Speaking from the other side of the bar (hic), I essentially concur with your ground rules. On the other hand, I hold bartenders to a code of practice myself. 1. Be aware of your customers; when they are standing at the bar looking at you, they often are in need of something. Don’t just go get that glass you needed and ignore them until it’s convenient. 2. Be aware of customers’ bottles and glasses; if they’re nearly empty, you might ask if they want another. 3. Be efficient (see #1 and #2); find ways to accommodate more than one person or task at a time. This is what the pros do. 4. Offer a glass of water. 5. If your bar doesn’t offer food, or even salty snacks, don’t eat your lunch behind the bar in full view of your patrons. 6. It’s great to have friends who are customers, and to talk with them, but don’t ignore the other people who may be looking for your service. 7. Leave the bad attitude at home; bartending is a people job, it requires people skills and a willing smile. 8. The customer may not always be right, but in most cases, they are worthy of respect and fairness and the benefit of the doubt. 9. Good bar skills and warm treatment of customers keeps people coming back, and that’s good for business. 10. Know what products are stocked in your bar, so you can fully answer a question like, “What kinds of vodka do you have?” or “Do you carry 45th Parallel?” 11. (and very very important) Know how to make a martini.

Since I never worked there, I am sure my perspective is different, but I always enjoyed helping Frankie wash glasses and close up for the night once in a while. Watching girls beat up Brady in drunken rage. So many interesting memories and great music. Ah, good times.

One night Frankie and I cooked steaks, and ate cheese cake with Guitar Shorty and his band. No one else.

We just hung out until like 4 am.

While the music was important, the people were more so.

I am proud to have done nearly a decade of work at Scott Street, and I think a lot of the legacy of the pub is a little bit a part of me.

I suggest you contact the OWNER of the new venue, and tell him about your experiences at the bar.