Mobile bar service: a guide for pros

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

Offering mobile bar service

You bring a portable bar, bartenders and drink supplies to events. Clients want a bar that looks good, serves quickly and follows the rules for alcohol at the venue.

What customers ask

  • Who holds the license for the event?
  • What power and space does the bar need?
  • Can you make a signature cocktail for our event?
  • How do you check IDs?
  • Do you restock the bar during the party?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask for the guest count, the bar hours, the venue, the power access and the drink preferences
  • Bring photos of the portable bar and a sample drink menu with signature cocktails and non alcoholic options
  • Confirm the alcohol license or permit holder and the venue's rules in writing before you quote
  • Put in the quote the bar, the bartenders, the drinks, the glassware, ice, garnishes and the restock plan
  • Confirm the power and space needs with the venue before the day
  • Plan a non alcoholic station and water service to sit beside the bar
  • Name the lead bartender who runs the bar and who is reachable on the day

What to put on your profile

  • Post photos of portable bars set up at weddings and parties
  • List the bar types you offer and their sizes
  • Show your signature cocktail list and non alcoholic options
  • Describe your power needs and setup process
  • Add your training, certifications and insurance status, described accurately

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a repeat bar for the client's next event
  • Suggest a themed bar for a second event or an anniversary
  • Recommend a second bartender station for a larger crowd
  • Share a guide on planning the right number of drinks for a crowd

Licenses and permits

Alcohol service commonly needs a license or permit, and the rules vary by place. Confirm which license or permit covers each location, keep your bartenders' training current, and carry insurance that covers alcohol service at events. 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 for each event location?

It depends on the place. Check with the local office that oversees alcohol service what your license covers, and whether a new location needs its own approval.

What if a guest is served too much at the bar?

Stop serving that guest, offer water or a non alcoholic drink, and follow your written cut off policy. Keep a record of the service and the action taken.

Can I bring the bar into a tent or a yard?

Yes, if the site allows it and the power and ground can take the setup. Confirm the site rules and the power plan before you quote.

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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