1. About Bartenders
 As a bartender you will usually be employed in either a bar or a larger restaurant with an
in-house bar. Bartenders serve beer, wine and mixed drinks to customers. Bartenders
also prepare beverages for waitering staff. Because of the large number of mixed drinks
available, bartenders are required to learn numerous drink recipes and must be able to
accurately mix those ingredients. You will also be required to collect payment for all
beverages served.
Duties
 According to hospitalityguild.com, bartenders must follow strict operating guidelines
when it comes to serving alcohol. As a bartender, it will be your responsibility to check
the identification on each and every customer who orders any type of alcoholic beverage.
It is illegal in the South Africa to serve alcohol to anyone younger than age 18, Coco C. In
establishments where tobacco products are also sold, it is the responsibility of the
bartender to check identification for those products as well. Equally as important, is the
responsibility that bartenders have in observing patrons who are consuming alcohol.
Bartenders must be able to gauge when a person is believed to be intoxicated and are
required by law to stop serving those individuals.
Additional Responsibilities
 In many cases, larger restaurants and bars may employ one or more barbacks to assist
the bartender with much of the additional work required to operate the establishment.
In smaller businesses, however, the bartender usually works alone and takes on a great
deal of responsibility, which may include washing glassware, dishes and eating utensils,
ordering supplies, taking inventory and working with vendors.
Closing Out
 As a bartender, you should be prepared to work long and often odd hours, including
weekends and holidays. Many bars are busiest during the evening hours and some work
shifts for bartenders could last until 3 a.m. or later. Bartenders working the late shift will
usually have the responsibility of closing down the bar. This responsibility may include
wiping down the bar and other customer areas, restocking items for the next shift,
closing out the cash register and preparing the nightly deposit.
Requirements
 Both males and females can become bartenders, but the job does require some degree of
strength. Bartenders are often required to lift heavy boxes of liquor and other supplies as
well as large beer kegs. As a bartender, you will be required to stand on your feet for long
periods of time. Most bars can be relatively noisy and the work is often fast paced.
Because of this, bartenders must have the ability to stay focused and work well under
pressure

2. Bartenders work in a variety of settings, such as hotel and resort restaurants, chain restaurants, and
sports bars. A bartender has various duties and responsibilities. A lot of people think that all it consists
of is serving beer, wine and mixed drinks, but there is more to the job
History
 An ancient profession, bartenders originally ran public drinking houses and inns. They
didn't just mix drinks, though, they actually produced the liquor they served. In western
Europe, after the 15th century, bartenders were landowners, which demonstrates their
high rank in society. This tradition was carried over into America. Before prohibition,
mixology was a complex art form. Surprisingly, prohibition further strengthened
bartenders' status. The fact that they dealt with illegal substances made their position
darker, more mysterious and more impressive. Plus, breaking the law meant big payouts.
Today, the art of mixology is less prevalent and the profession's mystique has waned, but
it still thrives.
Duties
 Bartenders must sell alcohol. Tempting tipsy patrons to keep drinking is highly
encouraged, especially when it results in big tips. At the same time, they have to deal
with any customers who have consumed too much alcohol. Refusing service, arranging a
taxi or even calling the police may be necessary in such a situation.
Bartenders must also keep careful track of tabs and ring up customers at the end of the
night. At the same time, they have to keep the bar well stocked, pour beer or wine and
mix consistent cocktails quickly.
Checking identification before serving customers is a hugely important role bartenders
fill.
Finally a bartender is responsible for her work area. The bar itself must remain clean and
inviting for customers; glasses and utensils need constant washing.

3. Job or Career?
 Because there is such a high turnover in this industry, it's often regarded as a "job"
instead of a "career," but it is possible to advance as a bartender. In a large bar, such as
at a major hotel, there is a "head bartender" who controls all of the operations behind the
bar. A bartender can further advance to "sommelier" or a similar position.
Training
 Most training occurs on the job. It is possible to attend a course at a vocational school in
bartending but working your way up from waiter or being mentored by an experienced
bartender is the more common route. In some states, though, bartenders are required to
have a bartender's license or state health certificate.
Skills
 Bartenders must be, above all, be able to multitask. They must deliver friendly, appealing
service while cleaning, charging, mixing and policing
Bar Manager Job Description
Bar managers should ensure customer service is consistently high.
A bar manager keeps a bar operating effectively. If the bar is located at a hotel or
restaurant, the manager may also oversee dining and food preparation. According to
the South African Bureau of Labour Statistics, the employment outlook for bar
managers is excellent.

4. 1. Oversight
o A bar manager oversees all operations at the bar including staffing, employee schedules,
event planning, and staff functions and responsibilities. If an assistant manager also
works at the venue, the bar manager partners with the assistant to make sure that
customers are satisfied.
Main Duties
o The bar manager reviews the inventory, manages the money and staff, buys supplies and
ensures that the bar meets legislative directives. She must also establish a physical
presence at the bar and make adjustments to ensure customer service is consistently
high. The bar manager must know local, state and federal regulations for the sale and
distribution of alcohol.
Daily Responsibilities
o Bar managers regularly review bar operations, including special-event setups, prices and
hours. He also prepares staff schedules, communicates with employees, ensures the bar
is adequately staffed at all times, keeps record of supplies and cash, and replenishes the
bar and cash drawer.
Supervisory Role
o Bar managers interview job applicants, conduct regular performance reviews, and train
all staff who work at the bar including security, bartenders, waiters and waitresses. Bar
managers are responsible for reporting security and disciplinary breaches to their
supervisors or human resources contact.
Required Skills
o Bar managers must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, a neat physical
appearance, and the willingness to be a team player. Bar managers must also be at least
21 years of age. They should have prior experience working at a food and beverage
establishment, such as a hotel restaurant or club where alcohol is served, or managing a
staff.