Do You Smoke At A Gig?

[Dukesy 0]

Not intended to be one of those smokers vs non smokers threads, but just asking a legitimate question in an area which some may not have even thought about.

I recently had a tradesman working on the house, who had to come into the house and talk to me regarding the work which needed doing, as soon as he set foot in the house it was obvious to me he had just finished a fag just minutes ago and brought with him the reek of smoke and breath which was like an old ashtray, it was so strong when he spoke to me, that I actually felt like i'd inhaled a drag myself :wall: .

 

I realise that this is only a sensitivity which other non-smokers can fully identify with, but as a non smoker I find myself very sensitive to ciggie smoke, despite having a wife who smokes. How a non smoker without a smoking partner and from a non smoking home environment would react to a face full of the stale odour (which seems to have a half-life of about 500 years) is a matter of opinion. Personally, in the situation I was in, I wanted to heave.

 

I suppose its expected from a weather beaten, veteran, rough ar$ed builder but just wondering on reflection, what illusion it promotes to the client, should a Wedding professional dress up in an expensive suit / tux and go to a high profile wedding wearing your best aftershave, only to spoil the well groomed dapper appearance by sneaking out for a fag break during the buffet and then have clothes which reak of stale smoke, yellowed nails and more importantly, the risk of treating your client to a dose of '15 minute old fag breath' when you speak to them after the buffet.

 

I also believe that some high profile 4 and 5 star hotel chains have taken the step of only employing non smoking staff in front of house roles, on the basis of preventing this situation arising from staff 'stepping out' for a quick burn during breaks.

I suppose the same could be attributed to those who enjoy a drink whilst working, you could equally approach the B&G with breath which is more like that a Wino. Although I suspect that due to the driving aspect would reduce the instances somewhat compared to the frequency of smoking.

[vokf 0]

Smoking/Drinking/Body Odour/Bad Breath (medical condition, or simply a strong curry the night before), are all aspects to consider.

 

I don't think smoking deserves to be singled out - I'm a non-smoker (never smoked), and apart from Alcohol have seen all the above from Sales people visiting my office.

 

As a "client", it played on my mind, and was a distraction during the meeting.

The product/service they were offering may have been good, but it certainly dampened my enthusiasm for wanting to do business with them.

 

Having worked with a heavy smoker in a previous job, he didn't often think about the smell (picking me up for a 5hr drive with 10 "rollies" lined up, with my clean clothes in the back of the small van!).

 

I expect its the same as having a garlic laden meal- nice, but don't get close to anyone who wasn't sharing it with you for some time!

 

Some people pick up on this - so Teeth, fingernails, hair need to be clean, whereas some people (guests/clients) are not that focused.

 

As a business, its best to always show your business in its best light, so this doesn't just apply to strapping down cables and having good sound system, its the personal side is what counts - anything that could count as a negative should be looked at.

 

Jason

(now off to exercise down to my ideal weight to keep the sizests happy )

[Robster 0]

Nope ..i dont smoke and i am too sensitive to the smell

 

No i dont drink... now ..although i used to

 

over the years i have upped my game and re examined what i do and how i do it thanks to DJU and i conciously dont while working:

 

sit down

go on my phone or even look at it

drink alcohol

go on line

go to the loo too often

 

I think this makes a good impresion along with smart dress and a smile.

 

I always change a shirt after setting up ,carry a towel and deoderant and breath freshener.

 

When i was in retail, training often involved customers first impressions and how they percieve you in face to face situations... i have taken a bit of that and what i have learned here and it seems to work for me.

 

If i was a smoker i think i wouldn't nip out for a fag because i am paid to DJ not take breaks and because i personally dont think it looks right , i have read previously how smoker djs get to talk to clients who also nip out for a fag and they have a bond of smoking etc ..whatever works for you i suppose but as a nation i believe there are fewer and fewer smokers every year this sort of meet up outside for a fag will be decreasing i guess.

 

I also never take a break at the buffet or accept food , i feel the buffet time is a time to smile and be approachable so guests can ask requests etc or chat to you or i can mingle and talk to them. most of my gigs are 4-7 hours long i dont need breaks for those time periods ..i know some law may say i am entitled to breaks etc but i only go for bathroom breaks generally.

