Bartenders make drinks to order, and either serve them to directly to customers or through the waitstaff. In addition to serving and mixing drinks, bartenders may also be responsible for managing the inventory at the bar and ordering more alcohol or other supplies when inventory is running low.
Since they rely on tips for the majority of their income, good customer service and interpersonal skills are incredibly important for bartenders.

Tasks:

1. Collect money for drinks served.
2. Check identification of customers in order to verify age requirements for purchase of alcohol.
3. Attempt to limit problems and liability related to customers' excessive drinking by taking steps such as persuading customers to stop drinking, or ordering taxis or other transportation for intoxicated patrons.
4. Clean glasses, utensils, and bar equipment.
5. Clean bars, work areas, and tables.
6. Mix ingredients, such as liquor, soda, water, sugar, and bitters, in order to prepare cocktails and other drinks.
7. Serve snacks or food items to customers seated at the bar.
8. Order or requisition liquors and supplies.
9. Arrange bottles and glasses to make attractive displays.
10. Supervise the work of bar staff and other bartenders.
11. Create drink recipes.

Key skills for bartender:

• Lifting
• Dependability
• Persistence
• Time Management
• Safety Management
• Problem Solving
• Dealing with Complexity
• Analyzing Information

Average Salary (2013):

The United Kingdom: £6.20 per hour
The United States of America: bartenders can make up to $14 an hour - before tips (and tips usually make up most of a bartender's pay).
Australia: AU$18.71 per hour

Qualifications and training required:

Most entry-level bartenders are trained on the job. Training normally lasts a few weeks, and focuses on customer service, food service, and drink mixing.
Some bartenders take a course at a vocational school to learn the basics of the trade. These classes can last anywhere between a few weeks or a few months, depending on how often the class meets. Few employers require a class, though.
Fine dining restaurants and more upscale bars often require their bartenders to have significant work experience.