Bartenders prepare standard mixed drinks and pour wine and beer. They also prepare mixed drinks to match customers? specific orders. Most bartenders know dozens of drink recipes. They must be able to prepare drinks quickly, accurately, and without waste. Some large restaurants use machines that create drinks. Bartenders that use these machines just push a button. However, they must know how to prepare drinks in case the machine breaks. In most bars and many restaurants, bartenders take orders directly from customers. However, in some places they receive drink orders from waiters and waitresses. In addition to serving drinks, bartenders collect payment and operate the cash register. They also clean up after customers and clean their work area. They often serve food to customers seated at the bar. Bartenders check identification of customers. Bartenders must be sure customers meet age requirements for the purchase of alcohol and tobacco products. An additional responsibility is to make sure customers do not drink too much alcohol. Bartenders are responsible for ordering and maintaining liquor and bar supplies. They often form attractive displays out of bottles and glassware. Bartenders wash the glassware and utensils after each use.

Work Activities

• Mix ingredients to prepare cocktails and other drinks.
• Wash glassware and utensils after each use.
• Pour wine and beer.
• Collect payment and operate a cash register.
• Serve food to customers seated at the bar.
• Check identification of customers to make sure they meet age requirements for purchase of alcohol and tobacco products.
• Determine when a customer has had too much alcohol.
• Clean up after customers and clean work area.
• Order and maintain liquor and bar supplies.
• Arrange bottles and glasses to make attractive displays.

General Activities

• Serve customers in a friendly and helpful manner.
• Handle and move objects, such as glasses and bottles, using hands and arms.
• Order supplies from outside vendors.
• Monitor and maintain an inventory of supplies.
• Mix ingredients according to drink recipes.
• Perform physical activities such as lifting and stooping.
• Sell or influence others