In the spirit of tending bar

BANGALORE: It’s that time of the year when everyone puts on their best of outfits and heads to the best night club in the city. What is it that attracts you to the best pub? Is it the DJ? Or is it the bar? Well, the bar today plays a significant role in ones social life and the bartender’s role is no  less important.A lot is said about this rather overt career that is fast catching up among the youth in Bangalore. Be it the elite or the middle-class, everyone is interested in the spirits industry today.Youngsters take up the job as a part time income gainer especially during peak seasons because it doesn’t require them to go out of their way to make some good money. “Youngsters prefer to take up a part-time bartending job especially towards the end of December as its gives you great exposure with your clients, and the job doesn’t overlap with your other plans,” says Kamalanathan Kannan, bar supervisor, Hard Rock Cafe. “College students find it suitable as the job requires only 2-3 hours of your day so they don’t have to miss their classes or anything.”Small clubs always prefer newcomers as one of the key ingredients of being a good bartender is interacting with your clients. “Freshers get paid anywhere from `1,000 to `3,000 per night excluding tips, which again range from your clients to the place of the party,” says Sunil Kumar Singh, senior supervisor-cum-bartender, Taj Vivanta. “But this can go up to Rs 12,000 per night on special days like Christmas eve and New Years’ eve as the Requirement for a good bartender is much more then,” he adds.The demand for bartenders in the city is increasing with every passing year and with the limited population of barmen in the city, the prices offered for bartenders at huge parties automatically rise,” quips Andrew Daniels, hotel management student and part-time bartender.Companies book barmen weeks in advance for their year-end bashes due to the shortage of experienced bartenders in the city, he says.However, a word of caution for those who often get tempted by the quick money. “You need to be 21 years and above to take up the  profession legally. I’d also suggest that they do a course in bartending before getting into the field,” says Andrew.