St. Patrick’s Day is known for its high energy, festive atmosphere, and sometimes questionable decisions. But one Denver bartender, Gabriella, had an experience that was truly beyond the norm.
In a TikTok video, Gabriella opened up about a bizarre encounter she had with a customer that took a celebratory shot to an unsanitary extreme. What started as a friendly toast quickly escalated into a boundary violation, leaving Gabriella stunned and disturbed.
The Unforgettable Incident: From Shot to Shock
Gabriella recounted how the incident began with a female customer asking her to join in for a celebratory pickle shot. Gabriella, eager to take part in the fun, grabbed two glasses and prepared for the typical “cheers.” However, instead of the traditional glass clink, the customer did something unexpected. She grabbed Gabriella’s hand and licked her entire arm, all the way up from her wrist to her elbow, before finally drinking her own shot.
“I’m standing here continuously like this because I’m like, ‘What is going on?’” Gabriella recalled, visibly shocked by the violation of personal space. The act was all the more perplexing as they weren’t even having tequila shots, where the practice of licking the hand for salt might make sense.
Gabriella admitted to “blacking out” for a moment from sheer disbelief, before walking away to process what had just happened. “What the f—k, man?” she said, still stunned. “It was just completely out of nowhere.”
A Violation, Regardless of Gender
While Gabriella admitted that the situation would have been an entirely different issue if the customer had been a man, she was firm in her stance that gender should not make a violation like this acceptable. She emphasized that being a woman didn’t justify this kind of boundary-pushing behavior.
Gabriella urged patrons to exercise common sense and to respect boundaries, especially in a professional setting. “At least ask before engaging in any physical contact,” she advised, underscoring the importance of mutual respect for both customers and employees.
Hygiene Concerns: The Risks of Saliva-Based Contact
Beyond the personal discomfort, Gabriella raised valid hygiene concerns. As a bartender, she’s already cautious about physical contact with customers, particularly because of the unsanitary habits she sometimes witnesses in the restroom. “I don’t even shake hands because I see how many patrons leave the restroom without washing up,” she shared.
Licking a bartender’s arm not only violates personal space but also creates an immediate risk of cross-contamination. Human saliva can carry a variety of pathogens, making the physical contact even more concerning in an environment where hygiene is critical. Bartenders handle glassware, garnishes, and food items, and any unwanted contact puts the entire operation at risk.
How Bartenders Can Maintain Professional Boundaries
To avoid situations like the one Gabriella faced, bartenders can take steps to maintain their professional boundaries. Here are a few strategies for protecting personal space and ensuring that unwanted physical contact doesn’t happen:
- Create a “Cheers” Buffer: Hold your shot glass firmly and use your other hand to either keep it behind your back or place it on the inner edge of the bar. This makes it harder for customers to reach for your hand or arm.
- Speak Up Immediately: If a customer tries to make physical contact, don’t hesitate to say, “I don’t do physical contact at work.” A polite but firm boundary can help prevent awkward or inappropriate situations.
- Walk Away and Sanitize: If a violation does happen, take a moment to walk away from the situation, wash your hands, and sanitize yourself. It’s important to maintain cleanliness and restore professional boundaries.
- Alert Security or Management: If necessary, inform the bar’s security or management about the inappropriate behavior so they can monitor the situation for the remainder of the night.
And most importantly, remember that bartenders are not obligated to engage in “drinking culture” with customers. A simple, “No thank you” is a valid and professional response.
