Oct 29, 2001 04:38 AM
1995 Views
I have worked in the restaurant and bar industry in the southern USA for about 18 years and have met many different types of people. I must say that I have never been bored with my work every night has always brought something new.
We don't have what others call pubs we have local bars instead where people come to have a few drinks, relax and enjoy the conversation of others. Clubs are designed to be more hip places for younger crowds to meet new people and dance. In general you will find many people looking for someone to date or just pick up. If you are going to a club in any area be careful of the people with pick up lines and if you are from a different area and alone the best thing to do is to befriend the bartender and stay close to the bar.
You will find that not all bars close at the same times. Closing times depend on the area and their laws so don't assume what their hours are ask. Most clubs have security that will take care of any problems so make sure if someone is bothering you that you find a security person and report it. When it's closing time you need to make sure you do not go into unlit areas in the parking lot. You can always ask a security person to walk you out. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
Local bars will usually close earlier than clubs and the atmosphere will be more geared to conversation than pick up lines. There are always trouble makers in any atmosphere where there is alcohol consumption so always be a little cautious of people who seem to have drank a little too much.
Bars or clubs are not very healthy places to go on a frequent basis if you are in a relationship. Your time is better spent on your mate and things you both enjoy with only an occasional visit to these establishments.
If you are going to a club or bar in any area there are some good rules of thumb to follow.
Know the opening and closing hours.
Ask a local about the reputation of the place.
Know by what means of transportation you are getting there and going home.(Don't drive if you are drinking either have a designated driver or take a taxi cab.)
Ask about the dress code and what means of identification they require.(Its a good idea to call and not only ask the hours but the above, so you make sure you will be admitted and not left standing outside)
Make sure you eat something before you start drinking.
Know your limit.( do not keep drinking when you know you have had enough. Instead ask for coffee, water or a soda and enjoy the rest of you evening.)
Employees of these places are supposed to watch for signs of trouble and for people who have had enough to drink. So if you are refused more alcohol don't get upset they are usually right.
Know your drinks. If you like to drink mixed drinks keep in mind that in each area the ingredients may be different for the named drinks. So if you have drank something that you like ask the ingredients so you can instruct the bartenders how you like yours to be mixed. If you like a certain brand of alcohol have several back up choices each bar only carries the popular brands in there areas.
Make sure that you take the amount of money that you want to spend and stick to that amount saving whatever you need for transportation.
I hope this is helpful to those people who will be visiting strange bars and clubs in the future. I think that pubs should be able to stay open as long as the laws allow and people would like to frequent them.
