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Bar Attendant

Also known as a Beverage Attendant.

Bar attendants prepare and mix drinks, serving customers in hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants, clubs and other licensed entertainment venues.

Bar attendants work in venues that are often busy and noisy. They may have to deal with difficult customers who may be under the influence of alcohol.

They usually work shifts, including weekends, evenings and public holidays.

Uniforms may be supplied by employers.

Bar attendants must be at least 18 years of age, although some training providers give exemptions for the purpose of training.

TASKS

Bar attendants may perform the following tasks:

serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
draw beer from the tap or pour from bottles
mix ingredients to make cocktails and slice fruit to garnish drinks
prepare and serve a variety of coffees
collect payment, operate cash registers and give change
refill drink and cigarette dispensers
collect glasses from tables and place them in glass-washing machines
wipe down tables and empty ashtrays
clean bar service area and polish glasses
arrange bottles and glasses on shelves
assist in the cellar
assist in stock control
maintain workplace hygiene, occupational health and safety, and security procedures

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

good interpersonal skills
good memory
able to work quickly and efficiently
enjoy working with people
good personal presentation
good cash-handling skills
able to stand for long periods

Very Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Bar Manager - oversees and manages the entire operation of a bar, from the purchase and pricing of beverages, to hiring and training staff, maintaining records of stock levels and financial transactions, and making sure staff follow liquor laws and regulations.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a bar attendant without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

You can also become a bar attendant through a traineeship in Hospitality.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

To sell, serve or supply liquor in a licensed venue in NSW or the ACT, you must have a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate. RSA courses are widely offered by TAFE institutes and Registered Training Organisations. Contact the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing or the Office of Regulatory Services (ACT) for further details.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Bar attendants work in hotels, bars, restaurants, cafes, clubs, recreation and convention centres and other licensed entertainment venues. As turnover is relatively high, there is generally a constant demand to replace those leaving the job.

Bar attendants who have undertaken training or are experienced are highly regarded by employers. In larger establishments, bar attendants with experience and qualifications may progress to supervisory or management positions.