How to Handle Spring Breakers: Serving Tourists with Patience and Skill

Spring break can really make or break a bar. Tourists bring in big tips, larger tabs, and a whole lot of chaos. Here’s how to keep things under control while also raking in those profits.

1. Expect High-Volume, High-Maintenance Customers

• Tourists might not know your bar’s rules, so it’s a good idea to put up signs about ID checks, specials, and any “cash only” notes if you need them.
• Spring breakers often over-order and tip less than expected, so prep your staff to make sure they add gratuity for big groups right off the bat.
• Always check IDs thoroughly. Some underage patrons might try to order or have a friend buy a drink for them. Be ready to spot those fakes and make sure they match up with their state IDs.
• FLAG—
• Feel— check if the card feels right. Is the signature raised?
• Look— read the ID closely. What age does it show? Does the person look like the one on the ID? Does it have the right features for the state it claims to be from?
• Ask— check if they are 21 and ask another question about their ID.
• Give or Get— if you think it’s real, hand it back. If not, take it, write a receipt, and get it to law enforcement in the next day.

2. Speed is Everything

• Batch Cocktails — go for things like Margarita pitchers, Rum Punch bowls, and simple highballs.
• Keep Water Flowing — dehydrated party-goers act worse, so keep the water coming.

3. Enforce Responsible Drinking

• Cutoffs will happen — have a game plan for how to politely refuse service when needed.
• Security is your best friend — it helps to have an extra bouncer on busy spring break weekends to avoid any headaches later.

Final Takeaway

Spring break is tiring but can be really profitable. Stay firm, quick, and have some fun, and you might just turn those tourists into regulars or at least some big spenders.