Employee Handbook

Welcome to Buffalo Bartenders LLC ("the Company"). This Employee Handbook is designed to help you feel informed and to be successful in your role. It introduces you to our Company, our workplace expectations, and the policies and benefits available to employees. We want you to understand what you can expect from Buffalo Bartenders and what we, in turn, expect from you.

This Handbook is intended as a general guide to our policies and practices and does not constitute a contract of employment, either express or implied. It is not intended to cover every policy, procedure, or situation that may arise. This Handbook supersedes all prior employee handbooks or policy statements on the subjects addressed and may be revised, updated, or discontinued at any time, with or without notice, at the sole discretion of Buffalo Bartenders, consistent with applicable law.

Because every workday and event can be different, it is not possible to address every circumstance in a single handbook. We encourage open communication and ask that employees speak with management whenever questions arise, guidance is needed, or a situation is not specifically addressed in this Handbook.

All newly hired employees will receive a copy of this Employee Handbook. Employees are expected to review the Handbook, become familiar with its contents, and follow Company policies and guidelines as a condition of employment.

About Buffalo Bartenders

Buffalo Bartenders delivers unique mobile bartending experiences for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. We are dedicated to creating a memorable experience for all of our guests. Through exceptional professional service, responsible and safe alcohol practices and a genuine commitment to hospitality, we bring energy, reliability, and care to every event. Our signature Buffalo POD—Buffalo's only shipping-container bar—reflects our creativity and pride in delivering distinctive, high-quality experiences for our clients and guests.

Section 1 – Workplace Policies

Wages & Pay Practices

• Starting Hourly Wage: $15.55 per hour, plus 100% of tips as outlined in the Tips, Gratuities & Pooling section below.

• Shift Captains/Leads: One lead per event will make an additional $2/hour and will be designated by management. The lead will be the contact person for the client, will make decisions on additional purchases for the event, handling client/guest issues and reporting to management any issues or concerns that arise.

• Wage Increases: Employees may be eligible for a pay review on their two-year anniversary. Eligibility for review does not guarantee a pay increase.

• On-Call Assignments: On-call employees receive a flat stipend of $50, regardless of whether they are ultimately required to work. If required to report to work, they will be compensated in accordance with applicable New York State wage and hour laws.

• Last-Minute Bookings: Events booked 14 days or fewer before the event date pay $25/hour per bartender.

Timekeeping

• All employees must accurately record all time worked, including event setup, breakdown, required travel between job duties, supply pickup, ice runs, and any other required tasks.

• Working "off-the-clock" is strictly prohibited.

• Employees must clock-in using the Bar Staffer website and must clock in only at the venue. A geo-fence has been created around the venue area. If unable to clock in via the app, text (716) 247-2506 with your arrival time.

Tips, Gratuities & Pooling

• Private parties include a 20% gratuity (weddings excluded).

• Tips are pooled and distributed only among customarily tipped employees working the event.

• Owners, managers, and supervisors do not participate in tip pools, except as permitted by New York State law.

• Tips are split evenly among bartenders unless Ron Griffin is bartending. When present, he is excluded from the tip pool and all other bartenders split 100%.

• Dedicated barbacks receive 7% of total tips for the event.

• No unlawful deductions will be made from tips.

Travel & Mileage Reimbursement

• Bartender Travel: Mileage over 60 miles round trip is reimbursed at $0.75 per mile.

• POD Transport: Mileage over 50 miles round trip is reimbursed at $1.50 per mile when using your personal vehicle.

• Bartenders are expected to coordinate travel to minimize the number of vehicles.

Bonuses

• If a client specifically requests or mentions you by name during booking, you will receive a $100 bonus after successful completion of the event.

Scheduling & Event Assignments

• Shift Captains/Leads may claim events up to 120 days prior to the event date. Remaining shifts open 60 days prior.

• Once you claim an event, you may not remove yourself without management approval.

• If you are unable to work an event within 30 days of the event date, you are responsible for finding coverage with management approval.

• Repeated shift changes or call-offs may result in loss of self-scheduling privileges.

• Unauthorized shift swaps may result in disciplinary action.

Standards of Conduct & Appearance

• Arrive on time and prepared for setup.

• Wear the assigned uniform: solid black attire only (no patterns, stripes, or mixed shades unless specified).

• Maintain professional grooming and hygiene.

• Treat clients, guests, and coworkers with courtesy and respect.

• No alcohol or drug use while on duty.

Event Procedures & Service Standards

Setup: Employees should arrive at the designated arrival time found in Bar Staffer. Follow event-specific instructions in Bar Staffer. For Buffalo POD events, follow all safety and venue guidelines.

Service: Buffalo Bartenders provides five (5) hours of bar service in its packages. No service prior to the ceremony unless purchased, or during a 1-hour dinner break. Clients may request additional time at the bartenders' discretion, not to exceed $100/hour per bartender.

• Practice responsible alcohol service at all times.

• Follow provided recipes and presentation standards for specialty cocktails.

• Flower mixer bottles provided by Buffalo Bartenders must be used at all times for large bottle mixers.

