Pole studio parties and alcohol

litlbit started this discussion · 4/28/2014

I'm just wondering how many studios allow/offer alcohol for their parties, and how many people have attended studio parties as a client that served or allowed alcohol? I'm curious as a studio owner because I have had to turn down and have been turned down for party bookings that "expect" to be able to have adult beverages at their party. This doesn't bother me, I have plenty of bookings. I do however get nasty emails back saying "well so and so's studio where I live does"! My response is, then I recommend you book with them, thank you for your interest. :) Here's what I know in my state, to allow alcohol, you MUST have a liquor license, the cost of license for just beer and wine is $10,000./yr. Also my pole insurance does not allow it. I can't think of any reason to combine pole and alcohol, other than looking for a lawsuit against me. My opinion, would a gym allow it? or allow you to be high using their equipment? I asked a few local gym owners, they were shocked I would even ask, of course the answer is "NO".

25 replies

polergirl · 4/28/2014
I think it's *crazy* for studios to allow alcohol at parties. Take a bunch of people who aren't used to spinning on poles, throw a few cocktails into the mix, and you have a barf-fest waiting to happen. Never mind the liability concerns. i'm sure there are studios that do it without any problems, but I can't even imagine it.
AllysonKendal · 4/28/2014
It does seen like a disaster waiting to happen! What about when you non-studio owners have girlfriends over to pole? Do you guys ever have wine or anything? It doesn't seem like a great idea, but I kind of like the idea of grabbing a glass of wine and stretching... Even though I haven't done it.
Krista Bocko · 4/28/2014
At my old studio we allowed parties to bring their own refreshments if they wanted, and we ran parties like this: Studio time and photos Lounge for food and drinks That way NO alcohol was consumed before or during the studio portion, and most of the time they never brought alcohol or food anyway, because they would be going somewhere else afterwards.
johnssdeere · 4/28/2014
I've been to both types. A studio that at private events allowed it and didn't care of age (it is an 18 and up studio, but legal drinking age in the state is 21) and a studio that it was a no go. We held a bachelorette party and in our contract stated that we could not consume alcohol before or during studio time. There really is to much liability on the owner and instructors.
litlbit · 4/28/2014
Alcohol without a license in any commercial property is illegal here (I checked with the state when I opened, it made it easier to deal with ladies that insisted LOL) Even a business after hours that has say an office party is liable and responsible if someone is stopped by police after leaving there office and they've been drinking. I prefer to leave that to the local club. I don't drink, so that';s never been an issue for me.
chemgoddess1 · 4/28/2014
In most instances it is an insurance issue as none of the companies that insure you for pole will insure you if you allow alcohol + pole. That said, I have been to several pole events where alcohol was either served (think competitions) or able to be brought in. There is a studio in Ohio that is attached to a bar. This one I have yet to understand!
Koidragon · 4/28/2014
One of the other issues with parties though - the studio may not allow it (the insurance is insane) but I have seen quite a lot where the girls turn up already well and truly tanked... It is a difficult thing to work around, but parties are good money for a studio too
litlbit · 4/28/2014
I make it very clear when a party is booked, the contract states that they will not be allowed to pole if they have been drinking or using. I haven't had a problem since the 2nd party I ever had where I refused to hold the party because they had been drinking and a few were pretty loaded, they were asked to leave and the authorities were notified to protect my butt (I was not going to be responsible for them getting picked up when they weren't drinking at my studio). It was not a problem, it's my business and my lively hood. Parties are good money, however no amount of money is worth risking my reputation and my business. :)
Krista Bocko · 4/28/2014
I have never had a student or party-goer that had been drinking. Well, none that I could tell anyway! Funny party story...I once had a party where one of the women begged me to let her do a handstand against the pole. I said nope, sorry! She had a dress on, too. o.O I find that interesting too, Chem! All of the pole events I have been to have served alcohol. lolol. I have never mixed alcohol and pole, personally. They are totally separate in my world. Well, I sure as heck will sit here at my comp and drink and watch pole vids, though, so I guess that's not entirely true. ;)
litlbit · 4/28/2014
I know events/comps serve alcohol, the places they rent are perfectly legal to do that. sparrow, that is HILARIOUS!!!! I think it's safe to drink and watch vids!! LOL :)
CrazyKosters · 4/29/2014
If I owned a studio or was doing parties, I wouldn't allow alcohol at all. I think the ones that do are just setting themselves up for a lawsuit and a bad rap sheet. If I was going to peoples houses for parties then I would use my better judgement on who could use the pole and would not allow any inversions. I would also have an extra liability waiver. I however play on the pole with friends at my own parties while drinking but I know what I can do safely now and never use my pole if I am drunk. I do not allow inversions at my house with drinking either. As far as studios go that should just be common sense I would think.
