(Newswire.net – March 7, 2012) – Birmingham, AL — If you don’t know what the United States Bartenders Guild is, you are not alone. Until recently, when industry professional, William Batson, owner of The Bar Hops ( www.thebarhops.com ) , put his efforts behind creating a local chapter, many Birmingham Alabama bartenders and service professionals didn’t know about it either.
They are an organization of professional bartenders with both a national and Birmingham, AL chapter.
The goal of William and the other founding members Lenell Camacho Santa Ana, Scott Howdeshell and Pat Floyd is to provide networking, education and even health benefit opportunities for bar service professionals .
It is estimated that over 85% of Birmingham Alabama bartenders and many across the nation have no health insurance because they work in small, local restaurants and bars that do not provide benefits.
“The Birmingham Chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild will act as a catalyst to connect professional bartenders, national distributors, manufacturers, the ABC board and others who serve and sell products within the industry.” said William Batson.
“We seek to improve the skills and abilities of those who choose the bartending profession through educational programs, networking, competitions and public events.” he added.
The group also hopes to improve the image of bartenders as trained professionals for people who hire staff for bar service Birmingham and surrounding areas.
Recently, a trend has developed toward using more refined, classic cocktails for private parties and events. This has spawned the return of the professional ‘ mixologist ‘ who has taken time to become educated in the art of crafting classic cocktails that are flavorful and unique .
Batson, who is also the President of the organization, recently published a book based on this renewed interest in the hand-crafted classic cocktails .
“Like gourmet cooking, crafting a good cocktail takes education, skill and finesse.” He commented.
Pat Floyd of Cathead Vodka, a local distiller and distributor, who is the Chapter Treasurer says “ Cathead Distillery and I are proud to be part of this movement to to help Birmingham Alabama bartenders improve the image and the professionalism of the industry. The talent is here and our hope is that the USBG will help showcase and educate our talented bartenders. “
For more information on the United Bartenders Guide Birmingham Chapter, contact William Batson at The Bar Hops 205-538-2467 or wtbatson@thebarhops.com .
United States Bartenders Guild Birmingham, AL Chapter
Media Contact: William Batson
Phone: 205-538-2467