> Also, what is the best way to learn bartending "etiquette" so to
> speak, such as dealing with customers that are out of control, or
> deciding when someone needs to be shut-off? I'm all of 175 lbs. so I
> don't see myself pulling any Patrick Swazey "Road House" moves on
> anyone...I prefer the more diplomatic route ;) Thanks again.
I think experience is the best way to learn bartending etiquette. Your size
shouldn't matter- I'm 5 feet tall and am often the only person on duty at our
little bar. My boss is skinny as hell but a very scary m.f. when he wants to
be.
The best way to deal with an out of control customer is to threaten to call
the cops, then pick up the phone and pretend to call by dialing 411 and then
speaking as if to cops. If that doesn't work, call the actual cops. Generally
this tactic is most effective if you explain to the rowdy patron that they can
be charged with criminal trespassing, which incurs a sentence of 30 to 60 days
in jail and a fine of up to $2500, or some simiilar line of bullshit. I don't
know what the actual sentence might be, but neither does the drunken idiot in
question, so you can pretty much tell them anything you want. I've had to do
this in the past week. If all else fails, well, most bars down here (New
Orleans) keep several weapons strategically located behind the bar. Hopefully
no one will ever have to use them.