Getting a Bartending License
Becoming a licensed bartender can be a long and arduous process, but the rewards can be significant. Many requirements must be met, and even with the correct paperwork, there is no guarantee of success. However, if you have the drive and determination to become a licensed bartender, there is no stopping you.
Bartending has become a trendy career choice over the years. With a growing customer base and increased competition, bartenders need to have the proper licensing and certification in order to stay ahead of the curve. It can be an exciting career with many growth opportunities, and it’s a great way to make some extra money. There are a few things that you need to do in order to become a licensed bartender, but the process is not as complicated as it may seem.
What is a Bartending License?
A bartender’s license is a document that allows the holder to serve alcoholic beverages to customers. It is a requirement for all bartenders in many countries and jurisdictions. The license typically restricts the individual from serving certain alcoholic beverages, such as hard liquor or only beer and wine.
A bartender’s license may also restrict the hours during which an individual may work as a bartender, such as restricting work hours to between 5 p.m. and 2 a.m., or it may specify that an individual must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a bartending license.
Cost of a Bartending License
A bartender license is required for anyone who wants to serve and sell alcohol. The price of a bartending license varies depending on the state in which you are applying.
In the United Kingdom, formal qualifications for a bartending license vary from country to country. Generally, they include passing an exam and having a minimum of years of experience working in a bar. In England and Wales, the minimum legal requirement to work as a bartender is a Level 3 qualification in Hospitality Management. This qualification can be achieved through various programmes, from vocational courses to university degrees. In London, for example, the average cost of a Level 3 qualification is £3,000.
In other countries, the most common type of bartending license is a basic one. This license is usually valid for two years and costs $110. The price of the bartending license varies depending on the state and municipality where you live. For example, if you live in California, the cost of a basic bartender’s license is $190.
Types of Bartending Licenses
The process of getting a bartending license varies depending on the state and the type of license you are applying for. The process of getting a bartending license varies depending on the state and the type of license you are applying for. In general, there are two types of licenses: an alcohol server permit and a full bartender’s license.
Alcohol Server Permit:
In most states, to obtain an alcohol server permit, you need to be at least 18 years old and have no felony convictions in your criminal history. You also need to have completed either 12 hours or more of alcohol-serving training or show proof that you have worked in a restaurant for at least six months over the last two years where they serve alcohol.
Full Bartender License:
To get this type of bartending license, you will need to complete an approved course that lasts about 12 hours and pass both a written exam and an exam involving hands-on skills such as pouring and mixing drinks.
Time Period of Getting Bartending License
The period for getting a bartending license varies from state to state. In California, you can take the test and get your license in as little as four days. However, in New York, it takes at least two months to get the license.
In the UK, one needs to be certified by the National Association of BarStaff (NABS) in order to work as a bartender. The NABS certification process includes 200 hours of training, which can take up to two years to complete.
Bartending License vs Certification
A bartender’s license is a document issued by the government when an individual has completed a course and passed the necessary exams. A certification, on the other hand, is a document that signifies that the individual has completed a specific course or program.
The main difference between these two documents is their validity. Certification expires after a certain period of time, whereas a license usually does not have any expiration date.
How to Get a Bartending License
License requirements vary from state to state, but all states require a person to be at least 18 years old and have no felony convictions before applying for a bartending license. They also need to take an exam that covers knowledge about alcohol, food safety, and customer service skills. Some states also require applicants to provide fingerprints for a background check and submit their social security number or other personal information. Requirements for licensing as a bartender vary from country to country, but generally, there are three main steps:
1. Completing an accredited bartending program.
In order to be a bartender, you must complete an accredited bartending program. There are many different options available for those who want to learn how to mix drinks:
The first option is a traditional bartending school, which can be found in most major cities. A traditional bartending school can teach students how to mix drinks, as well as the history and culture of the industry. However, these schools are expensive.
The second option is you may enrol in online courses through one of the many accredited bartending schools that offer these programs. Learning to bartend online can be easier and cheaper than taking classes. Many accredited online bartending schools offer a wide range of different courses, such as mixology, bar management, and even food pairing.
The third option is taking an online course on your own and completing the course by taking exams administered by the school. This is an excellent option for people who want to complete the course quickly or have a busy schedule.
2. Passing a licensing exam.
In order to be a bartender, one of the requirements is to pass a licensing exam. The exam is administered by the state in which you are working. The objective of this exam is to evaluate your knowledge of the basics of mixology and alcohol service, as well as your ability to follow instructions and serve responsibly.
3. Submitting a license application.
Every state has licensing requirements, and the process can vary in complexity depending on where you live. Generally, after passing the licensing exam, the next step is to fill out the application form. You can find this form online or at the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) office. After filling out the form, you must submit it with a required fee, depending on where you are applying, a passport-sized photo, and proof of your identity (such as a valid driver’s license).
Once you have submitted your application, you will be notified by mail whether or not you have been granted the license.
Conclusion:
- The cost of a bartending license typically ranges from £150-£3000, depending on the state/region and type of license you’re applying for.
- The process of obtaining a bartending license varies from place to place. Usually, it includes completing an accredited program, passing a written and practical exam, and submitting an application for a license.
- Whether you’re looking to start your bar or add another income stream to your current business, a bartending license is a valuable asset.
FAQs
Do you need a license to be a bartender?
Generally, no, you don’t need a license to be a bartender. You just need to register with your local municipality and get a business license. But some states require a bartender to be a licensed one. Bartenders are often required to have some training, but it is not always mandatory.
Is it worth it to attend bartending school?
The answer to this question depends on what you want out of your bartending career. If you want to work in a bar, then yes, attending a bartending school can be very beneficial. But if you’re looking for a part-time gig, then it may not be worth it to spend thousands of dollars on tuition and certification fees.
Can you learn a lot in the online bartending course?
Online bartending courses can be a great way to get a leg up in the competitive world of bartending. They can teach you everything from pouring the perfect drink to identifying and executing typical drink recipes. If you’re looking for a career change, it’s worth checking out what’s available.