What is a tab at a bar?

A tab at a bar is essentially an open line of credit that a customer sets up with the establishment in order to pay for drinks and food throughout the night. Instead of paying for each drink individually, the customer's orders are added to their tab, which they settle at the end of the night.

To open a tab at a bar, customers typically provide a credit card or some form of identification as collateral. The bartender or server will keep track of the drinks and items ordered by the customer and add them to the tab. At the end of the night, the customer can settle the tab by paying the total amount owed, typically with cash, credit card, or debit card.

Opening a tab can be convenient for customers who plan on ordering multiple drinks or food items throughout the night, as it eliminates the need to pay for each item individually. However, it's important for customers to keep track of their spending and monitor their tab to ensure they don't overspend.

Bars may also have policies regarding tabs, such as requiring a minimum purchase amount to open a tab or a time limit for settling the tab. Customers should familiarize themselves with the establishment's policies before opening a tab to avoid any confusion or issues.