The minimum age to be a Bartender and serve alcohol in the United States varies on a state level but typically falls between 18 and 21. Sometimes, it may even depend on the city or county you're working in.
The guidelines for how old you have to be to work as a Bartender are determined by the state's alcohol control laws. These laws dictate employment conditions in establishments that serve alcohol and the rules staff members have to abide by.
So, if you want to pursue this line of work and you're not yet 21 (aka the legal drinking age), it's important to learn the minimum age to be a Bartender in your area. In this article, we'll look at the bartending age requirements in each state and provide further information on the topic.
General Legal Requirements
As we already mentioned, each state in the U.S. has unique laws for preparing and serving alcoholic beverages. While the legal drinking age across the U.S. is 21, in some states you can start working as a Bartender once you turn 18.
However, in some states, this isn't the only legal requirement for Bartenders. Some of them require you to have a bartending license while others allow almost anyone to work in this role. The required training to receive your bartending license or certificate also varies on a state level.
Also, some states have strict laws regarding the criminal record of individuals who want to be Bartenders. In some states, Bartenders can't have any charges pressed against them in the past five years.
Keep in mind that the rules for serving alcohol in open containers for immediate consumption and selling alcohol in liquor stores aren't the same. With that said, the minimum to be a Bartender in your state may not be the same as it is for selling alcohol in stores.
Bartending vs. Serving Alcohol: What’s the Difference?
While both bartending and serving alcohol involve handling alcoholic beverages, they differ in terms of responsibilities, level of involvement and legal accountability. Understanding the key differences is important for those working (or planning to work) in the hospitality industry.
Bartending
Bartending involves not only serving alcohol but also preparing, mixing and creating drinks for customers. Bartenders are responsible for ensuring that drinks are made to order, serving them to customers at the bar and sometimes crafting specialty cocktails or handling large drink orders.
Moreover, Bartenders must verify customers’ ages and check IDs to ensure they are legally allowed to consume alcohol. They also play a key role in monitoring customers for signs of intoxication and are expected to refuse service if a patron appears too drunk.
Serving Alcohol
Serving alcohol, on the other hand, refers to the act of bringing already prepared alcoholic beverages to customers. This can include bringing drinks to tables, putting drinks on the bar counter or handing these to customers in other settings like lounges or dining areas.
This particular task falls on Servers and Barbacks, who typically aren't the ones preparing drinks. However, they are also required by law to check IDs before accepting a customer's alcoholic beverage order.
See also: How Old Do You Have To Be To Serve Alcohol Across the US?
State-by-State Minimum Age To Be a Bartender
If you want to be a Bartender and you're not yet 21, it's best to start by learning how old you have to be to work in this role in your area. Check the laws in your state and find the minimum age requirement for Bartenders.
Still, keep in mind that some states have different minimum age requirements for bartending depending on the type of alcoholic beverages being served.
For example, in Maryland and North Carolina, you can serve wine and beer at 18, but you have to be at least 21 to serve spirits. In Ohio, you can serve beer as a Bartender at 18, but have to be 21 to serve wine and spirits.
Also, cities and counties in some states are allowed to set their own minimum age requirement for Bartenders. They can't go below the number set by the state, but they can set a higher minimum age if they choose to do so.
Overall, it's important to do your research on both local and state laws before applying for the position of a Bartender, as some areas have rather tricky alcohol-related legislation in place.
The table below shows the minimum age for bartending across all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, as reported by the Alcohol Policy Information System:
Note: West Virginia has recently altered its laws regarding alcohol service to allow individuals aged 16 to serve liquor. However, to do so, these younger employees have to be supervised by someone who is 21 or older.
Bartending Minimum Age Requirements in 5 Major Cities
If you're an aspiring Bartender in one of the country's major cities, start by learning their specific laws for bartending. With that said, let's take a look at how Miami, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Las Vegas approach minimum age requirements for serving alcohol:
1. Miami, Florida
In Miami, you have to be at least 18 to serve alcohol, which aligns with Florida state law. Additionally, you don't need a bartending license to serve alcohol in Florida.
