Let’s get back to basics, not for the professional BARTENDERS, but for the Master Mixologist, Bar Chef, and Cocktail Guru (whatever that means), and others who think they are better than a bartender with a phony name and limited experience.
Get over it!
The USBG (United States Bartenders Guild) is now SELLING titles (after you take THEIR test). For $50 for members, and $140 for non-members, you can become a USBG SpiritsProfessional. For $100 for members and $400 for non-members, you can be a USBG Advanced Bartender, and even add the acronym AB after your name. What the hell does that mean?
For $150 for members and $450 for non-members, you can be a USBG MAster Mixologist, and and have the acronym MM after your name, and be ‘pinned’ as such, whatever the hell that means. The first one is a written or online test, the second is written/online and live practical evaluation. The third is a thesis. This will be judged by whomever.
I think they should change the name of the USBG to the USBGSPABMM. I am sick of them trying to make classes of bartenders. You’re either a good bartender, or you’re not. It’s over, and they shouldn’t be asking for money from bartenders in this day and age when it’s so hard to keep your job.
The USBG should be finding jobs, making jobs, and helping bartenders make money, not spend money. They should also be checking who’s paying dues. How many members do they have?
The new members, mostly from Southern Wine
and Spirits, have taken a great organization and used it for their own benefits, they should be finding and making better jobs for bartenders not lining their pockets with hard working bartender’s money!
Knock it off!
The top two or three members have never even tended bar in the United States. The one from New York (Katz) has never even tended bar. I don’t know how much time they’ve even had behind the bar.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my feelings.
The Bartender’s Friend
A Mixer
F.L. Brown