Bar fine
A bar fine (sometimes written as "barfine"), bar fee, or (in engrish) paybar, is the payment made by customer to the operators of a bar (particularly hostess bars, lady bars or go-go bars) that allows a dancer or hostess or some other employee of that bar to stop work early, usually in order to accompany the customer outside the bar.
This is common in transactions involving prostitution. It is widely practiced in South-east Asian countries such as Thailand and the Philippines. It is also a standard feature of dockside nightclubs in South Africa that cater to foreign seamen. Depending on local customs, the bar fine may or may not cover any additional services that may be rendered.
Legal Status
In most countries where bar fine prostitution is common, it is technically illegal but widely tolerated.
In respect of American soldiers, the purchase of a bar fine has been prohibited by the Uniform Code of Military Justice, making it an offense considered equal to buying the services of a prostitute.
Examples
A typical bar fine in the red-light districts of Thailand, such as Nana Plaza or Pattaya, is 500-600 Thai baht (about 15-19 U.S. dollars). A separate payment must be made direct to the bargirl for "services rendered." Since a separate payment is required, the bar fine is only paid to compensate the bar owner for the loss of the girl's services during working hours.
In the red light districts around Fields Avenue in Angeles City, Philippines the bar fine in 2007 is typically 1200 Pesos (about 26 U.S. dollars), of which the lady gets about half (paid out normally by the end of the week). For short time company no separate payment is normally necessary. For company overnight another 500 to 600 pesos tip is expected.
In Japan a typical bar fine is $200-300 USD (or 24,000 to 35,000 Yen) depending on the club policy and what is considered a profitable night (pay-day night or weekend for example).
In South Africa, dockside nightclub owners in Cape Town and Durban "have instituted a simple rule: if a prostitute leaves the club before 2 A.M., she must pay a fine of 100 rands ($14). This ensures that bored women remain at the club (even if it is dead) so that the club retains a vibrant atmosphere if any sailors might pop in. And, for women who leave with clients before 2 A.M., the fee represents the money that the sailor would have spent on alcohol had the prostitute not taken him early for sex." The fee, in this context, is a regulatory device to keep the prostitutes (all independent agents, not employed by the club) from treating the club purely as a pick-up joint. The fee encourages them to spend more time at the clubs entertaining the sailors. Most prostitutes end up respecting the rule. If they want to leave early with a sailor, he pays the fee.[1]
Bar fines also make an appearance in Latin countries in the form of a Salida (Spanish: exit fee). In places such as the Dominican Republic such can be between 500 pesos(15 USD) in small bars and 1000(30 USD) and more in more upper class establishments. In some other areas, such as boliches in Argentina, there can be a similar requirement to buy the lady a number of drinks before she leaves.
In certain parts of America, the phenomena is known as a "buyout," not to be confused with the corporate term. The cost is generally $200-$300, of which the girl receives half.
References
- ^ Henry Trotter, Managing Vice, accessed 3 Oct 2007
