8 problems only bar staff will understand

Bar staff can be put through the mill at times, having to deal with rude customers, expected to create miracles and all with a smile on their face.

The Morning Advertiser takes a look at problems only those who work behind the jump will understand.

1. Bad manners

Customers who are insistent that they don’t need to use 'please' or 'thank you' when ordering a drink and instead use ‘alternative’ language. Or simply expecting bar staff to become mind-readers. Ridiculous.

2. Busy times

There are no clean glasses anywhere and customers still expect to be served before there’s even the slightest opportunity of stacking the glass washer.

3. The complicated drinks

The ordering of a Guinness last, the dreaded bitter shandy, a plethora of shots, whatever customers can order that is out of the norm, why?! Order a lager and be happy about it.

4. The ID monsters

Those teenagers who come in, thinking they look old enough but who don’t quite understand that they will still be asked for ID and take it personally when it happens. It’s the law. Stop moaning.

5. The hottest shift

It is hotter than the sun outside and even warmer inside when some intelligent customer walks in to the bar and brags about how lovely it is to sit in the beer garden, supping a pint while relaxing with friends. Try not to strangle them with a bar towel.

6. The not-so-busy shifts

Those customers who think it’s OK to walk into the pub seconds before time at the bar and order a drink. This is not OK!

7. Expecting miracles

As a member of bar staff, your overall role is to serve drinks. Not to plug people’s mobile phones in to charge, provide various items of stationary equipment, looking things up for customers. Just serve drinks.

8. Wanting more

Sometimes compliments are nice to receive but, when working at the pub, you always feel there is a hidden agenda. Attempting to flirt their way to a free drink. Eurgh.