ServSafe Alcohol Certification

The Professional School of Bartending offers our students ServSafe Alcohol certification at our Providence location and T.I.P.S. at our Brockton location. These responsible server training programs are sponsored by State and National Restaurant Associations. In addition the certification is required to work in many towns in Massachusetts and statewide in Rhode Island (Jan. 2005). These programs give restaurant and food service managers and employees the knowledge, confidence and tools to think and react successfully and responsibly when serving beverage alcohol. Certification is key in the hospitality industry for securing a great career as it identifies you as a professional with the knowledge and confidence necessary to serve alcohol responsibly.

Duties and Responsibilities

Bartenders fill drink orders that waiters and waitresses take from customers. They prepare standard mixed drinks and, occasionally, are asked to mix drinks to suit a customer's taste. Most bartenders know dozens of drink recipes and are able to mix drinks accurately, quickly, and without waste, even during the busiest periods. Besides mixing and serving drinks, bartenders collect payment, operate the cash register, clean up after customers leave, and often serve food to customers seated at the bar.

Bartenders also check identification of customers seated at the bar, to ensure they meet the minimum age requirement for the purchase of alcohol and tobacco products and bartenders must demonstrate an awareness and responsibility concerning a customers state of intoxication. Bartenders usually are responsible for ordering and maintaining an inventory of liquor, mixes, and other bar supplies. They often form attractive displays out of bottles and glassware and wash the glassware and utensils after each use.

The majority of bartenders who work in eating and drinking establishments directly serve and interact with patrons. Because customers typically frequent drinking establishments for the friendly atmosphere, most bartenders must be friendly and helpful with customers.

Because maintaining a restaurant's image is important to its success, employers emphasize personal qualities. Bartenders are in close contact with the public, so these workers should be well-spoken and have a neat, clean appearance. They should enjoy dealing with all kinds of people and possess a pleasant disposition.