So recently, my friend Morgan was offered a job as a bartender at a club. She accepted, knowing nothing of bartending (how she even got the offer is beyond me). I went with her her first night, since I used to be a bartender, and decided that I should write a little list of things to and not to do while tending the bar.
To Do:
1) Look happy and be friendly, but also be aware of everything.
2) You never know who will show up to the bar, so be ready for anything.
3) Try to match personalities with whom you are serving.
4) Know the drinks and how to make new ones. If you don't know, no one cares if you ask how to make something.
There's not much else that can be told without experience. For example, a lot of guys were at my bar because, though I hate to actually say it, I am beautiful. However, if they made any moves on me, I'd call security. I wouldn't put 'don't be too pretty' or 'have security close by' because not every guy wants the girl behind the counter.
Now, Not To Do:
1) Intimidate anyone. Again, be friendly, but wary.
2) Hit on anyone. I don't care how hot that guy/girl is, you have a job to do.
3) Leave the counter. This reason should be obvious.
4) Be stupid. If something is amiss, or something seems wrong, be smart about it.
5) Interfere with conflicts. If two guys want a bar fight, let them. Security will take care of it, or they will knock each other out. If a girl is being mistreated, tell someone if you think it's serious. This is all part of being smart. You don't want to get into any kind of danger.
I know I made bartending sound really dangerous, and I'll be honest, it can be. But usually, people are just wanting a drink, especially at clubs. Your job is just to serve drinks, nothing more ;-)
