A video reply to the question about a DJ drinking on the job: By John Young #DJNTV

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ahoustondj

ahoustondj

DJ Extraordinaire
Aug 13, 2007
20,235
3,464
Texas
This need to be addressed to those who don't know how to handle their drinks. I know some chaps who are afaid to even have a glass of water or soft drink near them for fear that they would be perceived as drinking.
DJing is NOT a job, unless you are hired as an employee by someone else. You are a Business administering a performance, plain and simple. In some cultures you can be considered as being rude for refusing to partake in a drink or two.
There is absolutely nothing wrong in drinking responsibly. Know when to STOP BEFORE YOU GET INTOXICATED.

 
Many years ago it was very accepted in my area for the DJ to drink as long as the music kept playing no one cared. I used to drink at events all the time and many nights I had much more than I should have

In the last 25 years I have rarely touched alcohol at an event. I have one drink at midnight on New Years Eve and if the client were to bring me up something I would probably drink it. As an example they had Jello Shooters at an event I did around Hallowen they took me up one I had it but that's where I draw the line. I get offered drinks all he time it's pretty common when they insist I tell them I don't drink at events but a Pepsi would be wonderful

This is my choice on how to do things. I don't preach it to anyone else that doesn't work through my name. There's nothing wrong with having a drink or two as long as common sense comes in to play.

I do have a glass of Pepsi or Coke by me almost all night. I generally ask for the bottle for two reasons firstly it's harder to spill and secondly it shows what I'm drinking
 
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Jeff, I think this is another Self Imposed Restriction that some DJs are trying to make standard. Its no different than the Chair/No Chair Debate. To each their own, we are all individual businesses.

There is a Socially acceptable way for anyone to have a drink(s). I don't think anyone is advocating sloshing down drinks in front of the Guests and acting a fool. Many times I am having a drink at an Event, nobody is aware of it, therefore nobody cares.

As far as intoxication, people need to know their limits. Some people get drunk from one drink while it may take 5 drinks for another one to even get a buzz so the tolerance level is different.

To summarize, those who chose not to have a drink are perfectly within their right not to do so and they should not demonize someone else who chooses to partake.
 
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I've never been one to subscribe to the standards that others arbitrarily impose or do I propose any standards on anyone else. I have a chair at every event and frequently sit down not once has a client asked about it.

What I do find interesting is most of those that tried to impose the standards are no longer working DJs


Jeff
 
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I was never a drinker, and I've never been drunk.
So, it's never been an issue for me.

Of course, I remember the days when I smoked,
and having a cigarette at the DJ table, at the head table, or anywhere else at a reception was perfectly acceptable.
But even then I would only smoke if the client did...otherwise I'd head outside.
 
I don't drink as I'm in recovery. I say drinking is a big no no at a private event. Not because I'm in recovery but because how can you do your best for the client that booked you and their guests if you're intoxicated? Even just a drink or two can have you not completely give it your all. If you must have a drink what's wrong with waiting till you finish working that event. Then you can get plastered all you want. Just don't drink and drive taking a chance on the police stopping you. Because if you do they more than likely will confiscate your gear.
 
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Canute is from the Caribbean .. he says he has a higher tolerance for it.
 
What does getting pulled over have to do with your gear? They can't confiscate personal or business equipment. They can impound the vehicle (with contents) - but that does not make it theirs.
 
For Weddings, I dont drink. Not a drop of alcohol.
Unless the (paying) client offers me a drink and and is insisting, and even then its discretely done.

1. Potential clients may have issues with a paid professional drinking on the job
2. The manager/staff of the venue may have issues and affect future work

I have worked "high end" venues and have spoken to managers who say things like "the last DJ we had here was drinking all night" or "the last dj was so drunk...."

My thoughts are its how you are perceived from current and potential clients, regardless if you are on your 1st and only drink, or 15 drinks.
 
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Welcome and thanks for posting. Please take a moment and introduce yourself to us and tell us a little about yourself.
 
Oh yeah, names Joel from New Zealand. Was playing in a covers band, the drummer asked if I wanted to earn some extra money and do some DJ gigs for him (Corporate/Weddings) -

5 years later and I now own a small business and contract a group of 3 DJs including myself.
We primarily do Weddings and Corporate functions and the odd splattering of bdays/parties etc if we are not booked.

