24 Problems Only Bar Managers Will Understand

By Jack Morrell /

9. Regulars Are The Best And The Worst Things About Running A Bar

Your regulars are what keeps the business afloat, the glue that holds the place together. They€™re also your mates, for better or worse, and the right regular popping his head in at the right time can actually turn a crappy night into a brilliant night. And then there€™s the other times, because entitlement is a slippery slope. You give them preferential treatment at the bar, and let them off the door charge when you€™ve got an event on - they insist on happy hour prices all night and getting to buy takeout after you€™ve called time. They have your back when rival football fans kick off in the beer garden - they expect to be able to get wasted and heckle the bar staff (or worse, the door staff) without being pulled up on it. They give a couple of the staff a lift home - they expect lock-ins at a moment€™s notice.