Pretty Pixie · 4/29/2014
I'm not a studio owner or anything, but this is a topic I've been mulling over for a few months now. My pole is smack dab in the middle of our home bar. At first, it never crossed my mind that it could be a bad idea. Then one night, when I first got it, I was having a few cocktails and was really excited about something I had learned the day before. The damn pole was practically calling my name, all sweet and soft (as I imagine her voice to be ;)), and I did one quick spin, coming down on the side of my foot. Ouch. Nothing major but if you feel hurt while drinking, well, that must mean serious pain tomorrow, right? Well, it wasn't that bad, just an ugly bruise, and I'm pretty used to those, but I did vow that I would learn from that experience. Alcohol makes muscles all loosey goosey and top that off with liquid courage...It's scary. Last thing I need to combine with pole is relaxed muscles and the asinine idea that I can do anything!
CrazyKosters · 4/29/2014
You make great points CJ! I have also hurt myself before because alcohol. That was when I first started pole and I learned quick not be drunk or even drinking and using it but I do have an occasional little party and we drink and play on the pole. I know a lot of people are guilty of that and there are bars that have them. When you think about it, it is a horrible idea. You make very good points. I have hurt myself more times on alcohol then ever and not pole related either. I have had concussions, broken nose that required 2 surgeries and possibly one more and it slightly fractured my eye socket. Also a broken hand, and numerous other little injuries from alcohol and the liquid courage it can give me. I am way more careful with anything now days when I drink and always try to use better judgement but alcohol does impair it and yes it does make your muscles all loosey goosey and a high pain tolerance. I have always never had a hangover after poling though lol but it probably is best not to mix pole and alcohol. You shouldn't mix anything with alcohol lol.
Pretty Pixie · 4/29/2014
LOL, CrazyKosters! I'd like to hear those stories one day! I'd rather say to not mix pole with anything except water, music, and heels, because I love mixing alcohol with karaoke and general silly dancing. I guess my biggest concern is, now that I have learned not to pole and drink...except the occasional Loki spin to freak out my buddies...Can I impart that knowledge on my friends who come over? Thankfully, I haven't had any problems in the 4 months I've had it, everyone I know seems to have a healthy dose of fear when it comes to my baby. ;)
MariYabe · 4/29/2014
This drives me crazy, I don't approve. I think it's irresponsible and risky to say the least. The studio I teach for allows alcohol at parties. The owner is booked SOLID from Friday afternoon - Saturday night and on occasion Sunday "brunch". The owner doesn't exactly make a killing on classes because she doesn't charge enough and she's dependent on group-on sales every month and pole is seasonal (attendance goes way down during the summer months). What pays the rent are her boutique items, online lingerie store, and parties. These parties have little to do with pole dancing. These girls want to get their drink on, eat greasy food, take sassy pictures to post on Facebook and have a good time. They are super excited in the beginning but after the warm up, they have this glazed look, they're exhausted and can barely walk and do a spin. "This is harder than I thought" is the typical response. Probably less than 5% ever come back to take class. It has little to do with pole dancing as we know it in class. It's income for her but like you said, a law suit waiting to happen. It's a risk she's willing to take apparently.
litlbit · 4/29/2014
MariYabe, I have never done groupons or any of that. My classes are the main source of revenue for my studio. My classes stay at the very least at the minimum numbers required. My summers don't fluctuate as much as the gyms do. Since I focus more on the students and the quality of the program, I don't need to depend on parties. I have a "Fit N Fun" class for drop ins that I developed which has been a HUGE success. those classes I usually get long term students from because they want to move into a level class. I was told by one person that her boss (studio owner, I don't know where or what studio), stated she didn't tell her insurance when they asked if there would be alcohol allowed that she does it, she told the instructor they'll never know. Don't know if that's a true statement, but it sure could cause more difficulty and higher insurance premiums for those of us that are compliant!). :)
miekel1992 · 4/30/2014
I must say.. I think alcohol and sports just can't be combined in any situation. If you are working out, you just don't drink. Where I live there are a few dance clubs who have a pole and in holidays when our gym is closed my friend and I go 'practice' there. But when we do we don't drink alcohol.. I just think that isn't safe..