I work pretty much every Weekend, if not more.
I work as an IT Systems Administrator during the week.

I found an opening in the market for high quality, professional "wedding" djs who work for the client. Our train of thought is "its all about the bride and groom"

Over the last 5 years I have made a lot of mistakes, brought sold and re-brought various bits and pieces, and spent a fair bit of money on stuff that ultimately was a waste of time.

I feel I better start contributing to forums as I read and occasionally post on a heap of DJ sites.
I like this site more than others as the posts seem to be better quality from reasonable experienced guys.
If I see a "my DJ software is better than yours" thread, it makes me cringe.

Anyways, hope to contribute more.

Kia Ora (sweet as)
 
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Welcome Joel. The people around here are mostly friendly and will offer and share thoughts, advice and opinions as well as hear yours. Don't feed any of them after midnight .. and at times, you may want to have a bag of popcorn ready.

:)

There are a few of us here that do IT during the day and music by night. We have every type here - single owner, multi ops, club, karaoke, bedroom, etc, etc. For some, it's a hobby. For others, it's a business. For yet others, it might be a bit of both.
 
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rotoitiman said:
Oh yeah, names Joel from New Zealand. Was playing in a covers band, the drummer asked if I wanted to earn some extra money and do some DJ gigs for him (Corporate/Weddings) -

5 years later and I now own a small business and contract a group of 3 DJs including myself.
We primarily do Weddings and Corporate functions and the odd splattering of bdays/parties etc if we are not booked.

I work pretty much every Weekend, if not more.
I work as an IT Systems Administrator during the week.

I found an opening in the market for high quality, professional "wedding" djs who work for the client. Our train of thought is "its all about the bride and groom"

Over the last 5 years I have made a lot of mistakes, brought sold and re-brought various bits and pieces, and spent a fair bit of money on stuff that ultimately was a waste of time.

I feel I better start contributing to forums as I read and occasionally post on a heap of DJ sites.
I like this site more than others as the posts seem to be better quality from reasonable experienced guys.
If I see a "my DJ software is better than yours" thread, it makes me cringe.

Anyways, hope to contribute more.

Kia Ora (sweet as)
Click to expand...

Welcome aboard .. not sure I've seen many Kiwis here, but we have an Aussie (Dennis) on a bit and he's an IT guy as well (actually, many of us are, myself included).
 
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Drinking responsibly works for some I guess. I tend to get too loose after just one drink so I don't drink at events.
 
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I will drink occasionally when I work at clubs, bars, etc, and will only have a few drinks, and that's only if I know the club or crowd. I don't drink to get drunk...well, when I'm dj'ing anyway. :)

But when it comes to doing weddings, corporate functions and other events that one is expected to be professional at, I don't drink at all.

I've seen some DJ's order drink after drink and be nearly fall down drunk by the end of the night and, IMHO, that is very unprofessional and gives one a bad reputation.

But, to each their own.
 
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BNB Productions said:
I will drink occasionally when I work at clubs, bars, etc, and will only have a few drinks, and that's only if I know the club or crowd. I don't drink to get drunk...well, when I'm dj'ing anyway. :).
Click to expand...

I had a girlfriend one time many years ago that said to me you drink to get drunk I said to her what do you do drink to get sober? She wasn't my girlfriend too long after that ;)
 
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From a bad review on weddingwire:

Make sure if you have an open bar to keep it well stocked for this guy. I had family members ask me was the DJ going to work or just keep drinking.
 
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Hello I'm also new here. I don't every drink when I'm working unless I'm doing a party for a friend or something. If it's a paying customer I feel it's inappropriate for me to drink on their dime. I might take one if the customer insists but usually I just politely decline first.

John
 
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I do not care what anyone says to me - but anyone that I employ that drinks on the job will NEVER work for me again

Dont care what excuse you have we have a no ALCOHOL and DRUG policy period....

plus I will make others aware that your a Druggie or an Alcoholic that abuses work

call me what you want but you sign a contract and you break it your done!

now do what you simple minded djs do at abusing others to allow it to happen in the first place
 
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