Message 8416 of 22774 in Behind the Bar

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> Do you think the fact that I don't drink would be a good thing or a 
> bad thing for a hiring manager to find out?  

Personally, I do not think that the fact that you do not drink should matter. 
I have worked with and know several bartenders that do not drink, and they are 
good bartenders. Whether or not I drink has never been a factor nor has it 
ever come up in a job interview for any of the bartender positions I have had.

I also do not think that it would necessarily be an appropriate question to be 
asked in an interview. However, if you are asked whether or not you drink, you 
should answer honestly and professionally, discuss why you do not drink and 
how you not drinking can be an asset rather than a liability.

When discussing why you do not drink, you do not want to give the impression 
that you think drinking is a negative thing. You do not want the hiring 
manager to think that you think that drinking is a negative thing and that you 
have a negative view of your potential customers who choose to drink.

> On one hand, I can see it being good because they don't have to worry about 
> me
> drinking profits away.  On the other hand, I don't really have a true
> appreciation for alcohol and what people might like the taste of, etc.

I would not bring either of these points up in an interview. For one, it is 
simply unprofessional for anyone to be drinking on the job and should not be a 
concern for management. (Yes, it does happen and in some places it may not 
matter, while in others it can cost someone their job.) Second, in an 
interview you want to talk about your assets, strengths, and abilities to 
perform the job rather than any liabilities you may have. You want to tell 
them why they want to hire you, not why they do not want to hire you.

Best of luck in finding a bartending position!