Bartending has existed for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Roman, Greek, and Asian societies where public drinking houses served as places for socializing. In the 15th century, most bartenders were female innkeepers who produced their own liquor. Jeremiah "Jerry" Thomas was an influential American bartender in the 1800s known as the "Father of American Mixology." Today, bartending involves customer service, drink preparation, security, and sometimes acting as a counselor while maintaining organization and efficiency.