För att följa upp på förra inlägget kommer här en otrolig artikel postad i Sydney morning herald om hur man borde bete sig i en bar. Önskar att vissa kunder kunde läsa detta innan de sätter sin fot i baren. Guud vad mitt liv skulle vara enkelt!
How to behave in the bar
Simon McGoram February 24, 2012
Do you know how to order a drink at a bar? It's not a trick question as you'll be surprised by how many people get this simple task wrong. For starters don't ever click your fingers, whistle or holler at the barkeep. If he or she doesn't ignore you they'll get you thrown out - and nobody will miss you.
Don't get your server's attention until you know what you want to order – unless you need some advice. Once you have the bartender's attention, place your whole order at once preceded or followed by a 'please'. 'String ordering' – where a customer orders one drink and waits for it to be made before ordering more drinks in that round – is incredibly frustrating for a busy bartender who is trying to be efficient and serve those waiting at the bar as quickly as possible.
Get your tips out
Once you've placed your order be ready to pay for the entire round. Avoid paying for drinks separately where possible and even consider setting up a tab if you're having more than one and have no cash on hand. Most importantly, leave a tip on bigger rounds or if you're ordering fancy mixed drinks. It doesn't have to be much and a gold coin or two should get you a smile, a thank you and even friendlier service from the staff. If you can't afford to tip for a cocktail in an upmarket bar you can't afford the cocktail.
The bar is not your home
Let's get this straight – the bar is not your home. And that fruit bowl on the bar is not for snacking on. Avoid fondling the fruit or doing anything inappropriate with a cucumber - it's meant to go in people's drinks. As a general rule, don't reach for anything on the bar top unless it's handed to you by the bartender. This includes reaching for drinks whilst the bartender is still making the round, reaching into the ice well or putting straws into drinks. A cocktail glass doesn't need a straw just as you wouldn't drink champagne or wine with one either.
The topic of conversation
In the bar it's always wise to avoid religion and politics. They're both topics that are bound to polarise people in any social group and lead to heated discussions. Remember that alcohol is incendiary and it's especially so when it comes to people's religious and political beliefs. Besides, if you can't find a topic more interesting to talk about than Benedict XVI's latest papal decree, it's time for something a little stronger than that light beer in your hand.
Read the signs
The lights are up. The music is off. There's someone with a broom doing the rounds and there's a rather large dude in a suit standing over your shoulder. It's a fairly safe bet that the bar is closed. Don't try your luck at ordering another drink – read the signs – it's time to move on.
Don't outstay your welcome and leave before you're asked. No bartender is going to listen to any argument that would have him stick around for another hour on top of the 12 he has already worked to serve you another drink you don't need. Say thank you and goodnight, and you'll be wished the same in return.
