Bartending: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering bartending

You mix and serve drinks at events, bringing your tools, garnishes and know how. Clients trust you to keep the bar moving, check IDs and follow the rules for serving alcohol at each venue.

What customers ask

  • Do you have the license or permit this event needs?
  • Are your bartenders trained and insured?
  • How do you check IDs and handle guests who have had too much?
  • Can you make signature cocktails?
  • Who supplies the ice, glassware and garnishes?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask for the guest count, the bar hours, the drink menu, the venue and the rules for alcohol
  • Confirm who holds the license or permit for the event in writing before you accept the booking
  • Bring a sample drink menu with a non alcoholic option and a clear pour policy
  • Put in the quote the bartenders, their hours, the drinks, the glassware, ice and garnishes, and the setup time
  • Confirm ID checks, the cut off rules and who is responsible for each in writing
  • Plan a water station and a non alcoholic drink for guests who do not drink
  • Share your insurance certificate with the venue before the event

What to put on your profile

  • Post photos of your bar setup and signature drinks at events
  • List the drink menus you offer, including non alcoholic options
  • Show your training, certifications and insurance status, described accurately
  • Describe your ID checking and cut off process
  • Add the event types you serve and the venues where you have worked

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a drink menu for the host's next gathering
  • Suggest a mocktail menu for guests who want a non alcoholic option
  • Recommend a second bartender for a longer event
  • Share a guide on planning the right amount of drinks for a crowd

Licenses and permits

Alcohol service commonly needs a license or permit, and bartenders may need their own training or card. Check the rules for each venue and each event, confirm who holds the license before every booking, and keep your training and insurance on file. If food is served as well, food businesses commonly need a health permit or a food handler card from the local office that oversees food safety.

Questions

Do I need a license to bartend?

Alcohol service commonly needs a license or permit, and bartenders may need their own training or card. Check with the local office that oversees alcohol service what applies where you work.

Who is responsible if a guest is served too much?

Responsibility depends on the local rules and your contract. Set your cut off rules in writing, follow them and keep a record of the service.

Should I check IDs at a private event?

Yes, if the rules for the event require it or the venue asks. Check the rules where the event takes place and keep your ID process consistent for every guest.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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