How to become bartender

How to Become a Bartender

There are many different ways to become a bartender. The most popular ways are by going to a bartending school and by learning on-the-job.

Definition of a Bartender

A bartender is a person that serves alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages at a bar.

What is the age requirement to become a bartender?

The age requirement for a bartender varies by state. Many states require the person to be of legal drinking age to work as a bartender. Most states, if not all, the legal drinking age is 21 years old. Since every state is different, please check with your ABC Board to get more information.

Qualities of a Bartender

1. Great personality, easy going person, a people person

Bartenders interact with many people everyday. If they don't have a great personality, customers are not going to come back to them.

2. Good math skills

Bartenders need math skills to make change quick.

3. Good memory

Bartenders have to remember all the mixed drinks that a customer ordered.

4. Knowledge of liquors, cocktails, wines and beers.

Bartenders have to know what they're selling.

5. Team Player

Many bars have more than one bartender behind the bar, so bartenders have to work together as a team.

6. Able to work under pressure

Many times bartenders get a lot of people coming to the bar at once, so they have to be able to work under pressure. Sometimes bartending could be a very stressful job.

7. Good grooming

Bartenders have to look presentable when they bar tend.

Do I have to go to a bartending school to become a bartender?

No. You don't have to go to a bartending school to become a bartender. Some places might want you to go to a bartending school, but for the most part you don't have to.

It is a good idea to go to a bartending school because bartending schools provide a lot of information in a short period of time. Students learn about liquors, bartending techniques, bar glassware, garnishes and how to make about 150-200 mixed drinks in a simulated bar. They also learn about behaving properly in different types of establishments.

Note: Bartending schools can not guarantee a job placement.

If I don't go to a bartending school, how can I become a bartender?

You can get a barback or cocktail waitress job at a bar or nightclub. Then, you work your way up to a bartender. The bartenders at the place you work will train you to become a bartender. You will learn a lot of things by just working in that establishment.

Barbacks: They are the bartenders' assistants. They're responsible for preparing the cocktail garnishes, washing glassware, stocking beer and liquor, changing kegs, etc. They work behind the bar next to the bartenders.

Cocktail Waitress: They are servers who specialize in serving drinks.

Do I have to have a bartending license or certificate to bartend?

It all depends on the state, county, city or establishment where you want to bartend. Some places require that you get certified before getting a bartending job.

How do I get certified?

You have to take a class and then you take a test. The class talks about laws of your state, the Blood Alcohol Level (BAL), DUIs, fake IDs, serving alcohol to minors, facts about alcohol, preventing intoxication, the dangers of drunk driving, how to refuse service, etc.

Where do I get certified?

You can get your certification online. There are many web sites that offer that service.
One of them is

What is a bartender's salary?

Bartenders make minimum wage or less. Their salary is primarily their tips. Their income comes from the tips received from the customers and not much from the pay check that they get from the place they work at. All bartenders rely on tips for their living.

Bartender Job Description

Bartending is not just the making of mixed drinks. Here is a list of things that bartenders and barbacks have to do throughout their shift.
Note: Bartenders' job descriptions are different for every establishment.

Setting Up The Bar

• Get ice for all the wells. This is the first thing that should be done. Without ice, mixed drinks can't be made.
• Prepare fruit trays. Garnishes are important for the drinks. Make sure there are some backups.
• Restock the bar with beer, liquor, wine, glassware, juices, etc. Make sure that everything is at the bar and that there are enough backups for the shift. Note: Always rotate the products.
• Check the draught beers to make sure they're working and that they're not empty. If they're empty, change the kegs. Note: Do not lift a keg by yourself. Always get somebody to help you and always lift with your legs and not with your back.
• Get a cash drawer and money to make change.
• Get trash cans and towels.
• Make sure that the bar is clean before opening it.

