Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
‘They think we’re weaker because we’re women’
Charlotte Howard is among a growing band of female door staff in Canterbury. Here she gives Joe Walker her unique insight into life as a woman minding revellers at the city’s pubs and clubs...
Eagle-eyed door staff keep a watchful eye on the pubs and clubs of Canterbury. Most tower over the revellers they’re entrusted to protect, perfectly fitting the mould of the stereotypical ‘bouncer’ - big, burly and male.
But among them are a small, but ever-growing, band of female door supervisors, bringing an often different approach to the role.
Charlotte Howard - a 23-year-old journalism student - is one of them. In her 12 months in the industry there’s very little she hasn’t seen, with the threat of violence and confrontation ever-present. But while accepting her size and strength puts her at a disadvantage - and can often see her subjected to sexual abuse - she says women bring something unique to the job. “Being a female can have a negative and positive impact,” she says.
“I find as a woman it is easier to talk females out of their rage. Drunk women are very opposed to being dealt with by male staff but tend to be reasonable and understanding when another woman is speaking to them.
“On the other hand, when dealing with a drunk male, women are a lot more at risk than men.
“Not only is this because of the height and size disadvantage, but there have been times where a drunk male has been very sexually derogative towards me, making sexual remarks about me in my uniform and on many occasions, have felt entitled to touch me,
‘I know that a lot would rather a guy on the door, especially if there is only one position available’
which is obviously unacceptable, but it happens a lot.”
Charlotte says women are often overlooked for security roles, but understands why some venues and event organisers choose to discriminate.
“I know that a lot would rather a guy on the door, especially if there is only one position available and, in a way, I understand why this is done, but I don’t necessarily agree with it,” she said.
“I definitely feel as though male organisers don’t see us equally and think that because we are women we are weaker or more vulnerable to harm than men, and this isn’t always the case at all.” Charlotte, a student at Canterbury Christ Church University, says men and women tend to act differently when drunk, so varying approaches are needed.
“A lot of lads will turn violent and aggressive and will act up a lot more,” she says.
“Women become verbal and usually find themselves in situations slumped over the toilet in a sorry state or sitting on the floor. “This is where female door supervisors are important, because some women can be indecent or they can be having a personal crisis which would seem inappropriate for a man to attend to, or can make women feel embarrassed.” Charlotte says her extensive physical and verbal training has equipped her with the skills to handle all manner of situations. But a recent rise in knife crime has left many security firms taking extra precautions to protect their staff.
“The harsh reality is that door work is dangerous; there’s no denying that,” she says.
“I love my job, but with knife crime rising drastically in the last few years, it’s important to stay vigilant and on the ball. “We have recently been advised to wear a stab vest when working in Canterbury. It’s a fearful prospect, I must admit. “But I think it’s justifiable. People can completely switch - I’ve seen it happen. “A stab vest may be heavy and uncomfortable, but at the end of the day it’s not worth putting yourself at risk.”
Charlotte puts the rise in knife crime down to increasing gang activity and more people carrying weapons.
“Gangs are becoming more common,” she says. “You never know what someone is concealing; the harsh reality is that a lot of younger people are getting involved in knife culture. “A few seconds of distraction can be a gamechanger in this industry and can be the ultimate decider of whether you or a colleague is injured or not.” Charlotte says away from the violence, there are other unpleasant aspects of the job.
“There isn’t an evening you work that someone hasn’t thrown up,” she says, grimacing. “You have to have a stomach of steel to handle those sights and especially the smell. “I usually end up with a concoction of alcohol on my shirt or trousers by the end of the night and a cigarette burn or two in my clothing from manning the smoking areas.”
Drugs are also becoming a more common issue, she adds.
“I’ve witnessed bags of cocaine and marijuana being pulled out of someone’s sock or in the back of a phone case,” she explains. “You have to be thorough; people are getting clever at hiding things.”
Despite all the unpleasantries, Charlotte says what she does for a living is ultimately rewarding.
“People don’t realise we are just doing our job; we are there to look after people, not ruin their night,” she says.
“We’re also called evil and people swear at us all the time. I’ve learned to brush it off but customers don’t always realise the exhaustion we feel trying to provide everyone with a safe and enjoyable experience. “But knowing I have helped someone that was too intoxicated and vulnerable to take care of themselves is all the gratitude I need. “I know from personal experience how important it is to make sure everyone gets home safely.” n What do you think? Email kentishgazette@ thekmgroup.co.uk.