Bartender

Job Summary

Bartenders mix and serve drinks and control the beverages leaving the bar in cocktail lounges, restaurants and other establishments where liquor is served.

Qualifications

Bartenders may serve customers directly at the bar or prepare drinks to be served by other staff members. In addition to serving beer and wine, they mix ingredients such as liquor, fruit juices, cream, coffee, soft drinks, water, sugar and bitters in the right proportions to prepare cocktails and other drinks. They may also make cappuccino, espresso and other special coffees.

Responsibilities

To mix and invent drinks

To serve alcohol responsibly (including refusing further service when appropriate)

To promote their establishments

To be aware of the financial goals of their establishments

Wash glassware and keep the bar area clean and orderly

Arrange displays of bar stock and glassware

Prepare garnishes

Serve snacks or food items to people seated at the bar

Keep an inventory of liquors, wines, beers, soft drinks, cream, fruits and fruit juices

Order supplies

Perhaps operate computerized point of sales systems

Collect payments for drinks and balance cash receipts

Use machines that automatically mix and dispense drinks.   

Fill unusual orders and how to do the work manually if equipment is not functioning

Up-selling to increase average guest check and or beverage to food ratio

May also have supervisory responsibilities including:

Planning, organizing and controlling the operations of a cocktail lounge or bar

Coordinating beverage requirements with other supervisory staff

Planning bar menus

Assisting with advertising and promotions

Taking inventory and tracking spillage and transfers

Qualifications

Bartenders may train on the job under the direction of an experienced bartender or take related training program

Bartenders must be at least 18 years of age

They must be able to measure accurately to prepare drinks quickly and without waste, especially during busy periods, and need a working knowledge of the characteristics of wine, beer and spirits as well as knowledge of beverage products and cocktail recipes and liquor laws

Be thoroughly familiar with Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission policies and regulations

Have taken server intervention training such as the "It's Good Business" course offered by the Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association

Food safety certification and food allergy training are definite assets when looking for employment

Personal Qualities

Be quick, efficient and able to prioritise tasks

Good judgment and a responsible attitude when serving alcohol, combined with the ability to maintain customer satisfaction

Honesty and patience

The math skills required handling money accurately

A good memory for details

The ability to get along well with others

Bartenders must be able to perform their duties cheerfully, courteously and efficiently. They are expected to listen to customers sympathetically, without getting personally involved. They also must co-operate with other food and beverage service workers to maintain high standards of customer service.

Physical Demands                                                                                                           

Lifting/Carrying:           Under 20 lbs.   Often         

Pushing/Pulling:          20 to 35 lbs.    Often                        

Repetitive Motions:      Standing, Walking, and Bending, Reaching Below shoulder                

Pay Range

$5.90 - $8.71 plus tips