Every now and then, you may have someone come into your bar ready to party to hard. Last week I had me a big party animal, where I work everyone knows everyone, so it's not uncommon for people to know everyone's business. So when I get to work and people say, "hey Joe, bobby is back in town.(names have been changed for privacy) Now bobby is a good guy at heart and never means no harm to anyone but, when he comes into town after not drinking for a few weeks he tries to make up for it at my bar. Bobby is a smart guy he always has someone drop him off at the bar and always has someone pick him up. So naturally I watch to make sure he doesn't go over board, we slow him down and feed him when we feel it necessary but, that day he walked in he was on a mission. Everyone knows when I'm behind the bar I follow the rules to the letter, so it is hard to pull one over on me, not so say its impossible but it is difficult. Bobby came in at 4pm an hour before my shift and started to drink, the bar got a little busy and usually bobby stays close to the bar, that day he had a few friends meet him up there, so he sat at a table joking and laughing for a few hours they left it was 9pm I went to check on him he looked fine but, just in case I made him a few hotdogs and sent him a coke he ate didn't make a scene. I notice he was playing games in the other room didn't think much of it. I notice he stopped getting up to get drinks. I was happy because I didn't have to worry about cutting him off next thing I know the other people in the room where coming in and out with there drinks ordering a round at a time at 11pm I go to check on bobby and poor guy was drunk I had to cut him off. The whole time he was back there he was asking people to get the drinks for him. So naturally I didn't know he was still drinking. After I cut him off all hell broke loose he staggered out of his chair and called me everything but my own name. I sat the guy down and explained why I couldn't serve him regardless if he wasn't driving, he could still get alcohol poisoning. So I called him a cab he argued, yelled, kicked and screamed. I ended the day shortly after that, I don't let drunk peoples words get to me because, in my mind they don't know better so, I closed up shop and went home. 3 days later I go to work and as soon as I walk in the first person I see is Bobby. He can up to me with his head down and his hand out and said, "Joe I didn't mean to act the way I did, a few days ago, I have been having some family problems with the wife, we are getting a divorce after 12 years and I just wanted to drink the pain away." Right there, is when I realized we are all human when we have bad days some of us vent out differently I personally like to talk things out, that's why became a bartender, to connect with others and be a shoulder to lean on. I hope those of you who read this understand that life is to precious to be mad at someone, you never know what's going on in their life. Always remember drink responsibly -Joe The Bartender
