Beginners Guide to Bartending
Bartending can be a great part-time job to make extra money or even a full-time job that will support your family. As far as the hourly pay, it is minimal but the tips can be outstanding. As a bartender, you need to know how to make a variety of different drinks which can easily be learned. Sometimes the bar has their own concoctions that you will learn, or classes can be taken, then there is always the internet and you can always count on the customers coming up with new drinks. But bartending is not just about knowing how to pour a good drink. Here are a few tips to help you prepare to be a "good" bartender.
1. ABC regulations and rules. There are many rules to follow as a bartender but the most important is I.D. everyone. Whether a person is 21 or 91 they are required to have an I.D. when they come into a bar. Take your time and check dates (both birthday and expiration date). Compare photo to the person to make sure it is them. Do not accept any I.D. that is broken, cut or otherwise disfigured. There are so many ABC rules it is best if you research the rules for the state that you are working in. For example, customers are not allowed to wear sunglasses in a bar. This is because the bartender is required to be able to see everyone's eyes to help determine if they are intoxicated. ABC loves to do surprise checks and if you fail to check someone's I.D. to confirm that they are old enough to drink and that the I.D. is actually legitimate and not a fake, this could result in a big fine for you.
2. Listen but don't talk. Many people will come into a bar, have a few drinks and tell you their life story. Being a good listener is a big part of being a good bartender. Try not to give too much advice because it can come back to bite you. Also, don't go telling someones' business to other customers. This will definitely not win you loyal repeat customers.
3. Don't hesitate to cut someone off. The hardest part of being a bartender is knowing when someone has had enough to drink. People will try to bribe with a big tip, yell, scream, argue or even at the extreme get physical. Don't back down. Make sure once you cut someone off that they leave. Remember, when you are behind the bar you are in control and you are responsible. If a customer leaves the bar and hits someone, you can and will be held responsible if they have had too much to drink. It can result in a big fine for you, the bar and even jail time in certain situations. Don't take the risk.
4. It is inevitable that when people are put together with liquor, something will happen. You may have to break up fights, escort people out the door, and fight people for their beer bottle so that they don't take it with them when they leave. (This is another ABC rule. No one can bring any alcohol in or out of a bar. Big fine.) Don't let your guard down. Stay alert and watch body language and listen to the tone of peoples voices. Try to cut it off before it escalates.
Bar tending is a great job. It is possible to make a lot of money and to make some really great friends. But, it is hard work that requires the bartender to exhibit control and authority. It is not just about pouring someone a drink. The bartender is responsible for all the customers having a fun and safe experience in their bar.
