BARTENDER THEFT: Bartender not ringing in drinks properly, lax controls, grouping of drink orders and delayed rings of alcohol drinks.
Bartender Summary
- Bartender: Female, 5’9”, Caucasian, in her late thirties, with a medium build and shoulder-length, straight blond hair worn with bangs and in a ponytail. She wore a white peasant blouse, with the straps of a black racerback bra showing outside of the collar line. The receipt she provided at the end of the visit identified her as Xxxxx.
Xxxxx greeted the agent as he approached the bar but did not come over to address him until he was seated for seven minutes, as she was bustling around the bar area, filling server orders and waiting on tables.
When Xxxxx did come over to ask the agent what he wanted to drink, she did not offer any upsell options or mention any specials. She also did not require identification; the agent appears less than thirty years of age.
Xxxxx prepared the round promptly and delivered it atop a cocktail napkin. She offered a menu and immediately provided one. Again, she mentioned no specials and did not make any recommendations.
Xxxxx immediately went on to other duties and did not ring in the round. She did not ask for payment or to secure payment.
Xxxxx returned four minutes later to take the agent’s order. She did not suggest upsell options or appetizers; in fact, she effectively down-sold an item. Please refer to the Food and Beverage Summary for details.
Xxxxx immediately rang in the food items, and the agent believes the drinks at this time, as well. She did not place a printed tab in front of the agent—or in front of any guest during the visit.
Xxxxx immediately provided a fork and napkin after taking the order.
Xxxxx continued to frequently leave the bar in order to wait on tables and retrieve items from the kitchen. However, servers did not go behind the bar in her absence, and she was able to get back to the service tickets in a relatively-timely manner.
Xxxxx grouped most transactions, as she frequently took orders from more than one party at the same time. This grouping made it difficult for the agent to verify all items were accounted. These grouping of transactions can be used effectively by a bartender to mask theft.
However, because she was not ringing drinks after making them and instead ringing them all together, it is near impossible to accurately assess for bartender theft. It most likely is happening but cannot be substantiated.
This Agent HIGHLY and STRONGLY suggests that the bartenders be enforced to replace a tab after each drink transaction. This is a huge theft occurrence opportunity and Agent encourages management to put an immediate stop gate to this activity. Agent would suggest that further occurrences of no and slow rings or delayed and grouped rings, by any bartender, be met with disciplinary action.
The agent’s meal arrived ten minutes after the agent placed the order. At that time, Xxxxx was away from the bar, serving other bar tables. When she returned behind the bar, she did not ask the agent how his food was or whether he needed anything. She did not check on the agent until thirteen minutes after he received his food.
Xxxxx utilized proper pour technique, using a jigger. She also used an ice scoop and showed proper hygiene behind the bar.
Xxxxx did not offer additional rounds for several minutes after the agent’s glass was empty. She removed his plates immediately after he was finished eating, and did not suggest dessert. She also placed a printed tab in a glass in front of him immediately thereafter. Although she stated there was no rush, the agent had intended on ordering more drinks and perhaps additional food items.
Xxxxx used her tips to make change when cashing out cash payments.
Xxxxx ducked behind the bar to eat what looked like a tortilla. She also took her purse down from its perch atop the beer cooler and placed it in a large bin to the right of the register. She appeared to be using a cell phone, hiding it within the purse and the bin.
Xxxxx was absent for an extended period of time at the end of the visit. A member of the wait staff appeared to have noticed the agent preparing to leave, and checked quickly on Xxxxx’s whereabouts. The server told the agent Xxxxx would be back shortly.
When Xxxxx returned, she again provided an itemized receipt, and immediately cashed out the agent’s tab. Xxxxx thanked the agent with a smile and wished him a goodbye as he left with a friendly, “See you next time.”
Michael Zenner – CEO
hospitality checkpoints Inc.
hospitalitycheckpoint.com
bartheft.com (blog)
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