Lackey in taverns wasted (7)
I believe the answer is:
servant
'lackey' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'taverns wasted' is the wordplay.
'wasted' indicates an anagram.
'taverns' with letters rearranged gives 'SERVANT'.
'in' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for servant that I've seen before include "Page, say" , "One in domestic service" , "Menial" , "Housekeeper" , "Valet, e.g." .)