| When it comes to working with crowds, it is helpful to | | | | those old enough to do so, paper wristbands are still |
| keep track of different groups. Especially for those in | | | | important. When there is a lot of activity, those that |
| the bar industry, paper wristbands are a regular staple | | | | must pay an entrance fee to participate, such as a |
| for patrons, keeping track of who has paid a cover | | | | roller skating rink or concert, it is difficult for workers at |
| charge and who has not. Also popular is the tagging of | | | | the door to keep track of who has paid and what |
| underage customers versus those who are of legal | | | | rights or privileges they have paid for upon entry. By |
| drinking age. In hot, steamy atmospheres, such as a | | | | giving patrons different colored wristbands to wear, it |
| crowded club where patrons are drinking and dancing | | | | is very simple to see who can come in and out and at |
| the night away, tyvek wristbands are popular. These | | | | what level they may participate. |
| are more durable than paper and absorb moisture | | | | One alternative to wristbands is the rubber stamp. |
| better, although they cost more to manufacture and | | | | Although this is a nice idea because it is less |
| buy. | | | | expensive, stamps and ink are too easy to alter and |
| Keeping track of people with tyvek or paper | | | | the purpose of using them is often defeated. For |
| wristbands is quick and easy. Bar patrons are so | | | | example, underage patrons often visit the restroom |
| accustomed to wearing them, they do not think of | | | | with another, older patron, wash off the first stamp |
| themselves as being “tagged,” but consider | | | | with soap and water, then get the fresh print off of |
| the band a normal part of being in the party crowd, | | | | the other person’s hand by rubbing them together. |
| almost like a badge of honor. Those that go bar | | | | Another trick used by minors is bringing along a black |
| hopping like to have an armful of wristbands by the | | | | ink marker and coloring over the other stamp, making it |
| end of the night to boast their ability to party hard, | | | | look as if they have the proper stamp. While hand |
| have fun and remain standing when it’s all over. | | | | stamps are becoming more complicated to tamper |
| For merchants, the wristband is a necessary tool that | | | | with, the lengths people will go to to beat the system |
| helps keep them out of trouble with Alcohol Beverage | | | | are more complicated as well. |
| Control boards, police and overzealous politicians. By | | | | Ink can work against a paid patron, as well. For those |
| checking all patrons for proper identification and limiting | | | | who rock hard and get sweaty on the dance floor, it |
| the sale of alcohol to only those legally allowed to drink | | | | doesn’t take much to accidentally wipe off their |
| it, businesses are able to distinguish which customers | | | | hand stamp. Then it appears they have not paid and |
| should be wearing one color wristband versus another. | | | | may be asked to leave, causing potential for unhappy |
| For venues that don’t serve alcohol or only admit | | | | customers. |