If you donâ??t know whatâ??s in it, donâ??t order it. You probably shouldnâ??t be drinking it anyway.

There are many things to be said about drinking in bars. Bars are a great place to meet people, get out of the house and socialize with peers. Some responsible drinking and fun with friends can be a great night out.

One can go to dance clubs, bowling alleys, sporting events, karaoke, concerts or just a corner pub to drink. Unfortunately, just like every other area of life, there are people who know how to act and those who don“t.

I have been a bartender for about five years, and I have seen it all. Some of my biggest pet peeves are work-related or socializing at a bar-related. The problem with bar etiquette is that parents never think to teach it and your peers don“t know.

That“s what I“m here for kiddies.

I“ve got a billion things to teach, but I“ll try to keep this to the main points.

1. Don“t ever put chewed, unwrapped gum in an ashtray, on the floor, on the bar or under the bar. It“s trashy and no one wants to look at or pick up your chewed-up wad of gunk.

2. As a matter of fact, why chew gum? Have a shot of Doctor“s: It freshens your breath and puts some booze in you.

3. If you get carded and you don“t have an ID, leave. Don“t argue with the bouncer or bartender. If you get carded using someone else“s ID and the carder says the ID isn“t you, leave. Take the ID if they will give it back to you and leave. Do not argue.

4. 1. If it is any day other than Sunday, or if it is after 3 p.m., do not order a Bloody Mary if there are more than five people in the bar. Some other bartending friends of mine don“t think it“s ever OK besides Sunday, so expect to be glared at.
5. 1. Don“t ever ask for a cup of cherries, olives or oranges. This is not a salad bar. These are garnishes for cocktails. Order a pizza or eat before you come.
6. 1. Complaining about drink prices won“t do any good. Whatever price the bartender tells you, pay it. Commenting on the cheaper prices at other bars will not make you look cool, it makes you look cheap.

7. You are paying for the atmosphere, entertainment, cocktail, and quality of bartender. If you don“t think all these things are worth the price, don“t return.

8. Never ask “What“s the cheapest thing you have?” The most likely answer will be “You.” If you need to ask, you can“t afford to be at this “ or likely any “ bar.

9. 1. I once read in a magazine article that I can“t find anywhere the cleverest line, and I will do my best to get it right: “If you can“t afford to tip, you can“t afford to be in a bar. Go to the liquor store.” My sentiment exactly.

10. By the way, the general rule is $1 a drink. If it“s a very difficult or time-consuming drink to make, step it up and give an extra buck.

11. Let the bartender or door guy know if anything is empty, broken or spilled. Sometimes they won“t care, but I do. I can“t tell if the women“s room has run out of toilet paper since I checked it when I got to work. I don“t know if someone has spilled a drink in the men“s room. If I don“t know, I can“t fix it.

12. 1. Don“t ever pound on the bar, whistle or snap to get the bartender“s attention. If you need to say something, try, “Excuse me. When you get a second â?¦” Trust me on this one.
13. 1. If you don“t know what“s in it, don“t order it. You probably shouldn“t be drinking it anyway. If you order something, there is always a chance that the bartender won“t know how to make it, no matter how good s/he is. If you can tell them how to make it, you will most likely be accommodated as long as the ingredients are available.
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Honestly, these rules aren“t hard to follow. Trust me and you will make many more friends and be looked at as a much nicer person if you don“t give the bartender a hard time.

Don“t feel bad if these rules shock you. There is no true rule book to going to the bar. That“s why I try to remain patient. It“s hard sometimes. Keep in mind that bartenders are dealing with drunken people all night. Be patient with us.

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