1954 Practical Bar Management by Eddie Clarke

THE BAR

find it much more convenient to drop their cigarette ends down behind the foot-rail. Whilst on this subject of discarded burning ends of cigarettes, another danger area is along the whole floor space occupied by the bar-stools. Should the floor covering of the room be carpet, it is a good idea to stop just short of the bar, and cover the remainder with a rubber flooring of some kind. This will minimize the damage done by the careless smoker,and at the same time it does not show undue wear and tear at this busiest of all spots, also it can always be made to look much fresher and cleaner. The Background of the Bar Referring back to those sections which are included in the first category, regarding the construction of the bar, and having dealt with the counter-top and counter-front, it now only leaves the portion classed as the "Background of the Bar" to be reviewed. This, although in full gaze of the customer, is also of great importance to the bartender, so the designer must consider both these factors when planning. The background must look attractive whilst at the same time being practical for working purposes, and the latter includes sufficient floor space between the bar-counter and the background structure to allow two bartenders to work and pass, without fear of knocking bottles off the shelves. Supposing, just to make things simpler, we again do a little splitting up and dividethe background ofthe bar intotwosections: 1. Being the half below the counter-top line. 2. The remainder of the background in full view above. Taking first things first, which in this case is (i), and also because it is easiest to dispose of, this part of the bar is generally prototype, in that the usual practice is to follow the line of the counter-top along the back of the bar with a shelf. This should be quite generous in width, as the centre of its length should be the most convenient position in which to install that moral supporter of all bartenders, the Cash Register. The remainder of the shelf on either side of the register can be used for working and show bottles, this enables the bartender to reach the most popular brands with the minimum amount of effort, since they are at the same level as the counter-top.

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