Hidden in plain sight

Abstract

Purpose

This purpose of this research paper is to explore work related alcohol

consumption from a cocktail bartenders perspective and establish if working in

this role in the hospitality industry can be connected to excessive alcohol

consumption. It was intended that a comparison be drawn, between a

bartender working in both an independently owned bar and a chain

environment, with this comparison hoping to identify if either of these

environments could encourage or deter the consumption of alcohol and if so,

establish the potential reasons for this.

Methodology

A literature review was conducted to uncover previous research in the subject

area of the hospitality industry, bartenders and alcohol consumption. Primary

research was carried out using four semi-structured interviews, with the

interviews selected using a purposive sample aiming to capture bartenders

from both a chain and independent environment. Three of the interviewees

were bartenders with the fourth being a hospitality substance misuse

professional based in London, this fourth interview was conducted with the

intent of creating triangulation and gathering useful information appropriate to

the research area.

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Findings

The bartender working in a chain environment exhibited a lower level of

alcohol consumption than those working in independents, with one

interviewee from an independent environment displaying levels of possible

alcoholism. This confirmed that working in a chain environment could lower

levels of work related alcohol consumption due to discovered levels of social

control in the form of company policy.

Research limitations

Due to time constraints an adequate level of saturation was not reached with

this study and the geographical scope was also restrictive, with the Sheffield

bartenders not actually working in a city centre, rather on the outskirts and

both noting this as a deterrent to alcohol consumption.

Value

Although potentially limited in scope, this research is of value as it highlights

the potential issues connecting alcohol use and the role of a bartender.

With the majority of employers dismissing rather than offering support to those

discovered to be abusing alcohol, this issue may be largely misunderstood.

It is hoped by the researcher that employer attitudes may change over time,

with bartending becoming considered a high risk occupation for the reasons

mentioned in this research.

Keywords: Bartender, Hospitality, Alcohol, Access.