In the hospitality industry, a common question often occurs: Can “safe service” and “maximized sales” coexist in bars? While it might seem as though these objectives are at odds, they are not mutually exclusive. Let’s consider a few barroom strategies that will allow for both safe service and maximized sales.
Safe Service is All About Nurturing Your Brand
The goal of any business, especially those in the hospitality industry, is to build customer loyalty and repeat business. In the bar business, you don’t get your “Norm” without generating customer trust and providing prompt, responsible service. Loyal customers require venues that create a safe, respectable space for the consumption of alcohol.
In this regard “safe service” means de-escalating, or removing, disruptive or potentially violent patrons and preventing underage patrons from being served alcohol. In other words, it’s all about creating a secure and welcoming environment where guests can enjoy a cocktail among friends or while making new friends.
What is Meant by Maximized Sales?
Maximizing sales in a bar setting means finding ways to increase revenue through thoughtful service and strategic offerings. This could involve upselling premium products or creating ways in which to ensure that customers stay longer and spend more money. While this sounds like a good business plan, one must understand that it’s easy to cross an ethical line when it comes to alcohol sales for the sake of maximizing profits.
As an example, cutting off an overserved patron might seem like a fast way to lose money on the next sale. It would also reduce the likelihood of a tip or future tips from that patron. Prioritizing patron safety could have the appearance of missing out on sales.
How “Safe Service” and “Maximized Sales” Can Coexist in Bars
Here are a few practical ideas for balancing safe service and maximized sales.
- Offer a diverse menu that provides food pairings with wine or spirits. This is an excellent way to upsell a food item while also keeping the effects of alcohol in check. Properly train employees to suggest higher-quality products or food items rather than simply plying more alcohol.
- Implement incentives for staff members who maintain a bar-wide safety stance and recognize those employees who actively choose to prevent over-serving or skillfully neutralize potentially difficult situations.
- Empower a staff with proper training, certifications and assurances that management is in full support of choices that must be made on the fly. Make it clear that the management team will stand behind employees who make responsible decisions without fear of repercussions.
Proper training starts here at ACA. The training materials you receive at American Course Academy are state-approved and affordable, and you can be certified at your own pace, with many completing their certifications the day of enrollment. All you need is a little time and a Wi-Fi-enabled device. Enroll today or contact us with any questions about how to acquire or renew your alcohol or food handling certification.
