Can Bartenders Drink on the Job at Clubs?

by Tina Amo, Demand Media

Bartenders mix and serve beverages for a living, in addition to other responsibilities such as keeping the bar well stocked and maintained, tending to customers' needs, and setting up and breaking down the bar area at the beginning and end of their shifts. Bartenders might be surrounded by alcohol, but they must remain professional during working hours. A bartender's ability to drink on the job at clubs and other establishments depends on state laws and the employer’s house policies. Club owners should always check with the state where they are licensed to determine if their bartenders are allowed to drink on the job.

State Laws

Some states allow bartenders to drink on the job, while others prohibit it, regardless if it's a private club or neighborhood pub. In states that ban the practice, bartenders caught drinking on the job can be cited for a misdemeanor. In some states, the laws vary by establishment. For example, in Washington, bartenders are not allowed to drink on the job unless they work for establishments that make their own beer. In these cases, bartenders can sample the beer for evaluation and pricing purposes.

House Rules

Many clubs don’t let their bartenders drink while on duty, no matter what state law allows. This policy has a number of benefits to the employer. It prevents bartenders from using up the supplies and cutting into profits. It also prevents bartenders from getting drunk and acting unprofessionally. Bartenders caught drinking on the job at such establishments could lose their jobs. Other clubs allow the bartender to drink on the job as long as he can regulate his drinking and limit it to reasonable amounts. The employer can also charge the bartender for his drinks to prevent him from drinking up the profits.

Special Circumstances

There are some situations in which even strict employers might allow bartenders to drink on the job. For example, a club owner might encourage accepting a drink if a customer offers to buy one for the bartender. This is considered a goodwill gesture that builds loyalty among customers. However, in clubs and states where drinking on the job is strictly prohibited, the bartender must graciously decline the offer of a drink and explain the rules to the customer.

Conduct and Consequences

An inebriated bartender might not be in the right state of mind to make important decisions, which could lead to situations that negatively affect the business. For instance, a bartender who is not mentally sharp is less likely to carefully watch for underage guests. Local police departments often conduct stings to ensure that bars are not serving underage people. If a bartender is caught violating the law, the owner's liquor license might be suspended. In addition, inebriated bartenders might not notice when a customer has had too much to drink. This could lead to liability problems for the club if the customer gets into a car wreck on the way home or is involved in some other alcohol-induced mishap that causes harm to body or property.

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