Expert insights, compliance tips, and bartender skills to keep your service sharp, your guests safe, and your bar thriving. From fake IDs to low-ABV cocktails, this series covers everything alcohol professionals need to know.
Behind The Bar
The line at the bar is six deep, the tickets are piling up, and guests are waving credit cards like flags. This is the moment bartenders live for — and dread. Speed is money, but only if you keep quality and compliance intact. Why It Matters On busy nights, bartenders juggle
Behind The Bar
You hand a guest their third beer, and they fumble the glass. Is it just clumsy — or are they over the line? Spotting intoxication isn’t guesswork. It’s a skill every bartender and server needs to protect guests, themselves, and their license. Why It Matters Serving alcohol to an
Behind The Bar
Every craftsperson has their tools, and bartenders are no different. From the humble jigger to the sleek Boston shaker, the right tools not only make your drinks better — they make your job easier, faster, and safer. Why It Matters Knowing your bar tools isn’t just about looking professional. Proper
Behind The Bar
Every bartender has that one story: the guest who got loud, rude, or just plain difficult. How you handle those moments says as much about your professionalism as your cocktail skills — and in some cases, it can protect your liquor license. Why It Matters Difficult customers are more than just
Behind The Bar
“Want to make that a double?” — it’s the oldest upsell in the book. Done right, upselling boosts sales and tips. Done wrong, it lands you with an overserved guest, a possible violation, and a very unhappy manager. The art is knowing how to walk that line. Why It Matters
Behind The Bar
A guest slams their empty glass on the bar and demands another. You know they’ve had enough. Do you have to serve them? Absolutely not. In fact, in many states, you’re legally required to say no. Why It Matters Refusing service isn’t about being rude — it’s
Behind The Bar
Ordering booze to your doorstep has exploded since the pandemic — but delivering it isn’t as simple as dropping off a pizza. Every state has its own rules, and if you’re the one delivering, you need to know when it’s legal, what ID to check, and how to
Behind The Bar
You cut someone off. They storm out, angry. An hour later, you hear they crashed their car. Who’s responsible — them, you, or the bar? That’s where liability and “dram shop” laws come in, and every bartender, server, and manager needs to understand the stakes. Why It Matters Serving
Behind The Bar
In one state, certification is optional. Cross the border, and suddenly it’s mandatory — with fines waiting if you don’t have it. Alcohol server training rules change depending on where you work, which is why every bartender, server, and manager needs to know the basics for their state. Why
Behind The Bar
One wrong pour, one missed ID check, one extra drink — and suddenly your bar is staring down a fine, a suspended license, or even a lawsuit. Most costly mistakes behind the bar aren’t complicated; they’re simple slip-ups that add up fast. Why It Matters Bars and restaurants live
Behind The Bar
Ever had a guest swear they’re “totally fine” after four shots in 30 minutes? Their body might disagree. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is the science behind intoxication — and understanding it can save you from fines, lawsuits, and some very messy nights. Why It Matters BAC isn’t just a
Behind The Bar
That kid at the bar with the shaky hands? He’s not nervous to order a beer — he’s nervous you’ll catch his fake. Spotting a bad ID isn’t just about protecting your bar; it’s about protecting your license, your job, and your reputation. Why It Matters