Hire a bartender
A bartender runs drinks service at an event, either behind the venue's bar or with a mobile setup they bring. Licensing is the detail that catches people out: who holds the alcohol licence depends on the venue and whether drinks are sold or served free, and it must be settled before the event.
What bartenders do
- Set up and run the bar, including a mobile bar where there is none
- Build a drinks list to suit the event and budget
- Serve responsibly, checking ID and managing intoxicated guests
- Supply glassware, ice, garnishes and sometimes the alcohol itself
- Clear down and remove waste afterwards
When people book bartenders
- Weddings and receptions
- Corporate parties and launches
- Private parties and house events
- Cocktail receptions and tastings
- Festivals and outdoor events
What to ask before booking a bartender
Take these to every candidate. The answers are usually more revealing than a portfolio.
- Who holds the alcohol licence for this event — you, me, or the venue?
- Do you supply the alcohol, or do I, and which is cheaper here?
- Are glassware, ice and garnishes included?
- How many bartenders do you recommend for this guest count?
- Are you insured, and certified in responsible alcohol service?
- Do you bring a bar, or do you need one on site?
What to have ready when you post a request
The more of this you can give upfront, the more accurate the offers you get back.
- Guest count and how long the bar needs to run
- Whether drinks are free, cash, or a limited tab
- What the venue provides: bar, glassware, ice, fridges, power, water
- Drinks you definitely want, and anything to exclude
- Venue licensing conditions and any curfew
What drives the cost of a bartender
Quotes vary because these factors vary. Knowing which apply to you makes two quotes comparable.
- Number of bartenders and total hours including setup and clear-down
- Whether a mobile bar must be brought in
- Who supplies the alcohol
- Drinks complexity — a cocktail menu is far more labour than beer and wine
- Glassware, ice and refrigeration hire
- Licensing, if a temporary licence is needed
- Travel and load-in difficulty
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Leaving licensing unresolved until the week of the event
- Understaffing the bar, which creates queues that define the evening
- Forgetting ice and refrigeration, which are bulkier and costlier than expected
- Choosing a cocktail menu that cannot be made fast enough for the guest count
- Not agreeing what happens to unopened stock afterwards
Frequently asked questions
How many bartenders do I need?
It depends on guest count, drinks complexity and how concentrated demand is. A cocktail menu needs significantly more staff than beer and wine for the same crowd, and a reception where everyone arrives at once needs more than a long evening with steady service. Ask candidates to recommend a number and explain it.
Who needs the alcohol licence?
It depends on the venue and whether drinks are being sold. Licensed venues usually cover it; private or unlicensed spaces may need a temporary licence, and selling drinks has stricter requirements than serving them free. Settle this in writing early, because it can take weeks and the event cannot proceed without it.
Should I supply the alcohol myself?
Often cheaper, and many bartenders are happy to work that way — but confirm it is permitted, since some venues charge corkage or prohibit it. If you supply it, ask the bartender for exact quantities and remember ice, mixers and garnishes, which are easy to underestimate.
In a hurry? Booking a bartender at the last minute covers how late is realistically too late, what to compromise on, and what never to skip.
Often booked together
Ready to book a bartender?
Post what you need and compare offers from verified bartenders near you.