I'm tired as hell, and I don't want to write anything too long winded right now, so let's make it short and sweet. This one's for the ones behind the bar, I got an email from a bartender in Vancouver, BC who's just starting out. This question is quick and easy.

Hey Drinkslinger,

What's the appropriate way to deal with customers buying you drinks?

Well, this question was easy enough and has lots of possibilities. The first of which is the easiest way to figure it out. Ask your boss. What's the policy regarding this at your bar? Most places that I know of right now have a ban on all bar staff from consuming any sort of alcohol while on the job, but some managers, owners and inspectors are willing to look past this for bartenders. If your boss says no way no how whatsoever, there are many ways to dodge this question. You can go with 'it's club policy that I can't drink' but that just makes you sound like johnny buzzkill. Other ways to totally avoid this while keeping them happy are these that I've tried: "Man, I wish I could but I've got cameras on me and my boss is a hardass about that kinda thing." Most people will identify with the anti-boss sentiment and be fine with that. Another good one is "I can't drink on the job, but I'll grab one after work if that's cool." It's not the best, but you'll still get the cash in the tip jar for it 9 times out of 10. Now, if you're in the lucky position where it's all good for you to slam back a few while on the clock, don't get stupid. Party, but don't party too hard. It could be appreciation that they're buying you one, it could be because they want to take you home. More than likely they're doing it for two reasons: To build a rapport and relationship with you, so they can get special favours and better service and whatnot, or they're slowly going to get you shitfaced so that you're a little more loose with your pouring. Don't get in that trap. Know your limits, and don't drink more than you can handle while still being able to work. You can drink the town dry I'm sure, but during work you still gotta do cashout. Drinking and math together is hard. Trust me. Best idea is to pour yourself a shooter. Either one of whatever they're having if you want to really be with them on it, or take a low alcohol percentage liquor like sourpuss or something. If anyone asks why, just say you love the stuff and you're on a big kick with it. You could fill a clear liquor bottle with water and shoot that while pocketing the cash, but that's a really big asshole move, and it'll bite you in the ass if they want some.

Now having said that, the transaction isn't really over. If they buy you a drink, it's common courtesy to give something back. Generally it'll be buying them one later on in the night. If you don't, it can be seen as rude so at least show appreciation and serve them first and joke around with them if you don't or can't buy them a drink.

So in a nutshell, there's a few ways to deal with someone buying you a drink.

Email more questions to me at: poisonkissed@hotmail.com

Cheers!
-Drinkslinger

Cheers everyone!

Here's a little background as to why this site exists. I realized that I had a lot to say, and teach to be completely honest but posting these things in a personal journal - I just felt that it was falling on deaf ears. The purpose of this site is to help aspiring bartenders learn the ins and outs of the industry, give other bartenders some new ideas, recipes and stories they can identify with. This page will also help those of you who are an avid club or bar patron, because I will help give you insight as to what really goes on, and what you can do to get faster, friendlier service, and become (if you aren't already) that one guy that seems to get his way in any situation of the club. Be the VIP without really being one.

I'll be posting whatever happens to go through my head, but I will also do my best to answer any questions posted to me and give you the attention that I never could when a crowd of people are flashing money in my face.

Have a good night and stay safe.