A big reason why most people go out to the bars is to have a good time. The bar staff is there to help people do just that. However, bar-goers have habits which make bartenders’ jobs unpleasant. Here is a list to help make sure things go smoothly.

Do not try to get special treatment at the door.

Telling the door guy that you know someone who is working or you were just in there is not going to get you through the door any faster. The bars have maximum capacities they have to keep track of.

Do not refuse to show your ID.

If you don’t show your ID, you don’t get in. Don’t assume the door guy remembers you or claim to be a regular; you still won’t get in or served without an ID.

Do not tap the bar with your mug, glass, hand, etc. to get the bartender’s attention.

Not only is this rude, but they already saw you. Most bartenders work from one end of the bar to the other and will get to you soon.

Do not call the bartenders by name when you don’t actually know them.

Just because you heard someone else yell his or her name does not mean you need to yell it.

Do not lean over the bar.

The bar is the bartender’s workspace and getting in his or her way is not going to get you served faster.

Do not assume you get served first just because you’re friends with the bartender.

You are a customer just like everybody else. When the bartenders go out on their days off, they don’t get served right away if someone else was there first.

Know what you want to order before you get to the bar.

There are other people waiting to be served that do know what they want. The bartenders don’t have time to wait for you to make up your mind.

When ordering beer, tell the bartender which kind.

There are many kinds of beer to choose from and your bartender, as amazing as he or she may be, is not psychic.

Do not complain about prices.

We know college students are usually poor. But before you complain about the price of your alcoholic beverage, realize that bars do have to pay employees, licensing fees and insurance.

If it’s your 21st birthday, do not try to get multiple birthday shots or drinks.

Most places give you a round of one or the other, not both.

Do not put your drinks on your friend’s tab unless said friend is with you.

It’s not your money and the bartenders need authorization from the person whose tab it is to charge to it.

Do not try to get different or additional specials during happy hour.

There is no law saying they have to do a happy hour, so be happy with the specials they’re already giving you.

Move away from the bar after getting served.

Again, there are other people waiting to be served, so give them space to place their orders. The bartenders cannot hear them if they’re not right at the bar.

Be courteous and respectful to the staff and show appreciation for the service they provide.

They are there to serve you, so please let them know you appreciate their effort with a thank you or, even better, a tip. A compliment on how well they made your drink wouldn’t hurt either.

Please do not make a huge mess.

There isn’t a cleaning crew that comes in after the bar closes. The same people that have been serving you all night have to stay and clean up after you have left. Do not make them have to stay there longer than they have to cleaning up your mess. 

Move away from the bar if the staff is trying to restock it.

The bartenders can’t keep serving you if they don’t have their bar stocked with the things they need to serve you with, so please let the staff through.

Move out of the way if the staff is trying to carry someone out.

The bartenders cannot carry a person out of the bar and push through crowds of people at the same time. You can move back to your original spot; they’re not trying to take it.

Do not try to start a fight if you’re getting kicked out.

Chances are, if you’re getting kicked out, you were already being unruly. Therefore, trying to start a fight with the bouncer isn’t going to get them to let you stay.

Do not sit and socialize when the bartender announces last call or closing.

The terms “last call” and “closing time” do not mean “social hour.” Finish your drinks and leave so the bartenders can clean, lock up and go home.