## Interview with Chris White, Manager of The Sportsman Hotel## Interview with Chris White, Manager of The Sportsman Hotel ### Highlights * Chris White has worked at The Sportsman Hotel for over a decade, starting as a bartender and eventually becoming location manager. * His favorite event is SmackDown, a Thursday night drag show that attracts a large and enthusiastic crowd. * The “Yes” party, celebrating the vote on gay marriage, and the Hall of Fame, honoring loyal customers, are among his most memorable events. * Customers should avoid whistling and snitching at bar staff, and instead be polite and respectful. ### Challenges * Keeping everyone happy, balancing the needs of regular customers with attracting a younger audience, and ensuring a viable business while maintaining vibrant entertainment. * The late hours and the need to manage the mental health of staff. ### Importance of LGBTQIA+ Venues * They provide a safe haven and a sense of community, even though queer people can party anywhere. ### Behind-the-Scenes Work * Licensing and compliance, as well as ensuring the well-being of staff, are important aspects of the job.
We’re talking to a man many people in Brisbane will know well: Chris White, the manager of The Sportsman Hotel (Sporties).
He talks about the highlights of the job, his favorite events and what NOT to do when dealing with staff.
How long have you been working at Sportsman Hotel and when did you start?
I started bartending here in 2012, so it’s been over a decade. I then did six months of pool training and then started in management working in the bottle shop for four or five years before moving into the bar and entertainment area. I became assistant manager, then co-location manager and finally location manager.
What do you like most about your work?
The entertainment aspect is the best part. Putting on drag shows and competitions is incredibly rewarding. We have a lot of variety in our drag entertainment and it’s great to see the community come together for these events. People love coming to free drag shows and disconnecting from the world for a while.
What are the biggest challenges for you in your role?
Keeping everyone happy is a big challenge. We have a diverse audience including community groups, drag teams and regulars who have been coming here for 30 years. It is crucial to balance the needs of our regular customers with attracting a younger audience. We need to ensure we are a viable business while maintaining the vibrant entertainment we provide.
Are there aspects of the job that you don’t like?
The hours can be pretty tough. I can be here until 3 or 3:30 in the morning. However, I am fortunate enough to have a contract job in hospitality, which is not always the case for many in the industry.
What was the first queer venue you visited?
The first queer venue I visited was here at the Sportsman Hotel. I may have been to The Beat a few times, but I don’t really count that… Sportsman Hotel was where I really felt like I found my people.
Highlights of Sporties
What is your favorite event at Sportsman Hotel?
My favorite event is SmackDown, which runs on Thursday nights from April to July. It’s exciting to see the younger crowd packing the venue and participating enthusiastically. SmackDown has grown significantly and has become an important part of our entertainment offering.
Do you have any special memories of your time here?
The “Yes” party, which celebrates the vote on gay marriage, stands out. We opened at 10am and celebrated all day. It was incredibly special to see the community come together and celebrate such an important moment. Another memorable event is the Hall of Fame, which honors our loyal customers and the history of the location.
What is the nicest thing a customer has done for you?
Receiving Christmas cards from customers is always fun. We get about 20-30 cards a year and it’s so touching to see people appreciate the safe space we provide. The best moments are when customers thank us for stepping in and keeping everyone safe in the rare instance we experience issues or homophobia or transphobia.
What should customers avoid when dealing with bar staff?
Whistling and snitching at staff is an absolute no-go! We are lucky that there are very few violent incidents here; most problems are minor disagreements. Being polite and respectful to the bartenders is a big asset.
How important do you think LGBTQIA+ venues are to the community?
These venues are crucial. Even though we can party anywhere right now, having dedicated queer spaces is crucial. They provide a safe haven and a sense of community. I couldn’t imagine Brisbane without venues like the Sportsman Hotel.
What don’t people know about your work?
Most people see the entertainment side, but there is a lot of work behind the scenes, including licensing and compliance. Making sure we meet all the regulations to maintain our license is a big part of the job.
In addition, managing the mental health of staff, who often give up their social lives to work here, is also important.
Follow The Sportsman Hotel @sportiesqld on Instagram and @sportiesBNE on Facebook.
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