[Sylvanfan]

Actually at Brazillian night clubs you are issued a paper card when you enter, and you use the card to order any drinks instead of paying cash. At the end of the night you have to go to a cashier to pay the balance on the card so you can leave. Often clubs have a minimum charge of 10 to 15 Reals, and you pay that if you don't have anything. if you lose the card it's a minimum of 100 reals. So rather than pay cover up front, it's paid atthe end ofthe night instead.

I remember a guy in Rio who's credit card wouldn't work and he didn't have enough cash. Between about 5 of us we scraped up enough to pay his 60 Real tab and than had to convince a cab driver to get us back where we were staying for the 7 we had left. But they won't let you out if you can't pay your card.

I guess the theory is that the bar tenders can work quicker not having to do more than fill out a card. People probably spend more too....it's like leaving your credit card with the bar tender. But in a situation like this where people want to get out at once it becomes a problem.