Is being intoxicated an excuse for being a jerk?

Question

I'm a bartender and for some reason (probably because they're intoxicated) people seem to lose any ounce of politeness they had before they walked in the door. I've been cussed at, called names and threatened over the years... usually because I didn't make their drink as strong as they wanted or because I charged them the actual price of a drink. Please tell me that some other people in the world think that this is as ridiculous as I do.

Answer 1

as you may know, being drunk IS a time honored excuse for being a jerk. sometimes even the law supported bad behavor in the past and may still do.

but it is a bad excuse.

I don't think it ridiculous .. I think it pretty serious..

People, even those who are indoxicated should be civil and polite.

blessings to you.

Answer 2

Intoxication is no EXCUSE for being a jerk...but it is a reason why people act like jerks. It is the alcohol speaking. Alcohol affects some people in a negative way in that they become angry and beligerent. Others become what is known as a "happy drunk".

Don't take it personally, but do take your personal safety seriously around people who have had too much to drink.

Answer 3

No. But these people probably have issues to start with. And that's probably why they drink so much. It is childish and completely ridiculous. If I owned the bar, anybody threatening or cursing out an employee would be shown the door.

Answer 4

Wow. I'm glad to see this question from a bartender.
I figure that a person is responsible for their actions as long as they are in control of them. Since a person is in control of the alcohol intake, then they are responsible for their subsequent actions. If they get out of hand, then so be it.

It doesn't matter to me if they are drunk, stoned, or sober. Alcohol is not an excuse for anything.

I do make exceptions for folks who are given drugs for actual pain or ailments. In those cases, they really didn't choose to take them, so their actions may be considered outside their control to some extent.

Answer 5

No, it's not an excuse. I would take heart in the fact that you now know enough about these people to avoid them on the street. Being drunk usually brings out those things that most people keep hidden. Just be glad you didn't have to find out the hard way.

Answer 6

Drunks, for the most part are @sses! I've dealt with way more than I care to remember out on the highway as a long distance truck driver. I have to admit, at least as long as they're inside somewhere, they're not out on the roads trying to kill themselves or other innocent people! Suks for you, tho! Don't sweat it, it's just part of your particular job....and especially as a bartender, you should expect drunks! Good luck in your continued career!

Answer 7

No, there isnt dear, but keep your peace, as u say theyre drunk, and no amount of liquor can make what theyre doing to u as an excuse. Continue being polite, u can never make everybody happy. but atleast at the end of the day, you can go home and think , well u did make an honest job for that shift. Cheer up:)

Answer 8

Politeness is soluble in alcohol. Drinking in excess is rather stupid and occasionally crude. It used to be a good excuse but not any more with MADD. You can't even rape anyone any more and blame it on being drunk. What is the world coming to, civilization?

Answer 9

Some people are jerks. From my time working in the food/beverage industry, I would say the vast majority of them are decent, but it can depend on where you work and what type of clientele the business attracts. Rely on your good natured customers to get you through the day.

Answer 10

If people can't handle their drinks than they shouldn't drink. I hate nothing more than a mean drunk. They are usually the ones who do stupid things like drinking and driving and beating up their wives. Don't take their crap, and if you're finding your job stressful maybe you could find something that's a little more uplifting. Good luck!