> Can you tell me more about the banquet bartenders? Like what are the
> hours they normally work? Pay? And is it a permanent gig?
If you have ever been to a convention recption, or a wedding reception or
awards banquet where there was a bar then you've seen a banquet bartender.Gigs
,pay and benifits vary from place to place so I'll just speak generaly.
Most events require you to set up and break down the bar plus mix the drinks.
Most are from 4-8 hours.THe amount of stock you have is limited so just your
general drinks like scotch and water, gin and tonic, ect.Usally there is not a
low cost well brand but a moderatly priced brand and only one scotch or rum
ect. You probably will never have to use a blender.Some times it's a free bar
and sometime you have to collect money or tickets depending on how the
establishment works.Some places don't allow you to accept tips or even have a
tip jar so make sure you ask.At any rate you should get a higher hourly rate
than normal local rate bartenders are paid.$50-$100 a gig(before tip) the
normal range.The normal headaches of dealing with drunks or minors is less
than in other establishment as the host generaly supervise their guests.No
one sits at the bar and expects to be entertained they walk up to the table
and want a drink.
Remeber at a banquet or other funtion it's not like a bar where you are trying
to use personality to build a clientel your function is to be a mechanic and
"sling alcohol" .Pouring cost is another thing.If it's an open bar the pour
heavy if your accountable for cash find out before hand how many drinks they
expect frome each bottle before you start, and slightly under pour so they
don't expect you to reach into your pocket at the end of the shift.
If you can make drinks acuurately and quickly then you'll be asked back.It's
a good partime job to start and says to your next employer you can deal with
volume.
Hope this helps
Dennis