Bartender keeps wallet as collateral to make sure customer pays

It was not the fun night out he was expecting.

A Tennessee bartender has gone viral on TikTok for explaining why she kept a customer’s wallet after his cards were declined.

In the video, Jemima June, who usually posts on the popular social media app about her interactions with customers, shows how she attempted to charge the man $27 for shots when his card was declined.

After handing the man back his card, he attempted to pay with another card — that was also declined.

“[G]etting annoyed because he’s acting like it’s not a big deal and he’s just not gonna pay for it,” the text on the video says.

According to June, the bar she works at in Nashville has a liquor count where every drop has to be accounted for, and if a customer doesn’t pay for it, then she does.

“Well, I need $27 right now because you already took the shots,” June can be heard saying in the clip.

The man allegedly then told her that his friend would pay for the drinks but June, realizing the man was drunk and would most likely not come back, asked for his wallet as collateral.

“Go get me $27, and I’ll give you your wallet back,” June says.

“You’re wasting my time, all these people are waiting for drinks.”

Nearly an hour later, the man came back with his friend to pay the bill.

The video, which has been viewed 12.2 million times since Saturday, resonated with hundreds in the service industry.

“Very professional!! customers have no right to get mad at the end of the day your doing your job and protecting the liquor license,” commented one user.

“Being a bartender in a busy bar like that seems like the most stressful job ever,” a top comment said.

Others joked about the man’s wallet.

“Two cards declined for a 27$ payment and he thinks you’re gonna take what out of his wallet??? Lint,” joked a user.

“What does he think you’re going to steal from his wallet? he doesn’t have any money lmao,” another viewer claimed. 

Some users seemed more concerned over the supposed liquor count.

“Idk about Tennessee labor laws but most states. They cannot legally make you pay for a unpaid tab or ticket because that’s considered theft,” one user said.

According to the Department of Labor, employers of tipped employees are not allowed to “take deductions for walkouts, cash register shortages, breakage, cost of uniforms, etc.,” because the deductions would lead to the employee making less than minimum wage.