Not to down play what happen, but I believe this is much more the case with most people. People are coming from all around the world at various times of the year. Many are just not use to the heat and consuming more alcohol then they normally do(big part of it) just adds to the dehydration. On top of that most aren't taking in enough water because of the fear of drinking the water down there.
Clarification on a couple of items… First the cameras behind the bar are to watch the bartenders and their activities while at work. Been there for a while but basically to make sure they are not screwing up. (Example: a former bartender showed up at work one day a little less than sober and started giving bottle of liquor to folks rather than drinks because he was to far gone to remember how to make drinks. He didn’t finish his shift) Second.. tips given to folks “while they are behind the bar” go into the tip jar. At the end of the shift, those tips are split between the bartenders on that shift (and this is new within the last year) and the Captain (read Manager) for that shift. So while one may think that service improves because of the amount you give, it’s actually because you are considerate enough to give. Your room rate includes “tips” as advertised. However, those tips are split across everyone so in reality a individual bartender might see $5 a month from all the room rate tips combined. So giving at the point of service gets it more directly to the individual bartender. And remember, just like home, tips make up the vast majority of their income. Jamie
The bartenders make something like 75 pesos ($7) per day in salary. Each bar staff splits their tips at the end of the day. I asked what about the bartenders in the restaurants that normally don't get tips (Italian, Tex Mex, etc) and was told that they just end up with their salary. Too bad about no tips. As you can imagine, being assigned to one of those bars is a big financial hit unless you are new then it's how you start out. So you can imagine that the bartenders are very appreciative of the tips they get. That being said, we always tip, have been to BBG/TTR over 20 times and we still wait for our turn at the bar just like everyone else. The bartenders are very good at keeping track of who got there first. Your tips are appreciated but won't get you fast tracked at the bar. Just some info as we know it. Firm
Absolutely... however, the waiters there don't share with the bartenders.. so if you get a really good drink, or just want to show your appreciation for the drink you got, it doesn't hurt to swing by the bar on the way out and show that apprecaition. Jamie
We had no idea, we thought it was like the bar they all shared, thanks for the heads up Jamie.. dam it I feel bad now.. but will make up for it this time.
I'm going to caveat that a little, if they do share, it's no where near where they would get outside the restaurants, almost to the level of here's a couple of bucks. It is a serious hit to their income when they end up in a restaurant. But to be fair, everyone has to spend some time there so that's why you'll see a great talent there once in a while and wonder what the hell is going on. Don't forget the lonely person that ends up in the Alternative/Sports bar too. There are a lot of nights where they may pour one or two drinks all night. Jamie
