Bar Attendant Job Description

A Bar Attendant or a Bartender or a Barman generally serves drinks or beverages at a bar, restaurant or any other dining or drinking place. The bar attendant may serve alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks based on customer’s preference. He may also serve food. The bartender is generally an expert in mixing drinks and making cocktails.

Skill Requirements

• Great communication skills. Should be able to converse fluently in English and few local languages.
• Jovial and people friendly attitude.
• Must love music and parties.
• Pleasing persona and polished looks.
• Be able to get along with other bar attendants and restaurant staff.
• Be creative. Should be able to concoct new mixes and drinks based on customer demands.
• Must be attentive and ensure all customers are billed correctly.
• Must be speedy enough to create customer’s orders within a short span of time.
• Should know how to use of credit card swipe machines.
• Basic knowledge of computers and billing systems.
• Knowledge of basic accounting and mathematics to ensure correct billing.

Job Duties

• Ensure all the ingredients, cutlery and other items are in stock before the bar or the restaurant opens.
• Ensure all the pre-preparations are also completed before the bar opens.
• Take orders from customers. Ensure the customer is permitted to have alcoholic beverages as per local laws. In case of doubt, politely ask for any age proofs without sounding offensive.
• Mix and serve drinks as per customer’s orders.
• Prepare and serve food to customers.
• Ensure the bar counter and the adjoining area is clean. Pick and dispose used plates or any other debris.
• Politely ask customers for a repeat of the drink.
• In case of any fights or undesirable incidents, inform the security or the bouncer at the earliest.
• Create a bill on customer’s request or when the bar is about to shut.
• Collect payment from the customers and process it.
• In case of credit or debit card payment, take a signed copy of the bill from the customer.
• Do an inventory check of all the items once the bar is closed.
• Ensure the area is cleaned thoroughly before leaving.
• Supervise junior attendants and help in their training.

Work Conditions

• Will have to work in a bar, lounge, pub, nightclub, restaurant, hotel or any other dining or drinking place.
• Work timings will be mostly evening to late night.
• Will have to work in a crowded environment with loud music.
• Work involves being on feet throughout working hours.
• Will have to work on weekends and holidays.

Educational Requirements

• Under graduate or Graduate in any field.
• Must have completed a course on bar tending.
• Candidates who have completed a course in culinary skills or hospitality will be preferred.
• Previous experience as a bar attendant will be an added advantage.

Tips for Job

• Be courteous and helpful.
• Always ensure superior customer service.
• Thank the customer on receiving a tip.
• Serve each and every customer with a smile.