 

So to summerise my ramblings i personally am put off by smoker tradesmen and in our industry i feel me not smoking is a positive thing for my business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[deejaymitch 0]

I certainly understand all the points made above and they are all valid. It's quite sad though that we, as a society, judge people's abilities in their line of work by such superficial things. The 2 best teachers at my old school, which is a well respected grammar school, were a maths teacher who was usually drunk by lunch time and kept a supply of booze in his store, and a history teacher who stank of smoke. He reeked of it, as did his classroom and the corridor leading up to it. But they were 2 incredible teachers, far out-shining many other well-presented, well-mannered colleagues.

 

In all honesty if a DJ can get a room rocking and keep the guests happy all night then, if it were my function, I wouldn't care if he/she smoked, drank, swore, sat down, wore a shell suit, texted all night, was playing in an online poker tournament, or was in and out of the bog all night.

Edited August 2, 2010 by deejaymitch

[Dukesy 0]

In all honesty if a DJ can get a room rocking and keep the guests happy all night then, if it were my function, I wouldn't care if he/she smoked, drank, swore, sat down, wore a shell suit, texted all night, was playing in an online poker tournament, or was in and out of the bog all night.

 

Sure, but in the middle of a struggling Economy where people like to get / see the most value for their money, wouldn't a DJ who could 'get the room rocking' AND was well turned out be the more attractive option to a client than one who just met 50% of the criteria?. Because in an industry which is so fiercely competitive, i'm sure that plenty of DJ's who offer the client both, do exist.

 

I'm not the most fussy of people when it comes to tradespeople either, and this builder is very good at his job, but despite being satisfied with his building skills, for some reason i'll always remember that he was the builder who rudely blew stale fag smoke in my face :shrug:

[deejaymitch 0]

Sure, but in the middle of a struggling Economy where people like to get / see the most value for their money, wouldn't a DJ who could 'get the room rocking' AND was well turned out be the more attractive option to a client than one who just met 50% of the criteria?.

 

If that was part of the clients' criteria, then absolutely. I was just saying that it wasn't part of mine.

[centrestagediscos 0]

although i am a non smoke the smell does not really bother me, from a clients perspective for a pre wedding meeting then if i was a smoker then i would not have one before going to there home, how ever at a function once the alcohol has been flowing and i would assume a percentage of the guests would also be smoking so i really dont think they would notice i can even see that having a quick smoke outside would give you the oppourtunity for some extra feedback from the guests.

[Dukesy 0]

If that was part of the clients' criteria, then absolutely

 

So you see it as an actual client driven choice rather than a routine?. Does this mean that you actively offer both (smart / grunge) options to the Wedding client then, and physically ask the question at the enquiry stage as part of your normal business model?

 

i would assume a percentage of the guests would also be smoking so i really dont think they would notice i can even see that having a quick smoke outside would give you the oppourtunity for some extra feedback from the guests.

 

Interesting, i've just been reading some general hotel reviews on sites like Trip Advisor and Laterooms.com and some of the guests who reviewed certain hotels have occasionally passed negative comment about the numbers of guests smoking around the hotel enterance upon their arrival and how off putting that was, not only from a first impression basis, but also having to walk through a cloud of smoke in order to get to the reception.

 

I guess in this day and age out of 100 things, a business can get and do 99 things right and well, but a client would always remember the 1 thing that was done wrong

 

Although not DJ related, we are all in a public service industry of sorts and I suppose that it does show how some people feel about the smell of smoke, and who will even go on to review it negatively against a business, at a later date. Incidentally even more comments exist on the same sites in relation to poor presentation of hotel staff (and not just reception staff), again proving that some members of the public do see appearance and attire, as being an important aspect of doing business.

[deejaymitch 0]

So you see it as an actual client driven choice rather than a routine?. Does this mean that you actively offer both (smart / grunge) options to the Wedding client then, and physically ask the question as part of your normal business model?

 

I don't smoke, so that isn't a factor. For weddings I would generally ask the client if they have any preference as to how I dress. So far, none have actually cared. However, if it actually mattered to the client I would accomodate any reasonable request.

[Raymilkybarkid 0]

I an EX Smoker I used to smoke at functions.

I soon stopped (During my working hours) when a comment was made by the bride that I smelt like an ashtray.

 

In the club days I always used to have a Cigarette in my hand when I was working.

 

[spinner 0]

I hired a younger DJ for my son's 18th party (on my son's recommendation after I declined the gig myself!).

 

Apart from the fact that his system was overdriven into distortion, I was surprised (and unimpressed) to see him go outside every 20 minutes or so for a cigarette and to use his mobile phone.

