pot of tea and a pot of coffee with biscuits and a selection of ham, cheese & onion and tuna and sweet corn sandwiches for six people to be served on arrival at the venue.

A hot meal to be available for 6 people at least 2 hours prior to the bands performance. It is not acceptable to eat at the same time as other guests if the band are expected to perform within 2 hours of the meal been served and an alternative must be agreed with the band on arrival at the venue.
Remember we want to give you the best performance possible and performing on a full stomach is not going to enable the band to give its best.

A bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine 2 x crates of 48 good quality bottles of Becks or Heineken beer, 24 cans of soft drinks, 6 x 1 litre bottles of still water and 2 litres of fresh orange juice.

*N.B. The Bogus Brothers are not unreasonable guys and if any of the above proves to be difficult to provide please contact us so that we can come to some alternative arrangement.

[Megamix]

they were all stunning looking the blokes looked like models as much as the ladies and they were all beautiful in attitude too

a bit like this forum :sofa:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I've just stumbled across this :eek: :eek:

FOOD & DRINKS CATERING


A pot of tea and a pot of coffee with biscuits and a selection of ham, cheese & onion and tuna and sweet corn sandwiches for six people to be served on arrival at the venue.

A hot meal to be available for 6 people at least 2 hours prior to the bands performance. It is not acceptable to eat at the same time as other guests if the band are expected to perform within 2 hours of the meal been served and an alternative must be agreed with the band on arrival at the venue.
Remember we want to give you the best performance possible and performing on a full stomach is not going to enable the band to give its best.

A bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine 2 x crates of 48 good quality bottles of Becks or Heineken beer, 24 cans of soft drinks, 6 x 1 litre bottles of still water and 2 litres of fresh orange juice.

*N.B. The Bogus Brothers are not unreasonable guys and if any of the above proves to be difficult to provide please contact us so that we can come to some alternative arrangement.

Bands are well know for their outrageous riders. That's what makes me laugh when we ask for a soft drink to be available for a 12 hour gig...

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Gotta love the line at the end "*N.B. The Bogus Brothers are not unreasonable guys and if any of the above proves to be difficult to provide please contact us so that we can come to some alternative arrangement".

[Ecstatic Events]

A bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine 2 x crates of 48 good quality bottles of Becks or Heineken beer

I'm off to amend my T&C's :D

I am amazed at how many gigs I have done where I havent even been offered a single drink. It's really sad. We need to be looked after.

Always take supplies ;)

[MusicCity]

I just don't understand about all this requiring food and drink in your T & C's,do you ask the management to provide it when you are at your day job's? (if you have one that is) .No?,so what's the difference ,6 hours at a function,8 hours in a factory and I do not demand my Bosses provide me with refreshment:confused:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I can see where people are coming from in putting this into the T&C's and certainly don't have an "issue" with people that do.......however I always take food and drink with me to events and never expect clients or venues to provide food. It is a nice gesture when offered and sometimes I will take them up on it but always prepare my own stuff.

[boomerangdiscos]

if offered i will always go up and have some buffet but i am the same as everyone else on here who accepts and wait until the guests have been up,i work regularly in 2 venues one in ten years have never even offered me a soft drink although i have helped them out by starting early or playing late by about 20 minutes if the meal has over run or when they have forgottton to book me at all got there and set up within an hour for no thanks now contrast this to another venue who on my very first gig there gave me a tour showed me an unused bar and told me to help myself half an hour later member of staff comes down chef wants to know what you want for dinner full 3 courses off the xmas menu and they do this every time im there and of course it is reciporated i will always do as much as i can to help them if im booked i arrange cover ect i always reccomend them as a venue but the other place now gets no goodwill out of me i am always professional and do a good job but if they require even an extra 20 mins they get charged the additional hourly rate the moral of the story if your polite and lookafter your dj or plumber ect they will look after you

[JAMdisco]

Just came across this thread as Charlie resurrected it from May and saw this post from John:


Buffet food i never have even if im offered it. Im always happy with a cold drink but would accept a cold drink if the client offers to buy me one.

Funny thing is, the first time I ever met you John, you were sat down munching on a big plate full of the buffet food - I think your pants may be on fire there :D :D

As for me, I will eat if I'm offered but wouldn't ask and I would only eat it if it was either background music or a looong song (paradise for example). As for drink, I usually get a 2 litre bottle of sugar free pop (apple or orangeade), ask for a pint glass from the bar and drink that.

There's no way I'll buy a glass or orange squash at some of the hotel's inflated prices - I think £2.80 was the highest yet for a pint of orange cordial (yes with tap water) :eek: :eek:

[djdave01]

There's no way I'll buy a glass or orange squash at some of the hotel's inflated prices - I think £2.80 was the highest yet for a pint of orange cordial (yes with tap water) :eek: :eek:

I can beat that, £3.40 for blackcurrent squash and water in a dodgy hotel about 5 years ago!!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I've just had an email from a B&G for an all day wedding asking me whether sandwiches and buffet are OK for me to eat or if I'd prefer a hot meal.

She also mentioned that she'd looked on my T&Cs to see what was required, couldn't see anything, so decided to ask instead!

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Had the same thing last week Darren. In my meeting the customer said that they had made arrangements with the staff to make sure that I was looked after. They had arranged a seperate tab for me at the bar and the best man was told to look after me. (a pint of Lime & Soda lasted me all night and he found it outrageous. My bar tab was £1.20!!).

I also declined the food offer because I don't like taking chances with the way my guts are. Not everyone likes listening to the full length version of 'Bat Out Of Hell' or 'American Pie' whilst I'm in the loo.

It is nice though when customers think of you like that and I am always appreciative but I never take anything, even though on saturday their bacon baps smelt lovely (and they were huge!).