Have you ever worked in a tavern, or been a barmaid (or barkeep)?

I have... I worked as a barmaid for 28 years and loved it. I live in a small village and not many people there destroy their lives with drink... they go to the pub more for the social side of it, to meet other villagers and workmates. The majority of them know their limits... it's just the youngsters abuse their bodies sometimes. I drink as well, socially, and I captain a darts team at the pub, so I go as a customer twice a week normally. That doesn't destroy my life, it enriches it. :-)

I worked as a cook for a few years in a pub, and still met all sorts of people even though I was "behind the scenes"

I have worked as a bartender a few times in my life and actually thought it was kind of fun. It can be a lot of work though, when the bar gets really crowded. I don't think I would like to do it again unless it was during a fairly slow time. The negative side is coming home and smelling like a week old ashtray!

Yes, Joy as a matter fact I did, My father use to own a Tavern when I was 21 yrs, old, that was a long time a go, well when I was 21 I worked in the bar for him. I didn't like it much. some people when they get to drinking are very cruel, or nasty, and I am very sensitive. this one guy came into the bar and I served him a couple of drinks he started acting crazy, and that was the last time I worked in a Bar. Never again, that was like 33 years ago.