 

He had a sidekick with him who filled in while he was gone. Even so I considered it unprofessional, if only because he went outside so frequently.

 

I gave up smoking 30 years ago. Once I had done it I could understand why non-smokers found it so objectionable.

[UKHero 0]

I think since the smoking ban it has made me even more intolerant to smoke. I hate the smell of it and can not understand why people choose to inhale such damaging material into there bodies.

 

I am so glad the government banned smoking in venues and places of work, now they need to ban it out side also. so we don't have to walk through a haze of filth when we enter or leave a building.

 

I also find it interesting from another thread that using an online computer is a no no as people need to concerntrate on the audience but would not think twice about abandoning the audience to have a ciggie. This is not aimed at any one as I dont know who does and does not smoke on here.

 

Nik

Edited August 3, 2010 by UKHero

[UKHero 0]

 

In all honesty if a DJ can get a room rocking and keep the guests happy all night then, if it were my function, I wouldn't care if he/she smoked, drank, swore, sat down, wore a shell suit, texted all night, was playing in an online poker tournament, or was in and out of the bog all night.

 

Is it the quality of the DJ or the quality of the audience that gets a room rocking?

 

Nik

[deejaymitch 0]

Is it the quality of the DJ or the quality of the audience that gets a room rocking?

 

It's funny you ask Nik. This is something I've been thinking about a lot lately after some very contrasting parties. I'm starting to think that both are equally important. I definitely think that discussion is worth a new thread, I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts on the matter.

[PWES 0]

 

Ok, hands up time, I am a smoker, if the floor is buzzing then I will nip out for one every 1.5 hours or so. I try my very best to stand down wind of the smoke I exhale, I don't stand near other smokers and I have a pocket full of tik tacks which I will use afterwards.

 

It's my one and only vice, and although it's never given rise to any negative comments I'm aware of, I am aware of the unpleasant nature to non or ex smokers, so try to keep it minimal

[Robster 0]

I personally don't like anyone who smokes when they are supposed to be working , when i was a retail manager,i made sure people took smoking breaks during break times not add "just nipping out for little a fag" as common practice then ending up with 10 fag breaks a day when there collegues who did not smoke had far less breaks. From a DJing point of view i dont take breaks during a normal set only toilet when really i am close to bursting , so when hiring a DJ i would expect the same .I would be a demanding customer wanting a dj who with the right crowd (nik is spot on you are only as good as your crowd)can get the floor full and who doesnt smoke during work and doesnt get drunk either.

[PWES 0]

...i made sure people took smoking breaks during break times...

 

Quite reasonable in a regular workplace with tea breaks and lunchbreaks, but of course we don't have a break do we ?

 

We do 4-5-6 hours straight through, and what realistically would be the difference between taking a quick break to pop to the loo or bar or have a fag ?

 

[UKHero 0]

Quite reasonable in a regular workplace with tea breaks and lunchbreaks, but of course we don't have a break do we ?

 

We do 4-5-6 hours straight through, and what realistically would be the difference between taking a quick break to pop to the loo or bar or have a fag ?

 

Are fag smokers so addicted they cant go 4 5 6 hours with out the weed? A call of nature is not the same it is a bodily function and as you get older when that call comes you have to go lol.

 

Nik

[gadget 0]

A call of nature is not the same it is a bodily function and as you get older when that call comes you have to go lol. :funjokeandlaugh:

 

[Robster 0]

Quite reasonable in a regular workplace with tea breaks and lunchbreaks, but of course we don't have a break do we ?

 

We do 4-5-6 hours straight through, and what realistically would be the difference between taking a quick break to pop to the loo or bar or have a fag ?

 

 

so DJ's who dont smoke take 5 min breaks when they dont need a drink and or toilet? how many other excuses for a break do you need ? they all add up and your cheating customers out of time they have paid for so for every 2 hours say you take 15 mins in total with 5 mins at the bar 5 mins smoking 5 mins toilet that adds up 45 mins your getting paid for , for breaks or do you bill customers for 5 hrs 15 mins when you do a six hour set?

 

seriously customers often say oh you were great and don't complain but they will have noticed if you were not at your decks a few times and not think of you again next time they want a dj many here get a lots of repeat customers due to working slightly differently and customers showing loyalty i know if i saw a dj taking too many breaks i wouldnt kick up a fuss on the night just not hire them again.

