When is it proper to give a customer a drink "on the house"?

The concept of giving a drink "on the house" is often seen as a gesture of goodwill from the establishment to the customer. While options related to special occasions, complaints, or promotional times may seem appealing for offering complimentary drinks, each comes with its own set of considerations.

In practice, it is essential to recognize that giving complimentary drinks can lead to various expectations from customers and potentially impact a bar's profitability. Establishments often prefer to maintain a consistent policy regarding complimentary offerings to avoid confusion among staff and customers. By adhering to a policy of not giving drinks on the house, bartenders and management can ensure that the customer experience remains focused on the value of the service provided rather than the expectation of free items.

This approach also helps maintain the integrity of pricing strategies and minimizes potential abuse of the system. Therefore, establishing a clear policy that does not include complimentary drinks helps reinforce the business's pricing structure while maintaining professionalism.

In summary, opting to never give a complimentary drink aligns with maintaining consistency, control, and professionalism in the bar environment.