The term “bargirl” can refer to two different types of jobs, but the most common meaning is a woman who is paid a nightclub owner to frequent the establishment. She will be expected to move around the bar, spending time with customers in order to persuade them to purchase additional drinks. They resemble hostesses in many ways. A bargirl can also refer to a bartender’s assistant, also known as a “barback.” Menial tasks behind the bar, such as dishwashing and stocking the liquor supply, are part of the job.
Many young women in Southeast Asia and the Philippines support themselves working as bargirls. They usually sit at the bar and let male patrons buy them drinks. Having a bargirl, from the perspective of the bar owner, helps to attract male customers. Some nightclubs hire multiple bargirls in the hopes of enticing customers to stay longer and spend more money. Though bargirls are more common in Southeast Asia, many bar owners employ women in similar roles all over the world.
Bargirls are occasionally paid a flat rate, but more often than not, their pay is based on a percentage of the revenue they help generate. The bargirl usually receives a percentage of the drink price when customers buy them drinks. They are expected to make a certain amount of money each night in some bars before they can leave their shift. A “bar fine” is a term used to describe this fixed price. A bargirl will frequently encourage customers to pay the full bar fine, after which she will spend additional time with them, often sitting and drinking with them until they leave the club.
Bargirls are typically in charge of assisting the bartender in a variety of ways, including stocking beer and liquor, washing dishes, and keeping the work areas clean. They may be allowed to mix simple drinks and serve customers in exceptional circumstances. A bargirl who works behind the bar is usually paid “shift pay,” which is a set amount of money for each shift she works. Most bargirls are tipped the bartender at the end of the shift in addition to their base pay. Some bars require that the tip be based on a percentage of the bartender’s tips, though the bartender can tip the bargirl at his discretion in some cases.