Bar fine

Bar fine is a term, most commonly used in bars and gogo bars in Thailand, that refers to a fee paid by a customer to nightlife venue in order to "release" a hostess or performer from her work duties for a set amount of time. This allows the customer to take the girl outside the bar or club for private time, which often includes personal companionship or more intimate arrangements, depending on the terms agreed upon between the customer and the hostess.

Purpose of the Bar Fine

The bar fine compensates the bar or club for the potential loss of revenue they would have earned had the hostess stayed in the venue to entertain other customers. Since the business relies on the girls to generate income from lady drinks and tips, the bar fine ensures that the club is still profiting when a girl leaves with a customer.

Bar Fine Process

1. Selecting a Hostess: After interacting with a girl inside the bar or club (usually through buying lady drinks), a customer may decide to spend time with her outside the venue.
2. Paying the Bar Fine: To take the girl out of the bar, the customer pays the bar fine to the club. This payment is handled by the mamasan, waiter or other staff members. The bar fine can vary in price depending on the club, the time of day, and the girl’s popularity or role (e.g., dancers or performers often have higher bar fines).
3. Private Arrangements: After the bar fine is paid, the customer and the hostess can leave the club. The nature of their time together is negotiated privately between the customer and the girl. This could involve going for dinner, drinks, or other more personal interactions.
4. Additional Payments: It’s important to note that the bar fine only covers the fee for taking the girl out of the bar or club. Any personal arrangements made between the customer and the hostess (such as for more intimate services) typically require a separate payment negotiated directly with the girl.

Types of Bar Fines

1. Short Time Bar Fine: This refers to taking the girl out of the club for one or a few hours or for a brief period.
2. Long Time Bar Fine: This refers to an arrangement where the customer spends the entire night with the hostess, usually until the next morning. Sometimes, it's less than the entire night at around 5 hours.

Factors Affecting Bar Fine Prices

1. Club Type: High-end venues like gentlemen's clubs and high-end gogo bars tend to have higher bar fines compared to smaller or more casual venues.
2. Location: The price of a bar fine can vary by district or neighborhood in Bangkok or Pattaya. For example, bars in Walking Street in Pattaya have higher bar fines.
3. Time of Night: Bar fine might decrease as the night progresses especially after certain time like midnight.
4. Special Events or Seasons: During busy tourist seasons, holidays, or events, bar fines may increase due to higher demand for hostesses.
5. Popularity of the Girl: More popular girls can have higher bar fines.

Cultural Etiquette

• Discretion: In many bars and clubs, it’s considered polite to discuss bar fines and related arrangements discreetly with the mamasan. Customers often negotiate directly with the hostess regarding what comes after the bar fine is paid, and discretion is key.
• No Obligation: Paying a bar fine does not guarantee any specific type of personal interaction. It only allows the customer to spend time with the girl outside the bar or club, and any further agreements depend on the mutual consent and negotiation between the two parties.