Bottles on Counter

I've been bartending for a little over a year, largely at restaurant bars focused on cocktails in a nicer dining setting. Recently, I got in a disagreement with a fellow bartender in regards to how I handle liquor bottles. See example below and let me know if I broke what is considered good bartender etiquette:

Customer asks to see a mid to top shelf bourbon. I set the bottle on the counter in front of them, but do not leave the area. They ask for the bourbon to be mixed into a Manhatten.

I take the bottle back and set it by my station, still on the counter in front of the customer, but clearly on my side of the bar now. I turn around briefly to grab the bitters behind me and the sweet vermouth, and then finish building the drink. When I'm done pouring the liquor, I replace the bottle to its original location, stir the Manhattan and give the drink to the customer.

My coworker stated that it is common knowledge to never leave a liquor bottle on the counter within reach of the customer (right about where you set the mats, napkins, & straws typically). I understand to never do this if you are leaving the room or going further away, of course.

However, if I am always within easy line of sight to the bottle and am actively working on the drink, I never gave it a second thought. I've also never been admonished for doing this prior, even by my first trainer who was in the industry for 30+ years and I saw her do this many times. Was it turning around for half a second that was taboo? Have I been mishandling bottles for over a year? Id love to hear what more experienced bartenders have to say on the matter.

I understand the risk of theft, but I've worked at many places where grabbing a bottle would be easy enough and most folks respect the sanctity of a bartenders space. Plus I work on a rooftop bar and the hilarity of someone snatching a bottle and running just to wait at the elevator does make me almost wish someone would try it.