When is it important to wash your hands as a server?

Washing hands after using tobacco products is essential for maintaining hygiene in a restaurant environment. Tobacco can leave residues and bacteria on your hands, which can then be transferred to food, utensils, or even directly to customers during interactions. This practice not only helps prevent the spread of germs and potential contaminants but also demonstrates professionalism and care for patrons' health and safety.

Handwashing before greeting customers, while important for general hygiene, specifically relates to the risk of transmitting germs from unclean hands that could affect the dining experience. However, the imperative nature of washing after handling tobacco takes precedence, as it addresses a current hygiene risk immediately associated with the use of these products.

While washing hands before entering the restaurant and after taking payment are also crucial practices, they may not address an immediate contamination risk like that from tobacco, which can linger on hands. Therefore, the focus on the specific situation involving tobacco use emphasizes why this action is critical for servers.