Because I write a nightlife column, many of you think I can solve the problems you have at local bars and clubs. Just because I’m the Bar Fly doesn’t mean I have bar and club owners cowering at my feet catering to every wish and desire. The last time I pulled the “Do you know who I am?” card, I was tossed to the curb, cowering at the security guard’s feet begging him to reason with the owner to let me back in.

Despite my D-List status, many see me as a resource to help them with their service industry nightmares at local watering holes.

Often, I’m approached by people who want to share their gripes with me about the bars and clubs. I realize these venues serve thousands of customers each week, and, as is the case with any business, not all customer interactions are going to be positive. Further, most of the venues I write about serve alcohol, and are packed with sexual energy and bitchy gay boys – which combined, may impair someone’s judgment and perspective. Recently, I’ve been hearing so many more customer- service related complaints that friends, acquaintances, and other people have shared with me.

I have heard complaints about bartenders ignoring people who don’t look a certain way, and security guards being harsh and rude, and bars without notice or warning, adding tip onto credit card transactions. The feeling among a number of people who spoke with me was they don’t always receive the “service with a smile” they have to come to expect from any service industry business.

Everyone has a conspiracy theory as to why service has declined at some bars and clubs – some blame the fact the local gay nightspots don’t have much in the way of competition. Others blame it on the culture of cool; that somehow, substandard service creates an air of elitism that permeates the new wave of nightlife trends – you’ll suffer through poor service just to be inside the velvet ropes.

I spoke to a few servers, bartenders and managers who work at local bars and clubs and all said they’re committed to providing a high-level of customer service and ensuring a fun, low-hassle experience for each customer. They said that although at times, this can be extremely difficult, they do their best to remain calm and professional, even when a customer is drunk and obnoxious (you all know who you are!).

From my experience, I believe most bar and club employees work hard to make sure the experience is just right for everyone – it just doesn’t always work out that way. Clubs get busy, servers get overwhelmed, the music is loud and there are a lot of obnoxious people around. My advice is to remain calm, be polite to the bartender or server (even if they do not seem to be treating you in a polite manner) and tip appropriately. I am a strong believer in tipping based on service. No matter what type of venue you are in, you should tip based on how well you are served. The percentage guidelines are to assist you in tipping people who have provided you the proper standard of service, and you can go higher if they have gone above and beyond.

If you truly believe you are not treated right, again, remain calm, and ask to speak to the manager. Explain the problem (staying calm), without an air of entitlement, and try to work out a mutual agreement. This will save you from being permanently 86’d from a bar or club.

Most of our clubs and bars in town provide outstanding customer service, but no business gets it right 100 percent of the time. Bars and clubs are constantly re-examining their customer service standards to ensure the best environment for every patron.

Enjoy the rest of the summer!