What makes a good bartender? Is it someone who can make drinks with panache, flipping ingredients in the air, spinning around and delivering a drink to patrons with a smile? Or is it a little more complex than that?
While tipping does tend to increase with dramatic drink-making, being a good bartender in Utah is more than just making drinks with flair. It requires responsibility, awareness and, most of all, proper training. Let's discuss everything that goes into becoming a successful bartender in Utah.
Understand Utah’s Alcohol Laws
Before you take the first steps toward becoming a successful bartender, you need to start with the basics. And the foundation of any good bartender is knowledge of Utah’s alcohol laws and regulations, as Utah has some of the strictest in the United States. It’s crucial to be aware of these if you want to avoid legal issues and ensure customer safety. Some key points about Utah’s alcohol laws to study include:
- Alcohol content and measurements: In Utah, the maximum alcohol content allowed for beer sold in stores and served in restaurants is five percent alcohol by volume (aka ABV). For spirits and wines, only 1.5 ounces are allowed in a drink for a primary liquor and up to 2.5 ounces are allowed if mixed with a secondary alcohol.
- Operational hours: Alcoholic beverages can only be served between 11:30 a.m. and 1 a.m. After 1 a.m., it’s illegal to serve alcohol and all patrons must finish their drinks by 2 a.m. You must know these hours and adhere to them as a bartender.
- Private clubs and restaurant licenses: Utah differentiates between establishments that serve alcohol as their primary business and those that serve it as a secondary service. Understanding whether you’re working in a private club, bar or restaurant affects how you handle and serve alcohol.
Obtain a Utah Alcohol Server Certification
Another essential step in your path toward becoming a successful bartender in Utah is to obtain the required certifications. Specifically, you must complete an alcohol server training program approved by the Utah Office of Substance Use and Mental Health (OSUMH). This training educates bartenders on responsible serving practices, how to identify intoxication and how to handle difficult situations involving alcohol.
For example, American Course Academy’s E.A.S.Y. alcohol sales certification course is designed to equip off-premise alcohol sellers (e.g., grocery store clerks, convenience store clerks, etc.) with a basic understanding of alcohol selling best practices. It’s approved by OSUMH, provides more than 60 minutes of instruction and lets you immediately download your alcohol server training certificate once you’re done.
Develop Your Bartending Skills
Once you have a basic understanding of alcohol and your role as a bartender, you can start developing practical bartending skills. This is going to require practice, and lots of it. But, in time, you’ll be able to serve drinks like a pro if you focus on the following areas:
- Mixology and drink presentation: A successful bartender in Utah must master the art of mixology, which includes knowing how to prepare classic cocktails, create new drinks and serve beverages with flair. Try different recipes and try to master a few to start.
- Speed and efficiency: Things can get crazy during peak hours, so bartenders must know how to work quickly and efficiently when needed. You don’t want to compromise on quality, so multitasking is a priority in times of high demand.
- Cleanliness and organization: Of course, you don’t want to be skilled and fast at the expense of your environment. Maintaining a clean and appealing bar area is ideal for both hygiene and efficiency. Make sure all tools and ingredients are readily accessible and that your bar is always clean and dry.
Cultivate Excellent Customer Service
Hard skills aren’t the only important aspect of bartending; soft skills matter, too. You need to get to know customer preferences and have the ability to make recommendations while handling complaints. Be attentive, listen actively and engage in friendly conversation to build rapport with your patrons.
In particular, it would be wise to focus on conflict resolution techniques so you can handle difficult situations in a calm and professional manner. You’re going to encounter disgruntled customers and customers who are intoxicated, so practice dealing with them. Finally, your appearance matters as well, so dress appropriately, maintain good hygiene and present yourself confidently.
Stay Informed and Adaptable
Bartending is constantly evolving, with new trends, recipes and technologies emerging regularly. As such, you need to stay informed about industry developments and be adaptable to change. This can set you apart as a successful bartender. Follow industry blogs, attend workshops and network with other professionals to stay ahead of the curve.
These are a few essentials to focus on if you want to be a successful bartender in Utah. To check one of these items off your list, enroll in our Utah alcohol server certification course today.
