Would you like tips on getting access to nightclubs in New York? Here is the information that you will need to enjoy New York’s nightlife.

Admission
To gain admission, a non-expired government issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license, passport or Military ID) is required to gain entry. School ID’s are not government issued but on “College Nights” at the venue, you can show these to obtain student discounts or extra perks. If you are not asked for any ID at the door, you will be asked inside should you try to order any age restricted product.

Cover Charge
To get patrons into the club, you may see that the admission is free. However, when you get to the club, you may find out the admission is free for females only while males has to pay. It can also be free for all but during certain hours such as until midnight or during the first hour. If there are no time restriction, be aware of things such as “two drink minimum” especially if you are under the legal drinking age as you will not be able to drink but will still have to pay as you gain entry to the club.

Dress Codes
Nightclubs have a standard dress code and can impose a special dress code on a special event which is usually a celebrity or DJ’d birthday, holiday or contest night. Clothing to always avoid are:
– Athletic wear, sweats or sports jerseys
– MC colors (Motorcycle Club colors)
– Excessively baggy clothing (No Tuck-ins)
– Sleeveless T-shirts
– Plain white T-shirts (short or long sleeve)
– Construction boots (mars dance floor)
– Headgear (signifies gang association)
– Chains (instigate crime of opportunity)
– Ripped or soiled clothing (unhygienic)

Group/Couples Only Nights
To encourage more clubbers for the night which spell more revenue, the nightclub may have a couples only night and if you are planning to attend, you will have to take along another guest (of the opposite sex) or hook up with someone at the door. For group nights, a complimentary bottle of alcohol may be served to you if in groups of five or more.

Ladies/Guys Only Nights
If you are a male and a nightclub is having a Ladies Only Night, then as a male, you will not be able to access the nightclub unless it is a nightclub with numerous dance floors. The same applies to females attempting to enter on Guys Only Nights.

Nudity/Profanity Nights
If attending a nightclub or a comedy club where the performer will be using profanity during the performance, an age restriction of twenty-one (21) and older may be in place. This also hold true for Strip Clubs but a few will admit eighteen (18) and older depending on how much is revealed and also if alcohol beverages are being served. Expect the bouncers to be very strict and attention to detail on your provided government issued identification.

Teen/Under 21 Nights
Clubs can have teen nights where those twenty (20) and under are allowed to enter and party. Those twenty-one (21) and older will be restricted on entering unless it is a club with multiple dance floors. During those nights, alcohol may not be available at the bar and only (fruit) juices, soda and bottled water will be served. If alcohol is served, your government issued identification will be needed and you may also need to enter a section (often VIP) to be served.

Finding Dates
It can be dificult in finding dates to go out if you do not know where to look. The promoters and the clubs are now joining social networking sites (ie. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter) so if you join up, you will see those that RSVP and can break the ice for a quick date.

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