6 Steps to Getting Your Liquor License as a Bartender

Getting your liquor license as a bartender is key to being on the right side of alcohol service laws in some states. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to navigate the process, from researching local and federal laws to completing required training, ensuring you're fully prepared to excel in your bartending career. 

WHAT IS A LIQUOR LICENSE FOR BARTENDERS? 

At the top level, a liquor license is a permit issued to businesses by the government to legalize the manufacture, storage, and sale of alcohol. More specifically, a bartender liquor license refers to a license issued to an individual bartender that allows them to legally serve alcohol within an establishment. 

Bartenders with a liquor license have successfully completed a program that brings them up to speed on relevant state laws and best practices. This includes demonstrating an ability to responsibly serve liquor, check identification, and recognize the signs of intoxication. 

A bartender license also provides legal coverage, which is crucial in the industry. It protects the public as well as the individual bartender and establishment from legal and financial risks. Failure to comply with licensing requirements can lead to job loss, fines, or even criminal charges.  

6 STEPS TO GETTING YOUR LIQUOR LICENSE AS A BARTENDER 

Are you looking to get licensed as a bartender? Follow these steps to get your bartender liquor license: 

STEP 1: RESEARCH YOUR STATE’S LIQUOR LAWS 

You’ll need a liquor license to work as a bartender in some U.S. states. Start by researching and understanding the laws for the state you’re looking to work in. The requirements can vary greatly between states, so do your due diligence before submitting an application. 

Check the list of official Alcoholic Beverage Authorities for guidance on getting the right license. You’ll find information covering everything from the application process to licensing forms, license types, and fees. 

Keep an eye out for special regulations, such as dram shop laws. These policies can make individual bartenders, and in some cases the business, liable if they serve alcohol to people who are intoxicated or underage.  

STEP 2: DETERMINE THE TYPE OF LIQUOR LICENSE YOU NEED

Think about the type of liquor license you’ll need for the role you’re pursuing. Then, select one that best suits your position based on these factors: 

• On-Premise vs. Off-Premise License: As a bartender, you’ll be selling alcohol in a place where people come to drink, like a bar or restaurant. For this role, you’ll need an on-premise liquor license. However, if you’re looking to work in a liquor store or other shop where people come in to buy alcohol that will be consumed elsewhere, you’ll need an off-premise liquor license. 
• Employer- Sponsored vs. Individual Licensing: Some states allow employer-sponsored licensing. In this case, an establishment will hold a license, which covers individual bartenders while they work there. Other states will look for individual licensing. Here, each bartender must individually apply for and hold their own bartending liquor license no matter where they work.  
• Special Endorsements: In certain circumstances, bartenders will need extra endorsements. For instance, some states stipulate that extra training is required to serve certain types of alcohol like wine and spirits. In other cases, you’ll need special endorsements to serve alcohol in settings like nightclubs and casinos. 

STEP 3: COMPLETE A RESPONSIBLE BEVERAGE SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM  

Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training teaches bartenders the legal and practical responsibilities for correctly serving alcohol. Many states have their own state-run RBS programs to ensure bartenders comply with local regulations.

In some states, RBS certification is mandatory for bartenders to legally serve alcohol. However, there are also other renowned certification programs like: 

• Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS): A widely recognized program that focuses on teaching bartenders how to serve alcohol responsibly, identify intoxicated patrons, and handle difficult situations. 
• ServeSafe Alcohol: A respected program developed by the National Restaurant Association. It covers important aspects like understanding local laws, checking IDs, and handling intoxicated patrons. 

Not sure where you stand in terms of bartending knowledge? Try a bartender quiz to assess your readiness before diving into the required training. 

STEP 4: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION AND PAY FEES  

Once you’ve completed your prerequisite training, you can submit your application for your bartender liquor license. The cost will depend on your location but it’s typically within the $20 to $100 range. Be sure to double-check the full list of fees, including any additional requirements, such as fingerprinting, if necessary. 

You’ll be asked to submit certain documents with your application. Make sure you have your training certification, a government-issued ID, and any other requested details on hand. It’ll help you get through the application faster. 

