David Artsmith - Bartending is a fun and exciting profession, but it takes skill with both drinks and people. The following tips are fairly common sense guidelines that anyone interested in the profession should know and follow.
1. Never discuss religion or politics. All it will do is lead to a fight or make people uncomfortable
2. Make sure that the bar stays neat, clean, and tidy. Wipe it down after you serve every drink, and keep the entire environment neat and tidy. Use drink coasters to ensure that the space maintains its luster.
3. Know the trendy drinks. While you don’t have to have the entire drink recipe guide memorized, it helps to be familiar with the more trendy beverages of the day.
4. Learn about sports. People in bars will often be watching or talking about local sports events. If you understand what they are talking about, you can participate as well.
5. Greet everyone as they come in. Try and be attentive to new customers, and to say hello as soon as they enter the establishment.
6. Be certain to serve the drink by the base of the vessel. Nobody wants to put their lips to a place where your hand just was. As you serve drinks, make sure you hold the glass by the bottom, away from where drinking will actually occur.
7. It is important to keep yourself clean and well groomed. Make sure that you look neat and sharp, and that you don’t smell bad. You are part of the ambiance of the bar and so your appearance and personal attributes matter.
8. You should also try to be aware of those who regularly come into the bar, as well as good tippers. While you should strive to treat everyone equally, someone who is a constant in the tavern, or who is willing to pay extra for extra service, should receive extra special attention from you.
9. Keep your eyes open. In any establishment where drinking occurs, violence can erupt. Keep your eyes open, and try to spot trouble before it begins. If you can diffuse a fight with a few words it’s a lot easier than having to call the bouncer over.
10. Try to have fun. Bartending is a social position. If you look like you are having fun, other people will have more fun as well. Try to relax into the job, and enjoy meeting the people who enter the bar. Be friendly, light, and humorous, and your job will be a lot easier.