Hiring Bartender in Los Angeles: Local Wage Laws and Hiring Checklist

Hiring Bartender in Los Angeles: Local Wage Laws and Hiring Checklist: Key Takeaways

As of July 1, 2025, Los Angeles minimum wage is $17.87/hour with no tip credits allowed under California law.
Bartenders must be at least 21 years old and have Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification.
California’s "ban the box" law regulates background checks to occur only after conditional job offers.

Hiring a bartender in Los Angeles requires understanding strict local wage laws and following a detailed hiring checklist.

hire a bartender

This article guides employers through legal wage requirements and essential hiring steps.

For role expectations, review the bartender job description.

Los Angeles Bartender Minimum Wage Requirements

In Los Angeles, the minimum wage for all workers, including bartenders, is $17.87 per hour as of July 1, 2025.

Importantly, under California law, employers must pay the full minimum wage without counting employee tips.

This means tips are additional income for bartenders above their base wage, not a wage credit.

Employers should plan labor costs accordingly and ensure payroll systems comply with these requirements.

For broader pay trends, check hospitality wages 2025.

Legal Requirements When Hiring Bartenders in Los Angeles

Age Requirement for Bartenders

The legal drinking age in California is 21, so bartenders must be at least 21 years old.

This ensures compliance with state liquor laws and reduces liability risks.

Verify compliance with the legal age to serve alcohol.

Alcohol Server Certification

Bartenders must have completed Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training and obtained certification.

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control mandates this as part of responsible alcohol sales and service.

Work Authorization Verification

Employers must verify that candidates are authorized to work in the United States.

This involves properly completing and retaining Form I-9 documentation.

Background Check Compliance with "Ban the Box" Law

California’s "ban the box" law restricts when employers can ask about criminal histories.

Background checks should only be conducted after extending a conditional job offer.

This promotes fair hiring practices and helps prevent discrimination.

Learn more about California background checks.

Health and Safety Training Requirements

Bartenders handling food or drinks may be required to complete health and safety training, such as food handler certification.

This protects the health of customers and keeps businesses compliant with health codes.

Comprehensive Hiring Checklist for Los Angeles Bartenders

Confirm candidate is at least 21 years old.
Verify completion of Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification.
Check work authorization via valid I-9 documentation.
Complete background check only after a conditional job offer per "ban the box" rules.
Ensure candidate has any required health and safety training certificates.
Collect all necessary employment forms such as W-4 and I-9.
Provide the candidate with an employee handbook covering workplace policies, dress code, and tip distribution.
Implement onboarding training covering company procedures, customer service standards, and emergency protocols.

Prepare candidates with these bartender interview questions.

Use this interview bartender guide to structure your conversation.

Best Practices for Hiring and Managing Los Angeles Bartenders

Emphasize thorough documentation and communication during the hiring process to minimize legal risks.

Clarify duties using the bar manager job description.

Maintain clear policies on tipping to comply with wage laws and foster transparency.

Define support roles with a barback job description.

Regularly update training materials and review certifications to ensure ongoing compliance.

Engage new hires with effective onboarding that highlights workplace culture and service expectations.

Useful Government Resources for Los Angeles Bartender Employers

Los Angeles Office of Wage Standards – For local wage updates and compliance guidance.
California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control – For Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification info and alcohol laws.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (Form I-9) – For employment eligibility verification procedures.

Hiring Bartender in Los Angeles: Local Wage Laws and Hiring Checklist: Conclusion

Employers seeking to hire bartenders in Los Angeles must comply with strict wage laws requiring full minimum wage payments without tip credits.

Following the outlined hiring checklist ensures legal compliance from age verification through onboarding.

Using the resources and best practices shared here will help create a lawful, efficient hiring process and build a strong bartending team.

01. What is the minimum wage for bartenders in Los Angeles?

As of July 1, 2025, the minimum wage for all workers including bartenders in Los Angeles is $17.87 per hour with no tip credits allowed.

02. Are tips counted towards minimum wage in Los Angeles?

No. Under California law, employers must pay the full minimum wage for bartenders without counting tips as a credit.

03. What is the legal drinking age for bartenders in Los Angeles?

Bartenders must be at least 21 years old to comply with state liquor laws and reduce liability risks.

04. When can employers perform background checks under "ban the box" law?

Employers can conduct background checks only after making a conditional job offer to the candidate.

05. What certification must bartenders in Los Angeles have?

Bartenders must have completed Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training and obtained certification as required by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.