How to Be Pub Bartender - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 15, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Alcohol consumption can have a significant effect on the health of an individual. A bartender is an important figure in controlling how much alcohol a patron consumes. When a bartender is knowledgeable, they are more likely to be able to recognize signs of intoxication and intervene appropriately.

This can help protect patrons from excessive drinking, which can lead to serious health risks such as liver damage, high blood pressure, stroke, and even death. Furthermore, a bartender with good judgement and responsible service can help create a safe environment for patrons. This may result in more customers feeling comfortable enough to frequent the establishment, leading to increased sales and profits for the business.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bar Manager or Bartender License. Depending on the state you live in, you may need to obtain a bar manager or bartender license in order to become a pub bartender. Check with your local government to determine if this is necessary and how to obtain it.
Take a Bartending Course. Taking a bartending course is a great way to learn the basics of bartending, as well as get hands-on experience. If possible, look for courses that have been approved by the state you live in.
Get On-the-Job Training. Once youve obtained your license and taken a bartending course, its time to get some hands-on experience. Look for pubs and bars near you that offer on-the-job training. This is a great way to hone your bartending skills and learn the ins and outs of pub life.
Develop Your Skills. As with any job, its important to continue to develop your skills and knowledge. Take the time to read books, watch videos, and take courses related to bartending and pub life. This will help you stay up-to-date on new trends and techniques in the industry.
Network. Networking is an important part of finding success in any industry, especially in the pub industry. Attend local networking events, join professional associations, and meet other pub owners or bartenders to exchange ideas and advice.
Stay Organized. Pub bartenders need to be able to stay organized and manage multiple tasks at once. Make sure you stay on top of your work and stay organized so that you can provide the best service possible for your customers.
Market Yourself. Once youve developed your skills and gained some experience in the industry, its time to start marketing yourself. Create a portfolio of your work, join online communities related to pubs and bars, and attend industry events. This will help you get your name out there and increase your chances of getting hired as a pub bartender.

To become a reliable and efficient bartender, it is important to maintain a high level of customer service, follow responsible alcohol service practices, stay organized and on top of drink orders, and become knowledgeable about the bar's products. When customers feel welcome and well-served, they will be more likely to return and recommend the bar to others. Staying organized and on top of drink orders helps to ensure that customers are served quickly and accurately, which keeps customers satisfied.

Responsible alcohol service practices include checking for valid identification, monitoring customer's intoxication levels, and knowing when to refuse service. Becoming knowledgeable about the bar's products is also important for providing excellent customer service, as it allows the bartender to make recommendations and provide detailed descriptions of each drink. By following these practices, bartenders can ensure that their customers have a positive experience and remain reliable and efficient in the process.

You may want to check Taproom Manager, Brewery Manager, and Club Bartender for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers, take orders, and serve drinks
Check identification of customers to verify age requirements for alcoholic beverages
Clean and organize bar area, restock items, and prepare garnishes for drinks
Maintain accurate tabs for customers and process payments
Prepare mixed drinks, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages
Suggest drinks and food pairings to customers
Follow all health and safety regulations
Monitor customer intoxication levels and intervene when necessary
Address customer complaints in a professional manner
Assist in training new bartenders and bar-backs

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of a wide range of beverages and cocktails.
Ability to accurately measure and mix ingredients.
Ability to carry out cash transactions and handle money.
Excellent customer service and communication skills.
Ability to multitask and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of health and safety regulations for handling food and alcohol.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to lift and move heavy cases and kegs.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Responsible alcohol service certification.

Having a successful career as a bartender requires many skills, but the most important one is the ability to provide excellent customer service. A good bartender must be friendly and have excellent communication skills in order to build a rapport with customers and create a welcoming atmosphere. They must also be knowledgeable about different types of drinks and cocktails, as well as the local laws and regulations that apply to the service of alcohol.

Furthermore, they must be able to multitask while taking orders and preparing drinks quickly and efficiently. Finally, they need to be organized and have strong problem solving skills when dealing with difficult customers or situations. All of these skills are essential for effective bartending and will lead to greater job satisfaction and increased tips from customers.

Mobile Bartender, Flair Bartender, and Specialty Cocktail Maker are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

Describe your experience in bartending.
What do you consider to be the most important qualities of a successful pub bartender?
How would you handle a difficult customer?
What is your experience with cash handling?
How do you ensure the accuracy of orders?
Describe any training you have received in alcohol safety and responsible service.
How do you stay up to date on new products and trends in the industry?
What do you think sets you apart from other bartenders?
How do you handle stressful situations?
Describe your approach to multitasking and working in a fast-paced environment.

Common Tools in Industry

Cocktail shaker. Used to mix and chill drinks. (eg: Margarita)
Jigger. Used to measure out precise amounts of alcohol. (eg: Whiskey Sour)
Corkscrew. Used to open wine bottles. (eg: Pinot Noir)
Bar spoon. Used to stir drinks. (eg: Old Fashioned)
Muddler. Used to muddle fruits, herbs, and other ingredients in cocktails. (eg: Mojito)
Ice pick. Used to break up large chunks of ice. (eg: Daiquiri)
Bottle opener. Used to open beer bottles. (eg: IPA)
Strainer. Used to strain drinks into glasses. (eg: Martini)
Juicer. Used to extract juice from fruits and vegetables. (eg: Bloody Mary)
Glassware. Used to serve drinks in different types of glasses. (eg: Champagne flutes)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Bartenders Association
United States Bartenders' Guild
International Bartenders Association
American Bartenders School
Society of Bar Professionals
National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
Association of Professional Bartenders
International Association of Professional Bartenders
National Association of Professional Bartenders
International Society of Beverage Technologists

We also have Bar Tender Trainer, Bartender/Server, and Cocktail Server jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Mixology. A profession, art, and knowledge dealing with the preparation and serving of alcoholic beverages.
Barback. An employee of a bar or restaurant who helps the bartender by stocking and organizing supplies and performing other tasks.
Liquor Inventory. A log of all alcoholic beverages available in a bar, including type, quantity, cost, and sales.
Garnishes. Decorative edible items added to drinks to give them a more appealing appearance.
Cocktail Shaker. A container used to mix drinks and create a frothy liquid.
Bottle Opener. A tool used to open bottles of beer or wine.
Coaster. A thin, usually circular plate or mat used to protect surfaces from drinks or condensation that can cause staining or damage.
Glassware. Any drinking vessel made of glass, including beer mugs, wine glasses, and highball glasses.
Swizzle Stick. A thin metal rod with a spiral top used to stir drinks and create a foamy head on top of them.
Blender. An electronic device used to mix ingredients together to create drinks such as smoothies, frappuccinos, and frozen cocktails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Pub Bartender? A1: Pub Bartender is a software system for managing restaurant and bar operations, including inventory, orders, payments, and staff management. Q2: How many customers can Pub Bartender serve? A2: Pub Bartender can serve up to 200 customers at once. Q3: What are some of the features of Pub Bartender? A3: Pub Bartender offers features such as recipe management, food and beverage costing, stock control, customer tracking, and staff scheduling. Q4: Does Pub Bartender offer support? A4: Yes, Pub Bartender offers free technical support via email and phone. Q5: What platforms is Pub Bartender available on? A5: Pub Bartender is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android platforms.