A bartender friend of mine lost a shift to a another employee, this employee got the shift because she volunteered for the shift. Which means that she only gets payed the tips she makes. Can a bar let someone "volunteer" legally while serving drinks to the public? Oh she does have her TAM card as well. I dont know how the bar can get away with letting someone get volunteer bartending? Can anyone put some light on the subject for me?

Technically, no, they can't have a volunteer bartender. But if the tips constitute at least minimum wage for all the hours she works and if those tips are properly reported, they might be able to justify it.

Just one minor detail..

If the TAM card is anything like the TABC certification (that's for Texas), it doesn't matter whether she volunteered or was paid above the going rate for a bartended. If a bartender must have certification, and does not, that's wrong. However, that is a state regulation matter....not necessarily an employment matter as it pertains to wage issues.

No state allows for the entire minimum wage to be comprised of tips only. Alaska does not allow tip credit at all; tipped employees be paid a cash wage of at least the state minimum wage.
http://www.dol.gov/esa/programs/whd/state/tipped.htm

Correct a mundo. In Alaska tips are not counted towards the mini wage. And all alcohol servers must have a TAMS card. The Alaska State Troopers would love to hear your crime stoppers tip. They will take action on it. Just tell your friend to be careful about stirring the pot or she could be looking for a job.