Going In Order Is Very Rewarding

I’m working in a bar on a really busy Saturday night. Customers are crowded together, but I am doing my best to keep my eye on the order they arrive and serve them in that order. I don’t always get it right, but usually, most folks are patient or polite about it.

[Customer #2] has been waiting a while but definitely not as long as [Customer #1]. I’m not sure if it is alcohol, entitlement, or a combination thereof, but he is not happy when I try to service [Customer #1] first.

Customer #2: “HEY! I was here first; this is ridiculous!”

Me: “Sir, I’m sorry about the wait, but I’m confident [Customer #1] was here first. I’ll definitely serve you next, though.”

Customer #2: “That’s not good enough. I’ve been waiting for ages. I demand you serve me right now!”

Me: “No. I know [Customer #1] was at the bar first and I will serve you in the order you arrived. I will be with you in a minute or two.”

Customer #2: “Not good enough!”

Customer #1: *Big sigh* “Look, mate, I was here first, but you can serve him before me if you want.”

I admit I am quite frustrated at this point and don’t want to reward [Customer #2] for pitching a fit. I also know that management generally has our back with difficult customers, particularly drunk and/or entitled customers.

Me: “That’s good of you to offer, but I don’t like the way he spoke to me, so I’ll serve him next or not at all.”

Customer #1: “Oh, go on. It’ll be the easiest way to make him go away.”

Me: “Thanks for your offer, but respectfully, I’ll serve you and then him.”

[Customer #1] held his hands up and then ordered. [Customer #2] scoffed and stormed off.

I know I probably should have taken [Customer #1]’s offer, but honestly, I just couldn’t bring myself to reward that behaviour.