Bartender shares PPE with customers who make eye contact

A bartender calls out “impatient” patrons, who expect those who work behind the bar to drop everything and place their drink orders.

In her video, Jemima June (@jemimajune_) is about to pour a round of drinks for another guest at the bar. After making eye contact with the camera, she immediately drops Tito’s vodka, knocks down the drinks from the bar, and goes over to attend to the “customer” she made eye contact with.

“How customers expect you to act once you make eye contact,” June wrote in a text overlay on the TikTok.

@jemimajune_ ♬ Beat Automotivo Tan Tan Tan Viral – WZ beat

The clip has been viewed nearly 5 million times, and some bartenders who commented on it said that sadly this is very common and shared some of their own annoyances. It seems that many bartenders get frustrated when someone approaches the bar, stares at them and – when it’s finally their turn – doesn’t yet know what they want to order. “And if you’re careful, it takes them forever to remember what to order,” one said.

However, there were some bartenders who said that communication is key and don’t believe in ignoring customers when making eye contact. “As a past bartender, once eye contact is made, I acknowledge the customer and let them know I’ll be with them asap,” wrote another.

Another shared a helpful public service announcement for customers who think they’re being ignored. “As soon as the bartender saw you standing there, you were put on the list. The key is, THERE IS A LIST. YOU CAN’T CUT lol,” they wrote in the most-liked comment on the video.

Judging by an article published by Matador Network, many people seem to be wondering why they feel like bartenders are ignoring them. According to the 2018 article, if this happens to you, it’s most likely because the bartender is very busy. “Nine times out of ten when a bartender ignores you, it’s because they’re doing something else. Even if the bar doesn’t seem that busy, bartenders are responsible for a long list of prep and side chores. If you arrive either very early or very late, we usually make every effort to ensure everything is prepared, restocked or cleaned for the night,” the Matador Network said.

The Daily Dot reached out to Jemima via TikTok comment for more information.

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