Barback

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A barback is a bartender's assistant. Barbacks work in nightclubs, bars, restaurants and catering halls. Barbacks stock the bar with liquor, ice, glasses, beer, fruit, and so on, and usually receive a portion of the bartender's tips.

Barbacks are often under the tutelage of bartenders and work their way into the profession. Typically, they are primarily responsible for simplifying a bartender's job. Often, barbacks are responsible for supporting bartenders in pouring beers, wines, and simple mixed drinks, while learning the more complex varieties of drinks, such as cocktails. Dishwashing and bussing tables are also common duties.

In most parts of the United States, the legal age for working as a bartender is 21, however, barbacks may be under this age. In some establishments barbacks may also be responsible for the safety of the bartender.

In high-volume bars and nightclubs, the barback is indispensible - he or she is not only an assistant, but an integral and valued team member. Most nightclub barbacks not only stock and restock glassware, beer, liquor, ice, mix, etc., but also set up and tear down the face of the bar, in addition to bussing, queueing customers, and acting as a first-response system to potential problems on the floor for the door staff.