Bar Attendant

Bar stewards or bartenders serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to customers or prepare drinks which waiters serve to customers. They mix drinks according to standard recipes or customer requests and usually collect payment for the drinks.

A bartender plays a key role in any drinking establishment by making patrons feel at comfortable, relaxed and at ease. A bartender must know a wide range of drink recipes and be able to mix cocktails and mixers accurately and without waste. Bar stewards keep their bars well supplied with spirits, beer, mixers, garnishes, ice and other supplies. They also clean and arrange glasses, bottles and mixers in an attractive yet convenient way. In addition the bar itself must be kept spotlessly clean. Bartenders need to know what type of glass each kind of drink is served in. They play a vital role in the running of any restaurant, hotel or bar. They deal directly with customers and should understand how to make people feel welcome and recognise them when they return.

In summary the bartenders job is to do the following:

Greet customers, and make them feel at home
Take order for drinks
Inform customers of specials, varieties of beers and the types of other alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks
Mix a variety of cocktails according a recipe
Clean and organise the counter and space around the bar
Take payment from customers including running tabs where required
Conduct stocktake, order and maintain supplies
Check identification of customers to ensure they are of legal drinking age

Personal Requirements

have a good memory for faces and names
enjoy working with people, a ready smile and a positive attitude
have a pleasant agreeable manner
be upbeat and always ready to pesent specials and offer service to clients
good communication skills (especially listening skills)
able to multi-task by working multiple tables at the same time
able to cope under pressure.

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

No specific high school requirements are needed to enter this career, but it is recommended that candidates have a basic knowledge of arithmetic to be able to add up customers’ orders.

What to Study

On-the-job training, TVET College (Technical Vocational Education and Training)

Employment