Mama D · 4/30/2014
I have been to a studio that the owner recommended bringing alcohol to CLASS!! I have not been back since and I wish there was a way that she could be turned in because it sooo unsafe!!
SToast · 4/30/2014
When i started at a studio the owner made us sign a waiver saying we would not come to class under the influence of drugs or alcohol. First offense would result in your membership being permanently revoked. We'd go for margaritas after class on Friday night. But booze in the studio was a no go!
chemgoddess1 · 4/30/2014
As a side note, that waiver is amusing. How many people take cough medicine or allergy medicine or any med that makes them drowsy or hyped (Red Bull anyone?) and go to class. I would think she did that as a cya move as I don't think she could enforce it.
CrazyKosters · 4/30/2014
I'm out lol. Whatever helps you sleep at night..People are going to do what they are going to do. What works for some might not work for others. I pole under the influence of pot all the time. Mostly because it is at night and i have a prescription. I have other problems that I take pot for and it helps me sleep. It works for me and I don't really care what anyone has to say about that! So yes, people do all kinds of things under the influence of meds and drugs. I don't go to a studio or even out of my house under the influence and studio owners and instructors should be careful and professional and not let anyone under the influence participate. What I do at my house is my business and just because someone doesn't agree with it doesn't mean it is wrong for me. all the times i have gotten hurt has been alcohol. Pot actually helps me mostly. I can dance better usually lol and stretch better. To each their own!!
jennyk123 · 5/1/2014
There is drinking in my classes as well (I'm not sure what my studio's policy is on drinking at parties, however). They don't provide any alcohol but it is encouraged to bring your own. I don't think people are getting crazy drunk or anything but I would prefer if there was no drinking. I understand that it gives some people more confidence... and yes, pole class is a fun time hanging out with the girls... but when we are learning inverts and other difficult moves that require coordination and strength, it just doesn't make any sense! I wouldn't drink while I am doing kickboxing or yoga, so why during pole?
chemgoddess1 · 5/1/2014
But I also would not expect you to have a bachelorette party doing yoga or kick boxbg either. THIS is where the majority of drinking is happening.....at PARTIES.
Charley · 5/9/2014
I personally don't think food or alcohol belong in a pole studio. It's just gross. Having dealt with cleaning up food after parties and the rank smell from old rotting meals - it's just not the place for it. I know most studios allow some alcohol after the party but I just don't see the point. There are establishments for that - a pole studio is a dance/fitness facility not an eatery. I don't understand the desire to have a full on party at a pole studio. Someone has to clean that mess up and often those types of parties go over on their time and complain when you charge them. Here's how I handle it - I tell the prospective client that they should look into booking a shorter party for less money and consider finding a close restaurant or bar to continue with the evenings shenanigans. I explain that food and drinks create a mess and a distraction from learning and may take away from the experience. They are allowed "show up time" "class time" and "picture time" everything else should be done outside of the building. Most people are okay with this honestly. Those who insist on drinking aren't probably going to be regular clients anyway. Even at home parties I've never had anyone get upset about the food and drink policy. I ask to keep food OFF and AWAY from the pole so as not create a mess or an unsafe situation for anyone. As with anything there ARE exceptions but in general someone has give me some good reasons as to why they need to bring food into a dance studio and pay a clean up fee - I mean if I had a studio that's how I would do it. I have performed pole before after a glass of wine and certainly felt the fuzzy effects and this coming from a wino - a glass should do little for me. If I as an experienced pole dancer can "feel" it - I know that even a wee bit for new comers is enough to confuse. I'll also add parties I have done where drinking was allowed "after" the party meant that people were still drinking DURING the party. It's very difficult for an instructor to baby sit 20 people and make sure none of them have had a drink. Then it generally ends up with yelling at people to stop climbing, stop trying to invert, stop flinging themselves, etc. I've just never had a good experience with parties, poles and alcohol. The last time I drank and poles I tore open my incision, the pole fell over and I had a hell of a hangover the next day.
litlbit · 5/9/2014
Thanks for you input Charley! I have been in business for 3.5 years now, and it's just been recently and just a few ladies that are wanting alcohol. I am very clear about my policy prior to them even booking. I've just been running in to it from women from or around the Twin city area (about 3.5 hours from here). Some go to a studio that allows it. I just politely decline to book them and suggest they book with that studio. I am busy enough with classes and long term students, and am fortunate enough that my business does not need to depend on parties to make it. :)