Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: How to become a bartender
• Part 2 of 2: Being a good bartender
• Tips

Being a bartender can be a lot of fun and in some cases, profitable occupation, but not everyone is suitable for it. Keep in mind that you have to work at the strangest times, you have to be able to deal with rough and intoxicated customers, and you have to be able to handle multiple tasks at the same time. Read on to learn more about this special profession.

To step

Part 1 of 2: How to become a bartender

1. Meet the requirements. You have to be at least 18 years old to work as a bartender. Check what requirements you will have to meet to be able to work as a bartender (or in other countries as a bartender).
   • You will need to be familiar with the rules regarding drink-driving, identification, blood alcohol levels, serving alcohol to minors, preventing someone from drinking too much and related matters.
2. Some bars only hire staff with the appropriate training, while others prefer to train their own staff to become bartenders or waitresses.
   • Follow a catering course. Each course is different, but usually you will be taught how to make hundreds of different cocktails, how to deal with drunk customers, make garnishes, serve drinks and how to distinguish between different types of wine and beer.
   • Try to find work as an assistant bartender (barback) or waitress. The activities of a barback range from collecting empty glasses, preparing snacks, getting ice, cleaning the bar and replenishing the stock. Waitresses are responsible for the service, stages and other drinking establishments. Both positions give you work experience in the right setting and prepare you for your future job as a bartender. Let your employer know that you are interested in working as a bartender, so that he can inform you about a possible vacancy in time.
3. Practice as much as possible. Whichever route you take, it takes a lot of practice to feel completely comfortable running a pub on your own. Most bars offer training for new staff, where you can usually learn the tricks of the trade under the guidance of an experienced bartender.
4. Try to find work as a bartender. Bartenders work in a wide variety of environments, including restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, casinos and music venues. Send your resume to the various employers in your area and check the local newspaper to see if there is a job available.
   • If you already have a job as a barback or waitress, talk to your boss about the likelihood that you will be able to work as a bartender in the future.

Part 2 of 2: Being a good bartender

1. Know what qualities are expected of a bartender. Barkeeping may sound like a fun, carefree job, but it can also be very tiring and stressful. Check if you have the qualities of a good bartender:
   • Very good social skills. Being a bartender is an extremely social profession. You should enjoy working with people who all come from different backgrounds and are willing to deal with intoxicated customers.
   • A good memory. Bartenders have to learn the recipes of hundreds of different cocktails and keep an eye on which customer ordered what.
   • Sales skills. Most bartenders don't get more than the minimum wage and need tips to make good money. Friendly, helpful and charismatic bartenders generally get the most and better tips.
   • Can multitask. Bartenders often serve several customers at the same time and must be able to mix drinks, pay and calculate change at the same time.
   • The ability to work under pressure. Barkeeping is a busy life, especially if you are behind a busy bar and you are the only bartender.
2. Dealing with drunk customers. Bartenders are legally obliged not to give visibly tipsy customers any more drinks. You will have to learn to recognize when a customer has had enough and in some cases ask him or her to go home.
   • Intoxicated customers can become defensive, rude, and even aggressive when confronted with their behavior, so it is important that you have an assertive personality and not too shy to act on these types of people.
3. Stay informed. Besides learning all the "classics" of course, it is also important that bartenders keep up to date with new cocktails and know what the trend is in terms of drinks and mixes at any given time.

Tips

• Completing a catering course does not guarantee that you will actually find a job as a bartender.
• Keep in mind that you will have to work on weekends, holidays and late at night.
• Check with the pubs and bars in your area to find out what the requirements are to get started there. Some pubs also employ people with no experience.