There seems to be a growing number of people who go to their favorite club to sing Karaoke but only order water and then sit there all night singing for free. This is a problem especially on weekends when there is a wait to sit down because the bar is packed. If you are attending a show at a club (be it karaoke, a live band, comedy or whatever) you are obligated to support the establishment by buying something to drink or eat. Would you go to a restaurant that had a dinner show and not order dinner? If you don't drink for ethical, religious, medical or vocal reasons, you can at least support the bar who is providing you this entertainment by purchasing non-alcoholic beverages, food, or by buying drinks for other patrons.

Following are ideas some clubs have devised to solve this problem. Have you figured out a solution to this problem? Have you found a tactful way to deal with this ? Do any of these suggestions appeal to you? Do you even see this a problem? Perhaps you have a rational rebuttal? Tell us what you think!

1.. Establish a cover charge for entry to the bar.

2.. Charge a $5 cover, but provide a coupon good for the same amount in food/beverage purchases. The coupon should also only be good for that night. If the customer doesn't use the coupon, the club still has their money.

3.. Each time a singer sings a song they should pay a $1 charge per song.

4.. Have the club impose a drink or order minimum.

5.. Sell only bottled water.

6.. No request slips inside the books, on each and every table or handed out by the KJ. The song request slips to be handed out ONLY by the waiters, bartenders or waitresses. If the customer doesn't order food, drinks or bottled water, they don't get any request slips.

7.. Set up a glass rental, and a dish washing fee for each order of water- $1.50