Etiquette for an Open Bar

Bar etiquette applies even when the drinks are free.

Sometimes the proper etiquette of an open bar is hard to pin down. According to bartenders around the world who have worked private parties, promotions and weddings, you should always behave as if you were paying.

Tipping

The most important rule of open bars is to tip as you would if the drink was full cost. You'll often get better service if you tip, anyway.

Shots

According to Maggie Dutton of the Seattle Weekly, you should never take shots at an open bar; free shots always lead to trouble.

Limits

Even if someone is hosting a private event, the bartender can still refuse to serve you. By law, bartenders cannot serve the clearly intoxicated.

Posting

Do not hover around the bar, if it's an open bar, especially if there's a crowd, you'll only be in the way. Smaller events like weddings often don't even have a full bar, only a stand, so make room for the other guests.

Grabbing Attention

Dutton advises against shouting or waving down the bartender. You shouldn't behave that way it in a bar, so you shouldn't do it when there are free drinks.

Safety

As always, don't drink and drive, and drink responsibly. Your limits don't change because the drinks are free.

References

• Seattle Weekly: Open-Bar Etiquette: No, Shots Aren't OK
• The Bowdoin Orient: Stay Classy at the Open Bar