 

Smoking in a four hour set is unacceptable to me and i am a little suprised that a member who is trying to raise standards of our industry can't see that.

 

How many other industries would taking paid smoking breaks be tollerated in a four hour period ?

 

I am thinking of putting on my web site that i am a non smoker to see the reaction, if any customer is bothered or mentions it.

[UKHero 0]

Wha twould happen if said smoking DJ was offered a gig in say the USA and had to endure a 4 - 6 hour flight would they turn it down?

 

Just another thought to throw on the fire that is the smoking debate lol.

 

I would have typed more but I need a break back in five

 

Nik

[Dukesy 0]

Quite reasonable in a regular workplace with tea breaks and lunchbreaks, but of course we don't have a break do we ?

 

To be fair there are lots of things which are not guaranteed and of which you may forego or sacrifice when you are self employed, compared to being in the security of full time employment.

 

Earning the minimum hourly wage, favourable working conditions and the minimum paid annual holiday entitlement are just 3 examples which come to mind

 

Although, even if the working time regulations are taken into account, we would be entitled to one 20 minute 'rest' break for every 6 hour period worked, which is actually longer than most gigs, so even if we were in somebodies employ, expecting us to work say 7 - 12 without a break would not be considered an unreasonable request as it is not breaking any laws.

 

There is also no legal statutory right nor entitlement to additional or dedicated smoking breaks even in a full time occupation, and its entirely at the discretion of your employer as to whether a smoking area and more frequent breaks are given beyond that of which is stipulated in the directive, but technically, a heavy smoker employed in a full time Factory job could be fully expected to work on a production line for 5 or 6 hours in a row without nipping out for a fag break and no rights would be infringed, as he / she would be expected to take those breaks as part of their normal given rest breaks, which could be as much as 4, 5 or even 6 hours apart.

 

Things like toilet breaks and providing refreshments are covered under seperate directives.

[PWES 0]

I do realise I won't win this argument, but would like non smokers to at least have an appreciation for the smokers and their filthy disgusting habit...

 

Are fag smokers so addicted they cant go 4 5 6 hours with out the weed?

 

Yes ! Most are

 

your cheating customers out of time they have paid for so for every 2 hours

 

If I stopped the music then of course. As I mentioned earlier, I would only go when I have accomplished the task of getting a good amount of guests on the floor, I would NEVER leave the decks having not done this. (Although the frustration of struggling to get them going sometimes increases the need for a fag !!)

 

 

customers often say oh you were great and don't complain but they will have noticed if you were not at your decks a few times and not think of you again next time they want a dj

 

In my humble opinion, if out of a 5 hour gig the floor is busy for the majority of that, you were smart, polite, helpful, played requests etc. If you dissappear for 2 - 3 5 minute breaks, I think the rest far outweighs that. Of more concern to a client perhaps would be a DJ who is drinking alcohol on the night, and MANY do that (maybe not to excess but still !)

 

 

Smoking in a four hour set is unacceptable to me and i am a little suprised that a member who is trying to raise standards of our industry can't see that.

 

See your point Rob, but I believe there are many more aspects of our personal development within our industry that can, and should be improved which are more important. In an ideal world nobody would smoke, drink alcohol, take non prescription drugs be overweight, but of course we are not all perfect

 

 

How many other industries would taking paid smoking breaks be tollerated in a four hour period ?

 

No idea of numbers, however I had a straw poll around the people here today - 5 work in different fields, ALL are allowed to take fag breaks. I'm not saying this is across the whole UK of course, but it is still a popular pastime and need for 21% of the population. And of course bear in mind that this means possible 21% of the guests and of course clients could be smokers [2010 government statistic]

 

 

I am thinking of putting on my web site that i am a non smoker to see the reaction, if any customer is bothered or mentions it.

 

Thinking from the prospective clients perspective who is a smoker - is this not starting your dialog with them with a negative ?

 

 

Things like toilet breaks and providing refreshments are covered under seperate directives.

 

I'm voting for cigarettes to be classified as a refreshment -who's with me ? !!!

 

[Norfolk DJ 0]

I don't it looks very professional smoking at venues. It's about the image that you are giving to the punter.

 

Hotel managers don't like it one bit.

Edited August 15, 2010 by Norfolk DJ

[UKHero 0]

I'm voting for cigarettes to be classified as a refreshment -who's with me ? !!!

 

Not me on this one brother..

 

Nik