Marlborough Girls’ College
Bartender Kaitiaki Pae Inu
Bartenders prepare and serve drinks in bars, restaurants and clubs.
Bartenders may do some or all of the following:
- make, serve, and take orders for drinks
- clean and tidy the bar area
- check customers' identification for proof of legal drinking age
- handle cash, EFTPOS and other payments
- collect and wash glasses
- operate and monitor gaming machines
- ensure that customers don't drink too much (host responsibility)
- help prepare and serve food.
Bar Manager
To become a bar manager you need to be at least 20 years old, hold a Licence Controller Qualification (LCQ) and a Manager's Certificate, both of which are administered by ServiceIQ.
Physical Requirements
Bartenders need to have:
- good hearing
- strong arms as they may have to lift heavy cases of drink
- a reasonable level of stamina as they may be on their feet for long periods.
Bartenders also need to be comfortable working in confined spaces.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for bartenders includes work in customer service, particularly as a waiter/waitress, or experience serving drinks.
Personal Qualities
Bartenders need to be:
- friendly and polite
- mature and honest
- adaptable
- able to concentrate for long periods
- able to work well under pressure
- able to use initiative
- able to follow instructions
- good at maths.
Skills
Bartenders need to have:
- knowledge of types of beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks
- drink preparation and drink service skills
- knowledge of liquor licensing regulations.
Conditions
Bartenders:
- may work full time or part time. They may do shift work, and often work evenings and weekends
- work in pubs, hotels, restaurants and clubs
- may have to deal with rowdy or drunk people, and work in hot, noisy conditions.
Subject Recommendations
There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a bartender. However, maths may be useful.
Bartenders can earn around $23-$25 per hour.
Pay for bartenders varies depending on experience.
- Bartenders usually earn minimum wage to $25 an hour
- Bar managers earn an average of $29 per hour.
Source: Restaurant Association of New Zealand, '2023 Hospitality Industry Remuneration Survey', 2023.
Bartenders may progress to work as bar or duty managers.
Years Of Training
To become a bartender you generally need to be at least 18 years old. There are no other specific requirements, as you gain skills on the job.
Bartenders may work towards a New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality – Food and Beverage (Level 3) while on the job. Industry training organisation ServiceIQ oversees workplace assessments.
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