Sneaky Students, Swiped Spirits: How a Bar Manager Served Up the Ultimate Petty Revenge

If you’ve ever worked behind a bar, you know there’s a special kind of customer who thinks the rules just don’t apply to them. Whether it’s sneaking in outside drinks or treating the staff like invisible beer-dispensing robots, these folks seem to believe they’re starring in their own low-budget sitcom. But every so often, the universe (or, in this case, a clever assistant manager) delivers a delicious dose of karma—served ice cold.

Enter the world of the student union bar, where cheap drinks flow, societies are funded, and the only thing stronger than the vodka is the sense of community spirit. That is, unless you’re the group of students who thought they could outsmart the system… and found themselves outsmarted instead.

The Scene: Student Union Bar Shenanigans

For those not familiar with the UK’s student union bar scene, let’s set the stage. These aren’t your average pubs—these bars are the heart of campus life, offering cheap pints and a place to unwind, with profits going right back into student activities. The rules are simple: hang out as long as you like, but don’t bring your own drinks. Seems fair, right?

Most students respected the rules. But as Reddit user u/Mountain_Breath9701 hilariously recounts, one particular group decided to treat the bar like their own private BYOB lounge. Every night, they’d waltz in with shopping bags full of booze, stash them in a shadowy corridor, and proceed to get steadily—and obviously—sloshed. Buying from the bar? Not their style. Being courteous to staff? Absolutely not.

After repeated warnings and failed attempts to curb their antics, the assistant manager decided it was time to get creative. Cue the “petty revenge” worthy of a slow clap.

A Masterclass in Petty Revenge

On a fateful evening, our hero lay in wait. As the group stashed their coats and contraband in the usual corridor, he swooped in, gathering up the lot—coats, bags, enough alcohol to fuel a rugby club. Safely tucked away in the office, he awaited the inevitable confrontation.

Soon enough, the group’s ringleader, suddenly much less cocky, sidled up to the bar:

“Uh… we left our coats in the corridor, but they’ve gone missing.”

Feigning ignorance with the finesse of a seasoned actor, the manager played along, leading the student back to the corridor. Out came the coats from the secret office door (a twist worthy of Scooby-Doo). As for those bags of booze? Sorry, mate—no one’s handed anything like that in.

The group slunk away, spirits dashed and dignity in tatters. The bar was rid of its rulebreakers, and the staff enjoyed a wild, well-deserved celebration that night. Justice served—neat.

Why Petty Revenge Tastes So Sweet

Let’s be honest: there’s something deeply satisfying about a well-executed act of petty revenge, especially when it involves outwitting the entitled. This wasn’t about malice or making a grand spectacle—it was about defending the community, upholding fairness, and, yes, getting a little payback for all those eye rolls and snide remarks.

The beauty of this story lies in its subtlety. No yelling, no drama—just a gentle reminder that actions have consequences (and that staff-only corridors are named that for a reason). Plus, it’s a reminder to always treat service staff with respect. You never know when they might be plotting the world’s most satisfying plot twist.

Lessons in Bar Etiquette (and Life)

So, what can we learn from this tale of stealthy spirits and poetic justice? - Respect the Rules: They’re there for a reason, often to keep the community thriving. - Don’t Underestimate the Staff: They see more than you think, and they’re often several steps ahead. - If You’re Going to Break the Rules, Don’t Be Obnoxious About It: Or, y’know, just don’t break them at all. - Petty Revenge Is an Art Form: Sometimes, the best way to deal with repeat offenders is with a little creativity and a lot of patience.

Your Turn: Have You Witnessed Legendary Petty Revenge?

We love a good story—especially one where karma comes calling. Have you ever witnessed (or served up) a perfectly petty act of revenge? Share your tales in the comments below, and let’s raise a (bar-purchased) glass to those who keep the peace, one clever move at a time!


Original Reddit Post: Bring your own drinks into the bar? Oh no they seem to have gone missing!