Work Flow

• Say hello to customers when they approach the bar and place a beverage napkin on the counter. Always acknowledge customers regardless of how busy you are. If you are busy, say something like, "I'll be with you in just a second."
• Take customers' drink orders.
• Make drinks for customers.
• Input drink orders in the system.
• Charge the amount due.
• Give their change. Note: Make sure that you give them some small bills, so they could leave you a tip.
• Make drinks for cocktail waitresses.
• Collect empty glasses from the bar.
• Wipe the bar top constantly.
• Wash glassware.
• Restock anything that you need.

Closing Duties

• Wash all the glassware.
• Clean all the bottles.
• Melt the ice in your well.
• Clean your well.
• Restock beer, liquor, etc.
• Clean the bar.
• Do your check out.
• Place dirty towels in their appropriate location.
• Get rid of the trash and boxes.
• Always "Close to Open." This means to leave everything ready for the next day.

Being a Responsible Bartender

Get Certified

When you get certified, you learn how to become a responsible alcohol seller. I recommend people to get certified. Some establishments require that the bartenders get certified in order to bartend there. You could get your certification online.

Check Identification

• If a person looks under 30 years old, you should check his/her ID.
• When checking an ID, ask the person to hand it to you. Some people are going to show their ID in their wallet; ask them to take it out. You have to touch the ID.
• Make sure it is a valid ID. It should be a State ID or Driver License, a Passport or a Military ID. No student IDs.
• Make sure you look at everything on the ID. Look for picture, date of birth, height, weight, sex, hair and expiration date.

Use the F.E.A.R. Method

• F: Feel the identification for evidence of tampering.
• E: Examine the information, such as: picture, date of birth, height, expiration date, etc.
• A: Ask questions, such as birth date, zip code, address, etc.
• R: Return the identification.

Never Serve to Minors

Never serve to minors and always check IDs. In the United States, a person has to be 21 years old to purchase alcoholic beverages. Selling to a minor is a misdemeanor.

What to look for?

Physical Signs

• Lack of beard growth or underarm hair (Boys).
• High or changing pitch in voice (Boys).
• Lack of pelvic or breast development (Girls).
• "Baby Fat" not consistent with obesity (Both).

Look at their Clothing

• Clothes or/and accessories favored by young people.
• Grooming styles favored by young people.

Behavioral Clues

• Gathering in groups.
• Preoccupation with how they appear to others.
• Easily embarrassed or humiliated.

Don't Serve Intoxicated People

It is illegal to serve alcohol to intoxicated people and to those known to be alcoholics. If you intoxicate somebody and that person gets into an accident, you could get criminal charges and you might go to jail.

Always look at everybody that comes to your bar. Check for signs of intoxication like loss of coordination, slurred or irregular speech, violent or difficult behavior and disorientation.

Prevent Intoxication

Preventing intoxication is your responsibility as a bartender.

Slowing Down Someone's Drinking

• Remove empty glasses before replacing them with fresh drinks.
• Serve water.
• Avoid serving pitchers.
• Do not pass the tables as often.
• Do not bring a drink for one person at another's request.
• Divert attention away from drinking to dancing, pool, watching the TV screens, etc.
• Serve food high in protein and fat. They slow the absorption of alcohol.
• Don't serve high salt content foods. They increase thirst and customers desire for more drinks.

Refuse Service to Intoxicated People

• If an intoxicated person comes to your bar and wants a drink, don't serve him/her. You have the right to refuse service to any intoxicated person.
• Be non-judgmental and non-threatening. Say something like, "I'm sorry. I've served you as much as I'm allowed." or "I'm sorry, but if I serve you another drink, I could lose my job."
• Inform other bartenders not to serve that person.
• Never change your mind when you cut somebody off.

Decoys

The Alcoholic Beverage Control or Alcoholic Beverage Commission (A.B.C.) sends persons under 20 years old to purchase alcoholic beverages from liquor stores and bars. They are trying to find the establishments that are selling alcohol to minors.

Never sell alcoholic beverages to minors and always check IDs.

Note: All the decoys that are sent by A.B.C. have to look under age. If you ask them for their age, they have to tell you their real age. They are not allowed to lie.