Is a bartender better off being neutral, not giving personal opinions?!
Is a bartender better off being neutral, not giving personal opinions?
Why do so many people ask bartenders for advice? this is against the rules of bartenders do not discuss politics, religion, or social issues, especially, considering, it is a fact that so many people who do not have time to read go to the bartender for information on current events in the news etc.. is this a catch 22 of some sort? Or is it similar to the fact that even though drunk driving is illegal there are still parking lots at bars? Someone shed some light on this????
Additional Details3 weeks ago
In bartending manuals it will often advise bartenders not to get involved, and not to discuss these topics?
Answers:
3 weeks ago
In bartending manuals it will often advise bartenders not to get involved, and not to discuss these topics?
there are still parking lots because not everyone leaves the bar drunk, or maybe there is a DD, people may go for dinner and get a drink to wash it down.
Most customers who come in do not ask for advice, unless it is about what they should drink, in which case you should be the expert.
If a patron come in alone, sits by himself at the bar, and comes during slow times when they know the bar wont be as busy, usually it is just so they have someone to talk to. Asking advice may just be their way of attempting a conversation
Politics and religion AVOID! Keep up on sports and current events. Stay as neutral as possible. Listen, pay attention (when you have time), make your customers feel important.
Try not to serve anyone obviously drunk. Don'y cheat the customers OR the house. Don't let customers buy you drinks.
12 years experience in Southern Calif.
Bartenders need to learn some answers that don't sound like
a greeing or not agreeing. Like " I hear you" or "You have a point, can I freshen that drink, buddy?" Things that don't commit him to an opinion one way or the other. If it gets
heated, just say, "I'm here to pour drinks. what can I get you?"
it is better not to express personal opinion because you have to know the other person quite well before you can express your opinin about something personnal