Recently, clubs across Calgary have been introducing policies for who can and can’t enter, but it doesn’t seem to be hurting business.
Legally, a business can refuse service for any reason not prohibited by the Alberta Human Rights Commission. They can cater to a specific clientele. It’s all part of controlling the atmosphere, as much as they can in an alcohol induced environment.

“Many exceptions are made to nightclub dress codes, with denied entry usually reserved for the most glaring rule breakers or those thought to be unsuitable for the party,” according to Clubzone.com, a website trying to “organize the world’s nightlife information.”

As much as people complain about dress codes and age restrictions, nightclubs don’t seem to be struggling for lack of customers.

In Alberta, beer and liquor stores and agencies sold $715,805 worth of alcoholic beverages last year, up 4.6 per cent from 2009, according to Statistics Canada. Alberta Finance reported that bankruptcies in the accommodation and food service industry went down 15 per cent as well.

Even with restrictions, people are coming out in droves to Calgary’s bars and nightclubs and, such as Vinyl and West.

Why are people complaining?

If there are clubs restricting your entry, why do you want to go there anyway?

There are definitely many options available for an evening out on the town.

Clubzone features over 80 nightclubs in Calgary, while VisitCalgary.com, official website of Tourism Calgary, lists 17 “Things to Do” in their Nightlife section. Most of the bars and clubs listed are the ones with the more open policies.

If you can’t get in to a place, is it somewhere you really want to be?

Stop complaining and find somewhere you’ll be accepted for who you are, or for who you’re trying to be. Your night will definitely be more fun.