The second post in our series poling the opinion of hospitality industry professionals (read the first post HERE) is again related to how management handles its staff. Last month we posed the following question to our friends on Facebook:

“Should staff be allowed to have a few drinks after work in the bar?”

The response was just about unanimously in the affirmative, with a few even adding they favor a free round (or two) for staff following a difficult shift. Most of the respondents felt keeping staff at the bar following a shift was an effective means to build staff morale.

“It is perfectly fine to allow staff to enjoy a cocktail after shift,” Christian L. Bee Sr. wrote. “Drink eat and be happy!” Shawn Kowerko-speicher agreed, adding “I think a few is no harm. You need the wind down.”

As mentioned, team bonding was offered as one of the reasons post-shift drinks can be a good idea. “My staff deserves (to) wind down after each shift,” wrote Sam Richard Last. “Have a laugh at situations during the night.” Brigid McCabe concurred: “It heightens morale . . . and takes the edge off.”

Dylan Kelly went one step further, saying that bars should give their staff the first one for free: “You should give one round on the house,” he wrote. “And after that a small staff discount for the rest. The company makes a bit of money and staff can relax as long as they don't get hammered.”

A point made by Jon Russ was that it is less likely your staff will promote the business if they don't enjoy spending time there when off the clock. “You can't expect them to sell your bar to friends and acquaintances if you don't allow them to use the facilities socially,” he wrote. “As long as they are out of uniform, they are customers the same as anyone else.”

Another benefit several commenters mentioned was to make use of this time as a means to get ideas for the bar in an informal setting. “I get some of my insight and ideas from staff when we stay for a couple drinks post shift,” Russ wrote. “My coworkers are my best customers, and my most honest critics when trying new things,” offered Brad Smith. “It's good for business and morale to have employees out of uniform in your bar.”

A few thought it should only happen after the bar has closed and at least one brought up the issue of drinking and driving. As a counter to that point Alex McDowell pointed out that: “Your staff are adults. If a problem arises where they don't act adult, you may want to reconsider their status as ‘your staff.'”

Andrew Lynch mentioned that hard-working people are still hard-working people, regardless of when they end their business day: “Other people finish work at 5 and go for a beer (what is) wrong with having one at 3 o'clock when we finish?”

In summary, the industry seems generally to support the notion of allowing staff to have drinks in their place of business. Rewarding a job well done and taking advantage of a chance to bend the ear of employees seem to be logical reasons for such a policy. Like most things, however, one of the goals should be moderation. Keeping your staff from getting “out of control” will help them be safe and guard you against liability.