Noteboom The Law Firm

Talking To Your Local Bartender May Save Your Life

January 28, 2011 - It's a cliché to talk about bar patrons pouring out their problems to their bartenders over drinks at their local watering holes. For many veterans, however, being a regular at their local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts may actually save their lives. Obviously the clientele at the VFW is not the same as other bars, and that can work to many veterans' advantage. A recent pilot study proposed some VFW bartenders are at a perfect vantage point to recognize when some veterans need help. Further, they could be in a position to direct them toward the help they need.  

The study consisted of surveys of 71 VFW bartenders employed in 32 different VFW posts around Ohio. The study concluded many regular bar patrons develop close relationships with their bartenders. Many times these close ties result in patrons sharing personal issues with their bartenders, giving the bartenders insights into their lives.

Indeed, many of the bartenders that responded to the surveys stated that they felt their customers were like family. Part of this comes from these veterans confiding in bartenders about things they won't tell their friends or families. Given their relationship and proximity, bartenders with the right training and information could be very helpful to those veterans in need of help.

Approximately 70% of the surveyed bartenders reported that their veteran patrons talked to them about their problems more often than not. Further, 80% of those bartenders were willing to direct veterans to the VA for help.

This does not mean bartenders are therapists. With minimal training, however, they could be shown what to look for in their patrons that would indicate trouble. Despite the setting of the bar, help is help, no matter where it comes from.