Sir, - I have lived in Bray, where I work as an au pair for the past five months. Most of the people (shop assistants, bus drivers, civil servants, etc) I have met in these months have been friendly and kind with me. But there is an exception: a special kind of human being often called a "bouncer". This is a strange nocturnal creature which can only be seen at the weekends at pub doors. The Irish bouncer does not seem to have the same kindness as his fellow-countrymen, especially towards "suspicious characters".
When I approach a pub in order to savour a pint of Irish stout, he (the bouncer is always a male) usually receives me with two short questions: "How old are you? Where do you come from?" And I reply with two short answers: "I'm 24. Spain". Then, I produce my ID card as requested. The bouncer stares at it as if he could read Spanish, but he is actually deciding whether or not I am a suitable customer. As one of them once told me when I pointed out how arbitrary his decisions were: "I make the rules". I was too impressed to answer him back that I am a kind of anarchist and I do not give a toss about his authority. But this is just my opinion, so sometimes I have no choice but to turn round and look for another pub and a more friendly bouncer. As I did last Friday when I was refused entry in Dusty Miller's after the guy apologised, saying "Lo Siento" (Spanish for "I'm sorry").
Is this the established procedure in Ireland to get into a pub? Do they refuse me entry for fear of my jumping on the bar and dancing flamenco all night long? Is there any rational explanation? If so, could someone, please, inform me? - Yours, etc., Sonia Mira,
Strand Road, Bray, Co Wicklow.