Jobs as a bartender can be found in a variety of establishments, including bars, restaurants, caterers, nightclubs, and other entertainment venues. A bar attendant, also known as a bartender, looks after bar patrons and their various needs, regardless of the type of bar where he works. Serving alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, as well as food if the establishment offers it, are just a few of the duties of a bartender. In addition, he is in charge of cleaning and money handling. A number of bartenders are delegated different bar responsibilities in many busy bars.
Physically setting up the bar is usually part of a bartender’s job description. The bartender prepares the bar before it opens and keeps it in good working order throughout his shift. He assesses what bar items, such as cocktail napkins, garnishes, glassware, straws, and ice, need to be stocked. A variety of wine, liquor, and draft beer that needs to be refilled are some of the items he may need to stock less frequently.
Throughout the shift, bartenders are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the bar as well as adhering to all health code requirements. Similarly, bartenders must be familiar with a wide range of mixed drink ingredients as well as how to pour shots and portions properly. Furthermore, jobs as a bartender in a specialty bar, such as a wine bar, require him to know a lot about wine.
Additionally, bartenders must be able to manually write bills or use a register. Making accurate change is also part of the job description for bartenders. While it is part of the job description for bartenders to be pleasant to customers, they must also be able to resolve customer disputes and handle any problems in a courteous manner. Bartenders must also be firm with patrons who have consumed too much alcohol.
Barbacks are sometimes used by bartenders as assistants. A barback is typically only needed on the busiest nights of the week — Friday, Saturday, and other nights with entertainment or drink specials — and performs “dirty work.” Carrying heavier items like kegs or cases of beer, as well as running dirty and clean stacks of dishes and glassware back and forth between the dish tank and the bar, are examples of such tasks.
Only one bartender may be required per shift if the bar, restaurant, or private party is particularly slow or small. One bartender may personally deal with the “rail” — that is, the people sitting at the bar — while another bartender may make all of the drinks in some bartender jobs. While bartenders rely on tips to make a living, they do earn a minimum wage that varies by state and employer. Barbacks are paid a pittance and receive tips from the bartenders at the end of the night.