The Customer is Always Right?
A man walks up to the bar and slurs "Gimme a beer." As he sways side to side I think to my self " that’s the last thing you need buddy." I offer a hot cup of coffee or a cool glass of water instead. Angered by my offer he proceeds to belligerently tell me all he wants is a damn beer. As he continues to argue his moot point I can’t help but wonder, if judgement is the first thing that alcohol affects, is the customer really always right?
A man walks up to the bar and slurs "Gimme a beer." As he sways side to side I think to my self " that’s the last thing you need buddy." I offer a hot cup of coffee or a cool glass of water instead. Angered by my offer he proceeds to belligerently tell me all he wants is a damn beer. As he continues to argue his moot point I can’t help but wonder, if judgement is the first thing that alcohol affects, is the customer really always right?
The motto of the service industry has long been the customer is always right. These words that I painfully lived by as a waitress have become somewhat of a nuisance to me as a bartender. Customers come in to the bar expecting that they still stand true are unpleasantly surprised when they realize that a new motto is in affect. "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone" is one of my favorite signs, which hangs above the entrance of the bar. When I am serving alcohol to the public I have the right to say enough is enough.
Many may feel that because they are paying for service that they should get all that they want. This is mostly true for the average diner. Good service should be expected. When it comes to alcohol, service should be given with a smile. When the unfortunate event of cutting someone off should arise, it should be done in a kind way. However it has to be done.
According to the Liquor Control Commission I not only have the right to stop feeding an intoxicated person alcohol I also have the obligation. As far as the law goes I am responsible for what happens to the customers inside and directly outside the bar if they are consuming alcohol. The fine for over-serving an intoxicated person is $5000.00, which I would have to pay out of pocket. Due to the fact that I am not independently wealthy, I will tell a person when I feel they have had enough.
Without trying to sound power hungry I feel that a new slogan should be instated. "The bartender knows best." People who are consuming alcohol are limited in judgement. Therefore on occasion they may need someone to suggest that they don’t have another. So the next time that you walk in to your local bar or tavern, try to remember that your server is not your personal slave, and they can take your alcohol from you when ever they see fit. Also remember that on occasion the customer is not always right.
3 comments:
Cindy, great essay and so true. I agree with you one million per cent. Bartending is definitely not an easy job, so I've been told. Along with raising a brand new baby, while juggling college. Kudos to you!
-- Gunnar
It is so hard to deal with drunks. Being a bartender is a very responsible position. You have to cut someone off when they are too drunk or they may go out and kill someone if they are driving drunk. People have such different personalities when they are drunk. They are really volatile. I wouldn't want to be a bartender. It takes guts! Good Job! Mary Brown
I totally agree with you here. The customer is far from always right, especially under these circumstances. You are responsible for their well bieng while they are in your bar so you have to tell them no when they've gone to far and it takes a lot to do that im sure!.
alicia Sprague
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