Have you ever wondered what an honor bar is? Do you want to know how it functions as well?
This article will look at what honor bars are, how they work, and examples of places with honor bars. Keep reading to know all about honor bars.
What is an honor bar?
An honor bar means you sign up for a drink without speaking to a waiter or waitress; the costs are subsequently added to your bill.
Why the name “honor” bar? The term ‘honor’ means the hotel trusts you to sign for every drink you have, even when a staff member is absent.
How do honor bars work?
Honor bars operate in such a way that the customers control their service. For example, you can mix your drink without calling a waitperson to do that for you. You just fill out a form and record everything you have consumed.
Some hotels offer breakfasts and afternoon appetizers for free, but wine and alcohol are not complimentary. Honor bars are exceptional because you do have to wait for a bartender or tip them in addition to the wine/alcohol price.
For honor bars in your room, i.e., minibars, some record automatically if you take something out or the management provides you with a form to fill.
If you do not want to consume the items in the honor bar, you can request the staff to take them out.
Some hotels will charge you a fee to clear the honor bar, while others will clear out the honor bar for free. Also, honor bars are costly compared to convenience shops.
You might find that for a soda can, you are charged up to $10, whereas in a convenience shop, it goes for around $3. This is because honor bars are more convenient than going all the way to the shop.
By offering customers more freedom, these establishments may make more money. People will be encouraged to consume more drinks, attend the bar regularly, and become committed clients.
People are also encouraged to try more drinks, which allows them to learn more about different varietals and develop their preferences.
See related: Last call in bars in the US
Example of places with honor bars
You can find honor bars in:
Hotels
They can be in the form of a fully stocked bar where you drink, record what you have consumed, and are charged later. Also, they can be mini bars in the hotel rooms.
Weddings
Some people can have honor bars at their weddings, where there is a comprehensive assortment of alcoholic beverages. You are charged for your accommodation when you prepare and record your drinks.
Suites
In some high-end hotels, you may find a suite with a bar in it. This still acts as an honor bar because you will be charged for every drink you drink and record.
Conclusion
The bottom line is honor bars are where you are expected to record what you consume because there is no staff to do so. Honor bars are great because they offer people freedom and encourage the “honor” spirit.