The bar tab. I know this is a dumb question, but I have to ask.?

Question

So I just turned 21 last friday, so this whole bar thing is still new to me. Tonight will be the first night that I am paying for drinks myself, and will only be the third time i have gone. I have read that when you open up a tab that you hand the bartender your debit card, and say "put it on my tab" ? -although when I have been at the bar with friends, I haven't seen them hand the bartender their card up front. So before I make myself look retarded, I just wanted to know how this works.

Answer 1

Depends on the bar, the bartender  or how crowded the bar is.

Most places want a card, unless it is a neighborhood joint where they have lots of regulars. Just order your drink, then say "Can I start a tab?" if they don't ask you first. The bartender will then take it from there. Have Fun!

Answer 2

You hand the card first and the bartender holds onto it for the rest of the night.

Some advice for you...don't forget to tip when running a tab. 99.9% of patrons out there s***w their bartenders when the open up tabs. The general rule of thumb is $1 per drink. Same standard should be held to when paying by credit.

Answer 3

if you are going to a bar, more than likely they will ask you if you want to start a tab...if you are going to a restaurant like Logan's ...lol don't give your credit card...bartenders at restaurants have computers and we name each check, so it's not necessary to give ur card!!

have u had any good shots yet?!? if you want email me and i can give you some hilarious 21st b-day shots to ask for!

Answer 4

Don't offer your card up front.  Different bars have different policies. I have been to places that require the card up front and actually hold onto your card until you are ready to close your tab. I have been to other bars that don't ask for the card until you close your tab.

If the bar requires your card to put it on your tab they will let you know when they bring your drink. They will tell you how much the drink is, that's when you say that you want to start a tab. From then on you can just say "put it on my tab."

Answer 5

Hi!

Shortly after I began drinking, I "opened a tab" at a restaurant called Logan's (here in Dallas). I was out with friends and forgot my card! When I came to retrieve it the next day, they said I had charged $264 worth of drinks!!!! (pretty hard to do by yourself) Note to self (and you)... Pay cash always and never, ever, ever trust the bartender to give you the benefit of the doubt. I ended up disputing it with the credit card company (it was indeed a debit card, thus the company was my *bank* (sigh)) and they didn't contest it, and I wound up eating the mistake. I am passing this on to you. Take heed! Lots of luck, and Happy Birthday -- from one Virgo to another...

Answer 6

well their are 2 ways to open a tab some bars you just say open a tab and they add on drinks till you want to go and then you pay ,then their are some clubs that ARE SO BUSY that they cant keep up with where you are and they request credit card up front so you do not walk out with out paying tab

Answer 7

I am pretty sure you just tell the bartender that you want to start up a tab and you drink all you want and then pay it at the end? I am not so sure though. I once knew a guy that had a bar tab and he would go to the bar all week and then pay the tab on friday. I am not so sure, it is probably different at some bars. Just ask one of your friends. Personally, I just pay cash, if you have it on your debit card (not credit card) then why not use cash? Besides, when they see your money in your hand they come to you faster because they know you might tip. Just a heads up.