2. NYC, New York
In New York City, you can work as a Bartender once you're 18 — and the same goes for the rest of the state. Similar to Miami, you do need to have a bartending license in NYC.
3. Chicago, Illinois
While the minimum age for Bartenders in Illinois is 18, the laws are different in Chicago. The city requires you to be at least 21 to serve alcohol. You also need to have a bartending license and renew it every three years.
4. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles has the same minimum age requirement for working as a Bartender as the rest of California. You have to be at least 21 to serve alcohol and you need to have a bartending license, which you have to renew every three years.
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
Like in the rest of Nevada, you have to be at least 21 to work as a Bartender in Las Vegas. Nevada also requires you to hold a bartending license and renew it every four years.
Steps for Becoming a Bartender if You're Underage
If you don't meet the legal age requirement in your state and want to become a Bartender, consider starting at a non-bartending position, such as a Barback or Server. These roles can help you gain experience and prepare for a Bartender role once you're old enough.
Working in these positions also means you'll be working closely with a Bartender in your establishment. They can provide you with mentorship and help you learn the basic skills for the role.
Another good idea is to research bartending courses in your state. If the state allows it, you can take the course even before you're within the legal bartending age requirement.
Legal Consequences of Underage Bartending
Working as a Bartender before you meet the age requirement set by your state can result in significant penalties. This is often applicable to both the underage individual working in the role and the establishment that hired them.
States enforce such strict laws to prevent alcohol from being sold, prepared and/or served by individuals who may not have the maturity or legal authority to handle such responsibilities.
Consequences for Minors
If a minor unlawfully works as a Bartender, they can face:
- Fines: Some states impose financial penalties on underage individuals who illegally serve alcohol. This can range from $100 to $1,000 depending on the jurisdiction.
- Criminal charges: In certain states, an underage Bartender could be charged with a misdemeanor, leading to community service, probation or even a criminal record.
- Future employment consequences: A violation could affect a minor’s ability to work in the hospitality industry later. After all, many employers conduct background checks that may flag past alcohol-related offenses.
Penalties for Businesses
Establishments that allow minors to bartend without proper exceptions (such as specific training programs) can face:
- Hefty fines: Businesses that employ underage Bartenders may receive a fine anywhere from $500 to over $10,000. The amount will depend on the severity of the violation and whether it’s a repeat offense.
- Liquor license suspension or revocation: State liquor boards have the authority to suspend or permanently revoke an establishment’s alcohol license for allowing a minor to prepare, serve and/or sell alcohol. Losing a liquor license can severely impact a bar or restaurant’s revenue, as alcohol sales are a major source of income.
- Criminal charges: Sometimes, the owner, manager or license holder might face criminal liability for knowingly allowing underage employees to bartend. This could result in jail time, probation or additional legal penalties.
Why These Laws Are Strict
Laws prohibiting minors from bartending exist mainly to prevent underage drinking, alcohol-related accidents and liability issues. Those who engage in bartending activities before reaching the legal might be:
- More susceptible to peer pressure
- Lacking proper judgment when checking IDs
- Unaware of local alcohol laws
By enforcing strict regulations, states aim to reduce the risk of alcohol being served to minors or overly intoxicated individuals.
Businesses that violate these laws not only risk severe financial and legal consequences but also damage their reputation within the industry. A single violation could result in negative press, loss of customer trust and even permanent closure in extreme cases.
So, before hiring a Bartender, employers must verify age requirements based on state laws and ensure all staff handling alcohol are legally eligible to do so. For those looking to work in the industry, it’s crucial to understand your state’s regulations to avoid unintentional legal trouble.
Written by Mitko Terziev
With over eight years of experience in the field, Mitko is a seasoned content specialist who has penned thousands of articles covering a wide array of topics. Before writing, he spent a few months working as a Bartender in one of the best bars in his hometown. In his free time, Mitko enjoys immersing himself in the worlds of gaming and nature.
Reviewed by Marcy Miniano
Marcy is an editor and writer with a background in public relations and brand marketing. Throughout her nearly decade-long career, she has honed her skills in crafting content and helping build brands across various industries — including restaurant and hospitality, travel, tech, fashion and entertainment.
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