Bartender Responsibilities and Guidelines

Bartender Responsibilities

• Dramshop Law in the US holds bartenders accountable for serving intoxicated guests, leading to strict compliance to avoid penalties.
• In the Philippines, the enforcement of Dramshop Law is less rigorous, placing more responsibility on bartenders for guest safety after drinking.

Key Guidelines for Bartenders

• Identification Check: Always verify ID of guests who appear under 30 years old.

  • Accept only valid IDs with photos; student IDs are not permitted.
  • Use the FEAR method: Feel for tampering, Examine the photo and details, Ask questions, and Return the ID.

• Serving Minors: Never serve alcohol to guests under the legal drinking age (21 in the US, 18 in the Philippines).

• Controlling Alcohol Consumption:

  • Clear empty glasses promptly and serve water to guests.
  • Avoid serving pitchers and limit table visits to reduce drink requests.

• Refusing Service: Deny service to visibly intoxicated individuals.

Tips for a Good Bartender

• Maintain a clean, cheerful, and tidy appearance while being diplomatic.
• Hands should be clean and well-groomed, as they are always in public view.
• Serve cocktails with appropriate garnishes and fresh mixers.
• Use proper glassware for each drink and keep garnishes fresh in their juices.
• Stay alert to surroundings while mixing drinks, and do so in guests’ view for engagement.
• Ensure ice is clean and clear, and glasses are polished and undamaged.
• Maintain an organized display of bottles, and always have matches available.
• Check the freshness of ingredients, including fruits and eggs used in cocktails.

Personal Appearance and Hygiene

• Body Cleanliness: Daily hygiene routines, including regular bathing and deodorizing.
• Posture: Maintain an erect posture with shoulders back and chest up when standing or walking.
• Hair and Skin: Keep hair clean, odorless, and well-groomed; maintain a good complexion through health and hygiene.
• Hand and Nail Care: Regular hand washing and nail grooming are essential.
• Oral Hygiene: Brush teeth at least twice daily for freshness.
• Footwear and Attire: Wear clean, well-fitted footwear, complemented by clean socks and a uniform that is pressed and appropriate.
• Jewelry Restrictions: Limit jewelry to watches or wedding rings to maintain a professional appearance.

Behavior on Duty

• Avoid habits that may be distracting or unhygienic, such as fidgeting with personal grooming or using a handkerchief in public areas.
• Chewing gum, smoking, or eating while on duty should be strictly avoided.

General Bartending Practices

• Always use a jigger for precise drink pouring.
• Punch bills after serving drinks for proper transaction tracking.