FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.  How old do you have to be to bartend?
     In most states 18 years old, because it's the legal age to serve or sell alcohol.  It's also usually "house" policy that drinking behind the bar is prohibited (although not illegal).  Establishments have a legal right to set its age requirements to 21 years old if desired.  In the rest of the States the age is 21.

2.  How much do bartenders earn per shift?
     The average income per shift is approximately $100-$150 between your pay and tips.  This depends on the type of establishment, location, the time of day of the shift and you of course!  

3.   In what type of establishments can I make more money?
     Where do you want to work?  In restaurants, hotels, night clubs, cruise ships, Broadway Theaters, airports, NY, NJ, Florida, LA, a bar on the beach, a bar in the pool?  Anywhere in the USA or anywhere in the World! Your age and gender might be a determining factor.  Some establishments are looking for a certain type of person.  Male, female, young, mature, bi-lingual, whatever, to fit its image. This may sound discriminatory except that in this instance, it is universally against everyone.  However, you can always work at more than one at the same time on different days or shifts.  

4.  How long is the average shift?
     The average shift, day or night, is usually 5 to 8 hours, which includes set-up or breakdown time.

5.  I don't drink, is that OK?
     Absolutely.  All you have to do is make them, serve them, smile and say "thank you."

6.  Do I have to work in a bar or restaurant?
     Not at all.  You can bartend in hotels, night clubs, Broadway Theaters, country clubs, cruise ships, airports, etc.  If you like, you can advertise yourself with business cards or flyers for private parties and catering jobs.

7.  What is the attire for bartenders?
     Usually, black pants or skirt, white shirt or blouse, perhaps with a tie, bowtie or vest.  The attire could also vary well be casual clothes, jeans or a particular uniform of the establishment.  

8.  What are the hours of the shifts?
     Day bartenders usually start between 9 and 10 AM and finish between 4 and 6PM.  Night bartenders usually start between 4 and 6 PM and finish between 10 PM and 12 AM.  Clubs or establishments will have shifts starting later and ending between 2 AM and 4 AM.  Closing hours also may depend on local town ordinances.

9.  What is the average pay for bartenders?
     Bartenders get paid between $4 and $5 per hour on average.  Sometimes you get paid a shift pay.  This means a pre-set amount per shift no matter how many hours you work.  It could be $30, $40 or $50 per shift.  Your pay will either be in cash or check.  With tips a bartender usually earns approximately $20 to $30 per hour.  You'll have your good days and bad days, but think about putting hundreds of dollars in your pocket!

10.  Does age or gender matter in getting a bartending job?
     No, but as mentioned before, establishments are looking for a certain type of look.  They might specify young, mature, male or female and sometimes even sexual orientation. 

11.  Do I have to attend a bartending school?
     No, but as a former bartending instructor and bartending school owner I might be a little biased toward bartending schools.  Schools will teach drink recipes (mixology), bartending basics, glassware, liquors, flavored drinks, frozen drinks, wines, beer, food at the bar, cash handling, how to ID, etc.  Make sure you ask around or ask other bartenders and find a reputable school.  Also, remember that no school can guarantee getting you a job.  They can offer assistance to find a job.  You can learn on the job and be a great bartender, but a school make the transition a little easier. 

12.   Do I need a license to bartend? 
     Well, I'm not familiar with the entire Country, but usually not.  Upon completion of a bartending course the school will issue you a Certificate.  This is not necessary to obtain a bartending job. You can bartend without experience or attending a school or taking a bartending course. However, there are some towns or cities that will require all bartenders and servers of alcohol to be registered.  Also, establishments may be required to have a form with the names of all employees that serve or sell alcohol. 

If you have any additional questions, please ask ... temporarily you can Direct Message me on Twitter @behindallbars