Why bartender always as me "on tab" when i go to bar ???

Question

What is that mean ? my friend told me is to put the credit card at the counter and pay later.

And im not quite sure what the bartender said actually ..

Can someone explain to me this, and the purpose to put the credit card there ..

Thanks

Answer 1

There are two ways to pay for your drinks at a bar.  You can pay as you go, meaning you order your drink, receive it, and pay for it.  If you want another drink, you pay for it in a separate transaction.

If you open a tab, the bartender holds your credit card.  He does this for a couple reasons: to keep different tabs separate from each other, and to make sure you won't leave without paying.  Every time you order a drink, he'll 'put it on your tab,' which means he's keeping a running total of what you've ordered, usually on a receipt that is kept with your card.  When you're ready to leave, you'll ask to cash out your tab, which means you'll pay for all the drinks you ordered and get your card back.

Answer 2

You go into a bar thinkin you gonna be there for a while,talkin w/your friends and/or watchin the 'tv's'. the bartender asks you if you want somethin to drink,you say 'yea' , and order your drink. when the bartender asks if you would like to be on a tab and you say yes, he records throughout your stay how many drinks you ordered and when you are ready to leave, he hands you your total so that you may pay at the end of your visit. Its better than payin after every beverage.

Answer 3

Its much easier for them to start a tab for you and only have to cash you out once.  That way you dont have to pay, and them make change, everytime you get a drink.  He is just asking if you have a tab to put the drinks on.

Answer 4

Most of them find it easier for them to have people put it on there tab so you can pay for it later it is easier on you and others.