Barback

A barback is a bartender's assistant. Barbacks work in nightclubs, bars, restaurants and catering halls. Barbacks stock the bar with whatever it needs: liquor, ice, glasses, beer, fruit, etc. Barbacks usually receive a portion of the bartender's tips. In most parts of the United States, one can work as a barback if under the age of 21 (the legal age for purchasing alcohol) while one cannot work as a bartender if below this age.

Barbacks are often under the tutliage of bartenders and working their way into the profession. Typically, barbacks are responsible for simplifying a bartender's job of making and selling drinks. Often, barbacks are responsible for supporting bartenders in pouring beers, wines, and simple mixed drinks while learning the more complex varieties of drinks (e.g. cocktails). In rougher establishments or those with female bartenders, barbacks may also be responsible for the safety of the bartender.