Happy Memorial Day 2012

Before I relay today's tidbit, I just want to send a heartfelt thanks to all the servicemen and servicewomen who risk their lives and have given the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy these freedoms that many of us take for granted. Now on to the Memorial Day story.

We had this young Marine in the bar last night who is being deployed to Afghanistan this upcoming July. So as you can imagine he was hanging out with friends and really trying to tear one on. He was sucking down his drinks as if they were just water. At one point he kept trying to order a drink and I told him that I think he should have a glass of water instead. At the same time his friends came up to the bar and told me that he was done and should have water. We were on the same wavelength. This just pissed the kid off who proceeded to say under his breath "I'm giving up my freedom for these motherfuckers and I can't get a drink". Shit like this pisses me off because I comped him a couple of drinks because he was being deployed. In appreciation of what he was about to do.

I got his attention and spoke to him sternly:

As much as I appreciate you giving up your freedom for this motherfucker right here (pointing to myself), continuing to serve you when you've had enough would make me negligent and irresponsible. Just as you have orders and rules to follow in the service, I have orders and rules that I need to follow here behind the bar. It's not personal. You've just had enough to drink.

I could just sit back and keep pouring and making money off of them. But if something were to happen to him on his way home or to the ship we are liable. We're the ones held responsible because we, and myself specifically, did not "cut him off". Professionally we have a responsibility to our clientele who might resemble adults in age but not in behavior. Bartenders need to be smart and know "when to say when" when a customer doesn't.

Not only that, morally I have a responsibility. That's someone's son there. I would hate that to be one of my kids getting shit drunk and having something happen to them when someone could have cut them off. Sure you can only do so much", people are individuals and will do whatever they want whether or not it is harmful. The "so much" you can do can go a long way. To do NOTHINGwhen you pour the drinks is irresponsible.

In the end, his friends paid for the tab and off they went bringing a close to another Fleet Week in New York City.

FH