• No self-service, shots, doubles, or unopened alcoholic beverages may be provided.

• All non-alcoholic canned beverages must be served in cups with ice.

• A water station will be maintained at each event.

• You have the right to refuse service to any guest for safety or legal reasons.

Breakdown: Breakdown begins only after service ends. At least one bar must remain open unless otherwise approved. All equipment must be clean and secure before departure.

Client Interaction

• Greet all guests courteously.

• When more than one bartender is working, one person MUST:

• Address client questions or concerns promptly and professionally.

• Never dispute pricing or contract terms — refer clients to management.

Equipment & Inventory

• Use provided checklists for loading and unloading event supplies.

• Minor supply purchases are permitted; equipment or paper product purchases require approval.

• Alcohol may never be purchased by staff.

• Report missing or damaged equipment immediately.

• Receipts must be submitted within 30 days to (716) 247-2506.

Safety & Compliance

• Employees must maintain valid TIPS certification (reimbursed by the Company).

• Follow all health, safety and sanitation protocols.

• Report accidents or incidents immediately.

Communication

• Use group texts for event-day updates.

• Direct questions or issues to management during and after events.

• Communicate promptly and professionally with management.

Feedback & Development

• Employees must attend bi-annual meetings when scheduled.

• Share client feedback and operational suggestions with management.

Discipline & Corrective Action

Buffalo Bartenders LLC is committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, and safe work environment. Corrective action is intended to be fair, consistent, and appropriate to the situation and may include coaching, verbal or written warnings, retraining, suspension, reassignment, or termination.

Examples of conduct that may result in corrective action include but are not limited to:

Section 2 – Legal / Compliance Policies

Anti-Harassment & Sexual Harassment Prevention

Buffalo Bartenders LLC is committed to a work environment free from unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Harassment including sexual harassment is strictly prohibited. This policy applies to all employees, managers, clients, guests, and vendors encountered in the course of employment.

Protected characteristics include race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, genetic information, and any other legally protected status.

Employees who experience or witness harassment are encouraged to report it promptly. Retaliation against anyone who reports in good faith is strictly prohibited. All employees are required to complete annual sexual harassment prevention training in accordance with New York State law.

Reasonable Accommodation

Buffalo Bartenders LLC provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious practices, or other protected needs, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Contact management to initiate the interactive process.

New York Paid Sick Leave

• Accrual: 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.

• Annual Usage Cap: Up to 40 hours per calendar year.

• Carryover: Unused sick leave carries over year to year.

• Permitted Uses: Personal illness, caring for a family member, absences related to domestic violence or safety needs.

• Employees will not be retaliated against for lawful use of paid sick leave.

New York Paid Family Leave (PFL)

Eligible employees may take job-protected, paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a seriously ill family member, or address qualifying military exigencies. PFL is funded through employee payroll deductions. Visit paidfamilyleave.ny.gov for more information.

Military Leave

Buffalo Bartenders LLC complies with USERRA and New York State Military Law. Eligible employees will be granted job-protected leave and reinstated upon return consistent with applicable legal requirements.

Lactation Accommodation

Buffalo Bartenders LLC provides reasonable unpaid break time and a private, non-bathroom space for employees to express breast milk for up to three years following childbirth, in compliance with New York State Labor Law.

NY HERO Act

Buffalo Bartenders LLC complies with the NY HERO Act and maintains an airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plan, which will be activated when required by New York State.

Whistleblower Protection

Buffalo Bartenders LLC prohibits retaliation against employees who in good faith report violations of law that pose a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.

Electronic Monitoring Notice

Buffalo Bartenders LLC may utilize electronic monitoring systems including timekeeping applications, scheduling platforms, and geo-fencing for legitimate business purposes. Employees have no expectation of privacy when using Company systems or applications.

Workers' Compensation & Disability Benefits

Buffalo Bartenders LLC provides Workers' Compensation and New York State Disability Benefits coverage as required by law. Report any work-related injury or illness immediately to management.

At-Will Employment

Employment with Buffalo Bartenders LLC is voluntary and "at will." Either the employee or the Company may end the employment relationship at any time, for any lawful reason, with or without cause or notice. Nothing in this Handbook creates a contract of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Buffalo Bartenders LLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a professional, inclusive, and respectful work environment. The Company prohibits discrimination or harassment based on any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This commitment extends to all employment actions including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and termination.

Employment Status & Compensation

All staff are classified as non-exempt, hourly, part-time event-based employees under the FLSA and New York State Labor Law. All wages meet or exceed applicable New York State minimum wage requirements. Buffalo Bartenders does not take a tip credit toward minimum wage.

Handbook Acknowledgement

I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the Buffalo Bartenders Employee Handbook and understand that it contains important information regarding the Company's policies, procedures, and general guidelines. I understand that it is my responsibility to read the Handbook in its entirety and to comply with the policies contained therein.

I understand and acknowledge that my employment with Buffalo Bartenders is "at will" and that nothing in this Handbook creates or is intended to create a contract, promise, or guarantee of continued employment.