But birthday celebrations should not have to be a testing experience, replies Sian Killean.
Models, actors and singers are accustomed to it. Now some night clubs are asking young women to send in a photo before agreeing to accept their custom.
Yes, really! Applying to spend time and money in a nightclub is something that women may need to get used to – as if we’re not already judged far too often on our looks.
I first found out about this when my friend decided that she wanted to have her twenty first birthday bash at a top London nightclub – a really special occasion for her, obviously; also for all of us living on student loans.
She messaged various club promoters about packages and prices – how much would it cost to pre-pay the entrance fee and drinks for a specified number of friends? One of the promoters replied that in order for him to compile a guest list he would need photos of every ‘girl’ attending.
Is he a bit pervy? I can imagine a man in front of a computer screen flicking through photos and enjoying a lecherous look at us while deciding whether we’re high enough up on the desirability scale to be let in. But even if it’s not as bad as that, it still strikes me as perverse.
I was so taken aback at the prospect of being looked up and down in advance of my mate’s birthday party – especially considering she’s paying for it! – that I emailed a complaint to the owners of the club premises booked out to this promoter for his club nights. I received an apology, explaining that promoters are hired on behalf of the club by agencies, and individual promoters deal differently with their respective clients.
Respective, maybe; but we’re hardly respected clients. My advice, ladies, is to take your custom where women are not disrespected in this way.