How to become a Bar Attendant

Duties & Tasks of a Bar Attendant

Bar attendants:

• 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.

Tasks

• Replenishes drink dispensers, shelves and refrigerators.
• Collects payment for sales and operates cash registers.
• Washes glassware and arranges bottles and glasses.
• Selects and grinds coffee.
• Sells light snacks.
• Cleans and maintains bar service area, coffee-making area and espresso machine.
• Prepares, serves and sells cocktails, mixed drinks, bottled, canned and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and a variety of coffee beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso-based beverages.
• Promotes services and products.
• Taps kegs and attaches supply lines.

Working conditions for a Bar Attendant

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.

Employment Opportunities for a Bar Attendant

Bar attendants work in hotels, bars, restaurants, cafés, 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.

Specializations

Bar Manager

A 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.

Bar Attendant

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

Bar Manager

A 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.

• 

  Average age

  24

• 

  Future Growth

  N/A

• 

  Gender Share

  50% female

• 

  Average full-time

  42 hours

• 

  Weekly Pay

  N/A

• 

  Skill level rating

  Entry level

• 

  Unemployment

  Average unemployment

• 

  Full-Time Share

  23%

• 

  Employment Size

  45,600

• 

  Employment by state

  ACT: 1.8%
  NSW: 42.4%
  NT: 0.9%
  QLD: 19.4%
  SA: 6.9%
  TAS: 2.2%
  VIC: 17.6%
  WA: 8.8%
  
• 

  Age brackets

  15-19: 12.1%
  20-24: 38.1%
  25-34: 26%
  35-44: 9.1%
  45-54: 7.6%
  55-59: 3.4%
  60-64: 2.3%
  65 and Over: 1.4%
  
• 

  Education level

  Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 7.9%
  Bachelor degree: 9.9%
  Certificate III/IV: 14.9%
  Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 1.3%
  Year 10 and below: 13%
  Year 11: 5.7%
  Year 12: 47.4%