Once you submit your documents, you will usually get approval within a few hours or days. Timelines can vary though, so follow up with the appropriate organization for clarity. 

STEP 5: PASS ANY REQUIRED EXAMS OR BACKGROUND CHECKS  

In some states, you must pass a written exam about liquor laws and responsible beverage service to legally bartend. California, for instance, has the ABC Alcohol Server Certification Exam in multiple languages. 

In addition to an exam, you may also need to clear a background check. This ensures you have no criminal history or prior alcohol-related offenses. Just be ready to share details such as your social security number with relevant authorities to carry out necessary checks. 

It’s important to be honest when answering any questions about your background even if you have previous offenses. Some states may overlook the offense that took place several years before. If you have any concerns, seek legal advice to get a full picture of your options. 

STEP 6: OBTAIN YOUR LIQUOR LICENSE AND START BARTENDING LEGALLY  

Your application is approved—congratulations on receiving your bartender liquor license. Keep your license safe. Some states require you to display the liquor license on location while you’re on duty. Making it easily accessible to management and the public provides transparency that you’re an authorized bartender. 

Remember to make a note of your license expiration date and renew it before the deadline to avoid interrupting your work. The renewal process can differ depending on your location, but it will generally involve proof of ongoing training or completing refresher courses. 

The responsibility is ultimately on employers to verify that their bartenders have the right licensing. But you can make things easier by keeping your license available and up to date. If your license is invalid or missing, your employer can stop you from working. Once your license is in order, take the next step and learn some bar marketing techniques to set yourself apart in your role.  

UNDERSTANDING THE COSTS OF GETTING A LIQUOR LICENSE AS A BARTENDER  

In addition to training fees for programs like RBS, there's also a liquor license fee. This usually has a similar price point in the $20 to $100 bracket. 

Factor in other costs like fees for renewal, ongoing training, and refresher courses. Keep in mind that if your employer has covered parts of your certification, they might need reimbursement. Revisit your agreement and the repayment terms to avoid confusion. 

All things considered, while you need to cover certain costs upfront, you’ll get a great return on your investment in the long run. Certification opens more job opportunities and boosts your credibility. You can often demand higher pay and enjoy better pathways for career progression in more prestigious venues. 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A BARTENDER’S LIQUOR LICENSE?  

The full timeline to get your bartending liquor license can vary from a few weeks to months. It comes down to your location and other factors like the application volume when you apply, whether you have missing documents, or issues with background checks. 

Some states have expedited service for an extra fee, which you can confirm with your local Alcohol Beverage Authority. Regardless of the route you take, stay on top of the process by checking in periodically to ensure everything is moving along smoothly. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BARTENDER LIQUOR LICENSES  

Here’s a quick overview of common questions about bartender liquor licenses to help you understand the process and requirements more clearly. Read on: 

Which states require a bartender license? 

Washington, Oregon, and Arizona require a liquor license to legally serve alcohol. Some states only require a training certification for you to work as a bartender. Always check with your local Alcohol Beverage Authority to confirm the specific requirements in your area. 

Is a bartending certificate the same as a license? 

No, a bartending certificate is different from a liquor license. While a certificate shows you’ve completed training, a liquor license allows you to legally serve alcohol. In some states you’ll need both to work. 

How much does a liquor license cost? 

Bartending liquor licenses normally cost around $20 to $100. It comes down to the state you’re obtaining it in. Remember, there may be extra costs involved, so double-check with your local authorities for a full breakdown. 

Do liquor license permissions vary from state to state? 

Yes, permissions can be very different across states. Some states only require a training certification while others make a written exam mandatory. Age restrictions can also differ. Make sure you thoroughly research the rules for the state you plan to work in. 

START YOUR BARTENDING CAREER WITH THE RIGHT LICENSE  

A liquor license for bartenders helps take your career to the next level. Although requirements will vary by state, following the right steps will help you navigate the process with confidence. Make sure to research your state’s laws, complete the necessary training, and stay on top of the application process. Once you have your certification or liquor license, you’re well positioned for more job opportunities, higher pay, and career growth in the bartending industry. 

Want to elevate your bartending career even further? Learn effective strategies for building customer loyalty in the Paytronix Loyalty Guide.