There are a lot of bartender myths and stereotypes flying around out there. It’s time to find out about some about these bartender myths and if there is any truth behind them.

Never Say THIS to the Bartender

1. Bartenders get hit on all the time.

Truth: Not all of them do and not all the time. Most bartenders master the art of flirting and smiling routinely to engage customers but never offer personal information about themselves or take it further than that. Bartenders come in contact with a lot of people and taking things personal is a recipe for disaster.  Forget the whole getting laid and hit on all the time myth. It may happen on occasion, but no more than any other person.

2. Bartenders are Uneducated.

Truth: This couldn’t be farther from the truth. First of all, most bartenders take some kind of formal education to be a bartender or go through extensive training before getting behind the bar. Others are working through college. You will meet bartenders with all types of educational background and skills. In fact, your bartender may have a Bachelor’s and even a Master’s degree. Be careful thinking bartenders are uneducated because they may have more education than you.

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3. Bartending is one big party!

Truth: False! Bartending is work. It can be fun at times and is typically a more relaxed establishment than an office job. Yet bartenders are still on their feet at for hours at a time, mixing drinks, cleaning counters and working the cash register. It’s not all fun and games. It’s still a source of income and has to have a level of professionalism.

4. Bartenders are walking encyclopedias of drinks.

Truth: It’s true that bartenders know many different types of drinks. It’s their job to know drinks. However, they don’t know every drink out there and with new drinks being made all the time, it’s quite impossible for a bartender to know everything. However, if they don’t know how to make a drink most bartenders are open to listening to their customers explain it. Bartenders like to learn new things that will increase sales and tips.

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5. Bartending is just a side job.

Truth: For some, it might be. However, for many bartenders this is their only job. There are a lot of amazing bartenders who have made a career and life out of bartending. For them bartending is much more than a side job. It’s a way of life. Too many people believe you can not make a career out of bartending, but the reality is so many people have done just that. The profession of bartending offers a ton of perks if taking seriously.

6. They are alcoholics.

Truth: This myth is pretty ridiculous. In fact, it is hard for an alcoholic to work at a job that serves alcohol. The temptation would be too great and you wouldn’t get any work done. No work equals no tips. In fact, most bartenders drink very little. After seeing the effects of alcohol every day on your customers, the idea of drinking just isn’t fun anymore. It’s just like working at McDonald’s, after a while eating McDonald’s food isn’t so appealing to you.

7. Bartending is easy and glamorous.

Truth: Bartending may seem fun, exciting and easy. However, there is so much more that goes on. You need to have good people skills and know how to handle money. You need to be able to lift heavy items, clean, restock and even be ready to mop the floor and pick up broken glass. And don’t forget, it is never fun cleaning up someone else’s puke!

8. Bartenders are not accountable for their customers.

Truth: To a point this may be true. However, if a bartender served someone too many drinks and allowed them to leave without calling them a cab, we can get in trouble for any accidents or alcohol poisoning that can occur. Bartenders can still be liable. That is why a good bartender pays attention to their customers and makes sure to step in and cut them off so they get home safely.

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Billie Raucci, Contributor