A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Get A Bartending License

Get Bartending License

Are you looking for a way to make extra money? Have you ever considered becoming a bartender?

Getting your bartending license is the key to unlocking this career opportunity. In this article by Pearl Lemon, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on getting your bartending licence and all the information you need to become an expert mixologist. So, if you’re ready to take your career behind the bar, keep reading!

What Is A Bartending License?

What Is Bartending License

A bartending license is a document that permits a professional to serve alcohol in authorised places. This particular license is also known as a personal license holder (PLH) certificate and allows the holder to serve alcoholic beverages to customers legally.

A PLH can also work as a supervisor in restaurants or bars where alcohol is served. To obtain this license, applicants must complete a course and pass an examination on topics related to bartending, such as drink recipes and liquor laws. Once they have obtained their license, they are then eligible bartenders.

How To Get A Bartending License

Getting a bartending license is not a difficult process, but it requires effort and dedication. Becoming a bartender is a long and difficult process. There are various levels of licenses, each requiring different levels of training, experience and knowledge. Becoming a bartender requires dedication and hard work.

Let’s get into it:

Develop A Passion For Bartending

Developing a passion for bartending is essential to becoming a successful bartender. It requires dedication, enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn about the drinks and techniques involved in making them. Learning how to make popular drinks, as well as understanding the different types of alcohol available, are important steps towards developing your passion for bartending.

In addition to mastering the technical side of bartending, developing customer service skills to provide specialised service with each drink you serve is essential. Working on your presentation skills and learning how to handle difficult customers will prepare you for any situation while you’re behind the bar.

Get Some Bartending Experience

Gaining experience in the bartending field is an important step towards getting a bartending license. Whether you gain experience by working in a bar or taking short courses, hands-on knowledge of the profession will give you an edge when applying for a license.

Working in a bar allows you to learn the different techniques used to mix drinks and provide customer service. It also allows you to practice making cocktails and hone your presentation skills. Working in a bar can also help refine your people skills and teach you how to handle difficult customers and provide excellent customer service.

If you cannot gain work experience, taking short courses on bartending may be the best option for you. These courses offer comprehensive training on all aspects of bartending, including drink recipes, equipment operation and safety measures. 

You can also learn about the different spirits available and their effects on customers. Short courses are an effective way to gain the necessary knowledge professional knowledge to apply for a license.

Enrol In A Course

Enrolling in a course is the most important step to getting your bartending license. Courses vary in length and content, but all will give you the essential knowledge and skills to become a fully licenced bartender. In a course, you’ll learn about different types of drinks, how to mix them correctly and safely, and the implication of serving alcohol. You’ll also learn about customer service approaches and techniques to help you in the field.

When looking for a course to enrol in, ensure that your local or state government accredits it, as only accredited courses can be used for licensing purposes. It’s also important to determine what type of examination will be administered at the end of the course; if it is not a valid qualification exam, it won’t be accepted by your state or local government when applying for your license.

Once you have completed an accredited course and passed any necessary exams, you should have all the knowledge and skills needed to get your bartending license.

Get The Alcohol Licensing Certification

Getting the alcohol licensing certification is the last step towards obtaining your bartending license. Depending on where you live, having a license to serve alcohol may be a requirement of your state or local government to work as a bartender.

To get your certification, you must fill out an application with your state, pay the relevant fee(s), and submit any necessary documentation. Once resolved, you should receive your certification within a few weeks or months.

Apply For A Personal License

Applying for a personal licence is the final step in obtaining your bartending license. The local council issues this document, and it is required to serve alcohol in any licensed premises. To apply, you must be 18 or older and have passed the licensing exam.

When applying, you will need to fill out an application form with your details and provide proof of identity and address. Additionally, you may need to submit a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if the local council requests. The DBS check verifies that you do not have any criminal records that would prevent you from serving alcohol responsibly.

How Long Does It Take To Get Bartending Certification?

Becoming a certified bartender doesn’t have to be a long and difficult process. You can get your bartending certification in four weeks or less, depending on your chosen course.

Our bartender certification programme is designed for those looking to get their bartending license quickly. It consists of 4 weeks of professional advice and training to help you gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful bartender.

You will learn about alcohol safety, customer service, and drink-making techniques in this course. Additionally, students will have access to our experts, who are ready to answer any questions they may have throughout the process.

By the end of the programme, you will be fully prepared to apply for a personal licence from your local council and start working as an official bartender! So if you’re looking for a fast route into bartending, our certification programme is perfect for you.

Do You Need Bartender Certification To Become A Bartender?

The short answer is yes! Bartender certification is essential to stand out and build a successful career as a professional bartender. With the right qualifications, you can prove that you have the skills to make quality drinks and provide excellent customer service.

Bartender certification also means employers can trust that you understand all the legal requirements when serving alcohol. This includes knowing when to cut someone off or refuse service due to intoxication.

Conclusion

Getting your bartending license is the first step to becoming a professional bartender. Depending on your situation, it may take some time before you receive your license; however, once approved, you can start working in a licensed establishment as a bartender!

FAQs

How much does it cost to get bartender certified?

A 40-hour in-person certification course at a bartending school costs between $400 and $800.

Can you be a freelance bartender?

Freelance bartending is a great side gig that doesn’t require bartending school and can earn you good extra money whether you’re working at large events or something more intimate. Freelance bartenders can make anywhere from $20 to $50 per hour — and sometimes more — according to freelance bartenders we interviewed.

What's the difference between bartending and bartender?

Honestly, there’s no difference between the terms “barman” and “bartender”. They mean the same thing. But, it takes a certain skill set to succeed in a bartending career. From having a pleasant personality to staying calm under pressure, here’s what you’ll need.