Bartender shows how they secretly stop serving alcohol to people who've had enough to drink

Ever had one too many and still tried to get one last round in before last call only to realise your drink tastes a little different than usual?

Well, that's no accident as one bartender has revealed exactly how they secretly stop serving alcohol to people who've had more than enough to drink.

The American cocktail maestro, Ben Smith, who goes by the handle @benjispears, took to TikTok to share with his 1.5 million followers exactly how he navigates the age-old problem that has plagued bartenders since the profession first started.

In the short clip, Ben acts out a scenario I'm sure anyone who has ever worked in a bar unfortunately knows all too well.

He captioned the TikTok: "When your drunk bestie is insisting [on] another drink but you know they have to work in the morning."

"Oh yeah, you're good babe, I got ya," he says while demonstrating the nifty little trick.

Instead of actually pouring alcohol into the glass, Ben pretends to fill the cup with a spirit while actually just filling it with a soft drink or water instead.

He then tops it off with some red-coloured juice - assuming alcohol-free too - and a very generous squeeze of lime before whacking a metal straw in and saying: "Alright, honey, a strong one coming right up."

The video has since gone viral after clocking up more than 11.1 views on the platform with 1.1 million likes and hundreds upon hundreds of comments from people eager to share their reactions to the top tip.

TikTok/@benjispears

One fellow hospitality veteran penned: "I'm a bartender and do the same sh*t!!! I'm f*cking screaming!"

Others, however, weren't so on board with Ben's trick with many hitting out over the issue of charging for a drink with zero alcohol in it.

One TikTok user wrote: "If I'm paying for a drink and you do this, we're fighting. Be up front with your guests, p.s. I'm a bartender."

A second revealed: "I’d be fuming if I found out."

"Question, would you charge for that ?" wondered a third, while Ben confirmed: "Nope."

Once the issue of payment was cleared up, people couldn't help but commend Ben for his efforts.

One viewer praised: "You are a good friend and bartender. Good looking out!"

"You’re a real one," congratulated a second, while a third echoed: "This is actually really great of you!"

Not all heroes wear capes - eh?