Abarback (sometimes spelled asbar-back, also commonly known as arunner in Europe or aglassy in Australia) is abartender's assistant. They are responsible for keeping the bar stocked, clean, and user-friendly for the bartender.[1] Barbacks work innightclubs, bars, pubs, restaurants, and catering halls and usually receive a portion of the bartender's tips. Barbacks are often under thetutelage of a bartender and work their way up to a bartending job.[2]
Barbacks are essentiallycommis bartenders, and are there to simplify a bartender's job and prepare the bar by stocking it withliquor, ice, glassware, beer,garnishes, and so on. During the evening, they also collect and wash dirty dishes and glassware, clean tables (though there is abusser for this in larger bars), changekegs, and help to pack up the bar after closing time.[2]
Although thelegal drinking age in theUnited States is 21, the minimum age to work as a bartender or barback varies from 18 to 21.[3]
