I am a clerk. Actually, a store manager. We don’t judge like you think we do.

Yeah, I have regulars. Marla gets a pint of Smirnoff Pink Lemonade twice a day. Once before her waitressing shift and once after. 3 extra airplanes with her second stop. Her daughter just got married. We all (the staff) got her a card with $1-5 pitched in.

William gets a fifth of captain every day, at 9:05 am. He’s looking worse for the wear. His skin is light yellow and and his hands shake. But, he doesn’t slur, is always polite. We would never decline his sale for no no reason. He’s a chill dude with an Air Force background. On his good days, we talk about reality Tv. William is always welcome. Sometimes we do samples. He’s not a pity. He’s William.

John drinks bottom shelf vodka. Once in a while, he’s too turnt, and we can’t make the sale. Like knocking my bottles over. We get arrested if we sell and someone commits manslaughter while being sold inebriated. I’ll call an Uber, I’ve paid for a few. It’s okay. We’re not judging.

Mike is pervy. He buys 3 double shots of Smirnoff at a time. Said he wants to drink my bath water. I communicate with other stores once every three months or so, to see if he’s been by. They know him. He rides his bike taking shots. I sometimes tell them he’s on the way. Again. We get arrested selling to inebriated.

My point is, yes, we notice regulars. We’re retail clerks; what else do we have to look forward to other than friendly and relatable faces? We do not care what you drink, other than the thrill of being able to grab it for you without you asking. Come in daily, twice a day, we are happy to see you.

I’m not on this sub because I’m a twice a month glass of wine. You know why I’m here. The irony of my profession doesn’t escape me.

Stop worrying what we think. We have 30 cases of Tito’s to put out. Please. You’re welcome, noticed, and appreciated, as long as you aren’t knocking over displays or dropping bottles. You don’t have to store hop. We noticed. We’re paid to and threatened with arrest if we don’t. We genuinely enjoy your companionship and camaraderie