How to become a Bartender?
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Top Answer
There is no single set career path to becoming a Bartender, but it is one of those tricky careers where most establishments want someone with experience. It is hard to gain experience without former experience!
Most Bartenders start by working as either a busser or a barback and then working their way up the ladder. They may begin practicing bartending on quieter nights and then gradually moving to busier and busier shifts. Bars and restaurants tend to promote internally, especially once management sees that you are hardworking and responsible. Some establishments, such as student bars on college campuses or restaurant chain bars, are great steppingstones to learning the ropes of bartending and building your skills so that you can move up to more upscale establishments.
If you are genuinely committed to becoming a Bartender, you can take several courses online and in person. However, they do not replace real-world work experience. There are several options for bartending school, but both The Columbia Bartending Agency and The Beverage Alcohol Resource are well-regarded in the industry.
Most states do not require special licenses for bartending, but New York, Illinois, California, and Washington do. If you live in one of these states, you cannot work as a Bartender without the proper permit. Some states, such as Oregon, do not require a bartending license but require a certificate that proves that you have passed the state-approved alcohol service course. If you want to become a Bartender, you will need to look into the regulations for serving alcohol in your state.
Important Things to Know Before Becoming a Bartender
Most Bartenders start by working as either a busser or a barback and then working their way up the ladder. They may begin practicing bartending on quieter nights and then gradually moving to busier and busier shifts. Bars and restaurants tend to promote internally, especially once management sees that you are hardworking and responsible. Some establishments, such as student bars on college campuses or restaurant chain bars, are great steppingstones to learning the ropes of bartending and building your skills so that you can move up to more upscale establishments.
If you are genuinely committed to becoming a Bartender, you can take several courses online and in person. However, they do not replace real-world work experience. There are several options for bartending school, but both The Columbia Bartending Agency and The Beverage Alcohol Resource are well-regarded in the industry.
Most states do not require special licenses for bartending, but New York, Illinois, California, and Washington do. If you live in one of these states, you cannot work as a Bartender without the proper permit. Some states, such as Oregon, do not require a bartending license but require a certificate that proves that you have passed the state-approved alcohol service course. If you want to become a Bartender, you will need to look into the regulations for serving alcohol in your state.
Important Things to Know Before Becoming a Bartender
- It can be mentally taxing
- Bartending is physically demanding
- It is a high-pressure work environment
- You will work late nights, and your social life will be impacted
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