Bartender

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Bartenders (6452) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Bartenders (G512) 
• 2011 NOC: Bartenders (6512) 
• 2016 NOC: Bartenders (6512) 

Bartenders may serve customers directly at the bar or prepare drinks to be served by other staff members. In addition to serving beer and wine, they mix ingredients such as liquor, fruit juices, cream, coffee, soft drinks, water, sugar and bitters in the right proportions to prepare cocktails and other drinks. They also may make cappuccino, espresso and other specialty coffees.

In general, the duties and responsibilities of bartenders are to:

• mix and invent drinks
• serve alcohol responsibly (including refusing further service when appropriate)
• set up and keep the bar area clean and orderly
• wash glassware and sweep up broken glass to keep bar area safe for workers and customers
• change pop machine syrup and carbon dioxide tanks
• change beer gas tanks and kegs
• arrange displays of bar stock and glassware
• prepare garnishes
• serve snacks or food items to people seated at the bar
• keep an inventory of liquors, wines, beers, soft drinks, cream, fruits and fruit juices
• order supplies
• operate computerized point-of-sale systems
• collect payments for drinks and balance cash receipts
• monitor video lottery terminals
• promote their establishments.

In larger operations, bartenders may use machines that automatically mix and dispense drinks. However, they still need to know how to fill unusual orders and how to do the work manually if equipment is not functioning properly.

Bartenders also may have supervisory responsibilities such as:

• planning, organizing and controlling the operations of a cocktail lounge or bar
• co-ordinating beverage requirements with other supervisory staff
• planning bar menus
• assisting with advertising and promotions.

Bartenders often work nights, weekends, holidays or split shifts. They may be required to lift heavy items such as kegs of beer.

Bartenders need to possess:

• the strength and stamina required to stand for long periods of time and lift kegs and cases of beverages
• good motor co-ordination
• good judgment, a responsible attitude when serving alcohol, and an ability to maintain customer satisfaction
• honesty
• patience
• a casual yet professional appearance
• the arithmetic skills required to handle money accurately
• a good memory for details
• good organization and mult-itasking skills
• the ability to work calmly under pressure
• the ability to get along well with others.

Bartenders must be able to perform their duties cheerfully, courteously and efficiently. They are expected to listen to customers sympathetically without getting personally involved. They also must co-operate with other food and beverage service workers to maintain high standards of customer service.

They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods, serving people and taking responsibility for bar operations.

Bartenders are employed by:

• hotels
• restaurants
• cocktail lounges
• convention facilities
• other businesses that serve alcoholic beverages.

Some bartenders in large establishments become head bartenders, wine stewards, restaurant managers, or food and beverage managers. Bertender certification earned through emerit is an asset when applying for advancement.

Some hotels offer training programs designed to prepare employees for positions such as food and beverage controller, or assistant food and beverage manager.

In Alberta, 87% of people employed as bartenders are employed in the Accommodation and Food Services (PDF) industry.

The employment outlook (PDF) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Accommodation and Food Services industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
• size of the occupation.

Over 4,100 Albertans are employed in the Bartenders occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.3% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 94 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals website: cafp.ca

emerit website: www.emerit.ca

National Restaurant Association [United States] website: www.restaurant.org

ProServe Liquor Staff Training website: www.proserve.aglc.ca

Restaurants Canada website: www.restaurantscanada.org

Tourism HR Canada website: tourismhr.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.