User:Brenda Chavarria/roughdraft

A cocktail waitress carrying drinks on a tray

A cocktail waitress is a female server who brings drinks to patrons of drinking establishments such as bars, cocktail lounges, casinos, comedy clubs, jazz clubs, cabarets, and other live music venues. Some may wear revealing clothing as a ploy to increase tips. Casinos traditionally dress their cocktail waitresses in fancy outfits with very short skirts and pantyhose or fishnet stockings, while less flashy establishments may require waitstaff attire. Playboy Bunnies are a famous example of the profession. In the United States, cocktail waitresses are common in casino towns like Atlantic City, Las Vegas, and Reno.

Pro's of the Job

When people go out to casinos and resorts, especially famous establishments in places such as Las Vegas, they have certain expectations. Glitz, glam, high- end, iconic entertainment and service are all things they expect to see and receive. Cocktail waitresses are just as important to that experience as anything else. Like the location, setting, and ambiance-cocktail waitresses have a very iconic appearance and duty to fulfill. This makes them part of something much bigger and special than themselves- even if it’s for just a few hours at a time. People will remember their cocktail waitress's face and the way they helped them make their night spectacular. Cocktail waitresses work in a fun ,energetic , and fast paced environment while also making money.Depending on the establishment and location they are also subject to receive health benefits. Most importantly, they walk away with a generous amount of cash every night. Cocktail waitresses are known to make up to $100, 000 a year.

Con's of the Job

As a cocktail waitress it is almost guaranteed that their uniform will be a very revealing outfit, including but not limited to bustiers, corsets, fishnets, and body-con dresses. The footwear cocktail waitresses use are high heels, which most ladies find very limiting ,uncomfortable and in some cases, also painful. If a cocktail waitress is assigned the night shift, it is probable that she will not clock out earlier than 3 A.M which will more often that not, disrupt her sleeping pattern and leave her with no energy to have a social life of their own. Sexual harassment and catcalling are also common . When most customers have had a little too much too drink it is very common they begin to get very “touchy-feely” , something that cocktail waitresses are expected to tolerate as part of their job. The same dynamic applies to the catcalling. Cocktail waitresses have also described the type of people that go to the high end nightclub, which in a nutshell can be described as arrogant, pretentious and materialistic.Not all, but most places will also require they to meet certain physical requirements and follow specific makeup guidelines.

Typical Pay for a Cocktail Waitress

Cocktails waitresses work for an hourly wage and tips rather than for a salary. While there is no typical pay for a cocktail waitress, in 2011, the median salary in the U.S was $18,130. The earnings they make really depend on the demographics of the region and location. To be a cocktail waitress, basic math skills are needed along with the ability to work in a fast paced environment. It is important to consider the importance that the location of the employment has on the earnings of the cocktail waitresses. Although the median salary was roughly $18,000 in 2011, in famous nightclubs and resorts in Las Vegas, cocktail waitresses can make up to $100,000 and have reported making around $500 a night.

Controversies

In 2013, with the support of a union, the cocktail waitresses at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket fought back in order to be able to wear footwear of their choosing at the workplace. Some of the older waitress, who had been working at this resort for over a decade complained not only about the discomfort of the shoes, but of the medical issues wearing high heels for many hours of many years had resulted in. While Foxwoods did indeed, just recently given up the policy that insisted the waitresses use high heels, the older staff still remained worries that that was a bid to get rid of the older staff to make room for the young, incoming girls. Throughout the years, other employees and unions have also confronted the sexism nature that being a cocktail waitress has.Women argue the fact that men, wearing sneakers and fully clothed ,make just as many tips as the female servers wearing skimpy outfits and heels, which makes them question why their sexual attire is so strictly enforced.

How to Become a Cocktail Waitress

First off, you must be 21 years or older. Secondly, you will need both you A health card and an alcohol awareness card. A health card can be obtained by going to the Health Department in your area. The card will need to be renewed every three years. An alcohol awareness card can be obtained by attending a class given by any certified instructor. The most well-known in town is TAM of Nevada, but there are others that may cost less and the classes are less crowded. There is a fee and the class is roughly 4 hours. The instructor will give you the basics of the laws of NV, how to spot a drunk, underage drinking, and you may have to watch a movie. You are also subject to drug tests, so be sure to stay away from illegal substances. Joining a union is also something helpful to consider.

References

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Category:Bartending Category:Food services occupations