Local bouncer takes pride in job

 

ALBANY, Sept. 19, 2006-Being a bouncer sure has its ups and downs.  It is a job that keeps workers on their toes at all times.  Joshua McElroy, 21, is a bouncer at Washington Tavern on Western Avenue.

 

            Every Saturday, from 8:30 p.m. until 4 a.m. he has the responsibility of keeping drinkers in check.  McElroy has two jobs which include, checking ids and bar-backing.  When he is not checking ids or controlling the crowd, McElroy stocks the coolers and picks up the empty glasses.

            McElroy said he has had a lot of practice spotting fake ids. “At WT’s we have a book of state ids, so if it doesn’t match up with the original, we deny them.  There may be incorrect holograms or awkward textures.” McElroy noted.  On average, he turns away between 10 and 15 people with false identifications.  McElroy takes this particular job very seriously because it’s his chief assignment.

 

            Keeping an eye out for fake ids is not the only task of being a bouncer.  Bouncers know by taking the job, there may be times when fights break out.  McElroy has been working at Washington Tavern a year and a half and he can’t even count on his hands the number of fights that have broken out.  As a bouncer, he is responsible for putting an end to these fights and escorting the involved parties out of the bar.

 

His housemate can attest to his role as a bouncer.  “You can tell he is suitable for the job.  He breaks the fight up and continues on with the rest of his nightly duties,” Jennifer Berardi said.

 

As long as he is attending school in Albany, McElroy is going to continue his job as a bouncer.  He became a bouncer to earn spending money.  “I felt it would be a suitable job for me and I make $7.50 plus tips as a bar-back.” 

 

            McElroy was hired because he fit the personality and image requirements that WT’s was looking for.  Steve Southwell was the man responsible for hiring McElroy. “We look at size and personality when we hire bouncers.  We’re looking for someone who is big enough to handle themselves and at the same time won’t cause problems,” Southwell said.  McElroy being 6”3’ and about 300 lbs “fit the requirement of size and personality well,” he noted.  He and McElroy get along really well along with the rest of the crew at Washington Tavern.

 

            McElroy’s career as a bouncer is only short term.  He has bigger goals and aspirations.  After a change of majors and transferring from SUNY Albany and Hudson Valley Community College, McElroy is currently enrolled at Sage College to become a physical education teacher.  He has two years left in the program and then hopes to find a job in Rockland County.  His love for sports and gym class is what inspired him to become a gym teacher in the first place.

 

            Joshua McElroy comes from a family of five.  When he is not living in Albany, he lives at home in Washingtonville, New York with his parents and two older brothers.  “I’m an all around easy to get along with kind of guy.  I’m a family guy but I love being at school and having a good time with everyone from school and at work.”ork.”