– Lowering the legal age for serving alcohol in restaurants
– Possible increase in tipped revenue
– Issues concerning the safety of young workers
– Missouri’s stance on the proposal
Mulling a Youthful Touch in Bars
A proposed amendment in state legislations could see teenagers as young as 14 slinging bourbon in restaurants across states. Trupti Patel, a veteran in the food service industry who has dealt with grabby and belligerent drunk customers, warns concern over the safety of these young workers.
Quenching Revenue or Drenching Safety?
The hope to have younger workers on bar floors could bring in more tips, potentially driving up restaurant revenues. Despite a possible boost to an industry destabilized by Covid-19, we have to consider the extraordinary risk it could involve. With cases of alcohol-induced misbehavior being prevalent, putting young, inexperienced workers in the line of duty could lead to unpleasant scenarios.
Missouri’s Stand on the Proposal
Specific to the Show-Me State, it is yet to be clear how Missouri feels about welcoming this youthful change to its bars. It will be interesting to see whether the state takes Patel’s caution about potential safety risks for youth seriously or bows down to the promise of tipped revenue boost.
The Breezy Take
Introducing teens to the world of bartending is certainly a game-changer, but the game may not always favor the players. While the adoption of this policy could mean a lifeline to the struggling hospitality industry, it is crucial to weigh the potential safety risks it brings along. As the debate stirs in Missouri, it’s a twist of intoxicating potential intertwined with sobering concerns.
Original article: https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/07/states-seek-to-let-teens-as-young-as-14-serve-booze-in-restaurants/