BK: What’s your job like?
Pond: The first thing we do is change into our uniforms, and then we say hello to the owner downstairs. We work from 5pm to 11pm and have one day off per week. Our main job is to simply serve beer, but we also take drink and sometimes food orders. We also take the used glasses to the kitchen.
Mai: The job is like a waitress basically.

BK:  Why did you become beer girls?
Pond: My friend recommended this job to me. I also have a full-time job as a cashier, from 7am to 4pm. My salary was not enough to be able to send money back to my parents in my home province, so I’ve also worked this job for three years. It won’t be for much longer, though, because we’re getting older.
Mai: I also got a recommendation from a friend. I started this job five to six years ago. I used to work another job full-time, but I quit, so being a beer girl is my only income now.

BK: What are the advantages and disadvantages of being beer girls?
Pond: Advantages include learning languages and getting to chat with new people. But this job is risky; sometimes men take liberties and touch us.

BK: Do you often have weird customers?
Pond: Yes, they are usually drunk. One foreigner was pestering me for my phone number, so I walked away. Another said, “If you let me touch your breast, I’ll buy a Tiger beer,” which I just had to ignore.

BK: So, many guys try to pick you up?
Pond: Yes, a lot, but we never go home with them. However, sometimes if I get to know nice customers, I go out drinking with them after the pub closes. We are not allowed to drink with them while we’re working because we would get fired.
Mai: Also, we’re not meant to talk too much to customers.

BK: Do they tip more if you are flirty?
Pond: Sometimes, but most customers never leave tips.

BK: What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
Mai: After I retire from being a beer girl, I want to open a grocery shop or a cafe.
Pond: I already have a full-time job.