1954 Practical Bar Management by Eddie Clarke

PRACTICAL BAR MANAGEMENT

have replaced this old bar flooring, products which are hygienic, easy to keep clean, giving quiet movement,and without danger of acrobatical antics on the part of the bartender, trying to regain his feet during the stress of business owing to a precarious floor. These compositions can be obtained in a wide range of colours, and some of the most practical and hard-wearing ones are as follows: rubber decorative tiles, cork tiles, thermoplastic resin- bounded tiles, and inlaid linoleum. The details regarding the cleaning and preservation of these floorings can be supplied by the manufacturers; a word of warning—be careful to keep to the instructions, as although some are easily cleaned with soap and water, there are others which contain wood or sawdust, on which it is inadvisable to use excessive amounts of water. Again there are products which may be polished, whilst others with the same treatment may become slippery, and bring about the effect as of working on ice behind the bar. Whatever the choice of flooring behind the bar,it should always look clean, and free from the litter of bottle tops and little pools of water. Grilles and Gates It is a great advantage to have a collapsible grille or gate installed on the bar—one completely reaching along the whole length of the counter. This will be a great asset to the bartender, and will save many breakages in stocks when they are being hurriedly stored away in the lockers just before closing time. It also gives that touch of finality at zero hour, when someone has just arrived too late, or others have failed to take advantage of the"last orders"—it minimizes embarrassing arguments. These grilles or gates, by the way, also meet with the requirements of the Authorities for the continued use of the room for the service of non-alcoholic refreshments. First Aid Cabinet A well-stocked First Aid Cabinet should always be available, as accidents are liable to happen, especially to the staff through broken bottles or glassware. It helps also if someone knows how to administer the treatment and not panic during the process. ODDS AND ENDS

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