What Is a Bartending Contract?
A bartending contract (or a bartender contract) is a written agreement that explains the terms of bartending services. A bartender or bartending company uses it to set expectations with a client. This contract is often used for one-time events, such as weddings, birthdays, or shows.
Putting the terms in writing helps the bartender lock in payment details and appear more professional. It also helps the client understand what services they are receiving. By listing each party’s responsibilities, the contract protects both sides when serving alcohol. When you address these aspects, you can avoid potential legal risks.
What to Include in a Bartending Contract
When writing a bartender contract, you must include sufficient details to outline the established arrangement. This way, each party will know what to expect. Review the key elements of a bartending contract below:
- Bartender’s details: Provide the bartender’s name, address, and contact information. If it’s a company that will render the services, list the company information.
- Client’s details: Name the client and provide their address and contact information.
- Scope of services: Explain the services that the bartender will provide. Some bartenders only mix drinks and serve them to customers. Others may include additional services, such as maintaining and changing kegs, taking inventory throughout the event, and providing entertainment to customers.
- Service rate: Record the bartender’s hourly or per-event rate.
- Supplies: Explain whether supplies, such as alcohol, glasses, ice, and mixers, will be provided by the bartender or the client. If the supplies are provided by the bartender, specify whether they will incur a separate charge.
- Event details: Record the location, date, and time of the event. If needed, use Legal Templates’s venue space rental agreement to lease a space for the gathering.
- Special requests: Some clients may request a specific drink menu.
- Protocols: Outline specific protocols to promote a smooth event. For example, you can describe policies for handling unruly customers to maintain order. You can also implement policies to measure drinks and limit supply waste.
- Payment terms: Establish the payment amount and the methods the client can use.
Bartending Contract Sample
View an example of a bartending contract template to get an idea of what yours will look like. Then, create your own using Legal Templates’s guided form. Once you’re done, you can download it in PDF or Word format.
How Much Do Bartenders Make?
Bartenders can make varying amounts depending on various factors, such as their:
- Experience level
- Services provided
- Area of service and demand
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bartenders earn a national average of $16.12 per hour or $33,530 per year. However, this figure can vary greatly, especially based on the number of hours worked or additional tips earned.
When writing your bartender contract, be sure to specify the bartender’s rate and whether it’s hourly or per event. Plus, record specific payment conditions, like whether they are allowed to accept tips from customers.
Licensing & Age Requirements for Bartenders
It’s essential to only enter a bartending contract with a bartender who meets applicable state requirements. Review the licensing and age requirements for bartenders in all 50 states below. This table does not cover local regulations, so be sure to review the rules in your area for compliance.
Note: States may have lower age requirements for serving alcohol as opposed to bartending, which includes the mixing and preparing of alcoholic beverages. This table only covers regulations for bartending.
| State | License/Certification | License Required? | Minimum Age to Bartend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Responsible Vendor Program | No | 21 years old (AL Code § 28-1-5)(TEXTTTT) |
| Alaska | Yes Alcohol Server Training | Yes | 21 years old (AK Stat § 23.10.355) |
| Arizona | Title 4 Training Providers | No | 18 years old (AZ Rev Stat § 4-244) |
| Arkansas | ABC Educational Seminar | No | 21 years old (AR Code § 3-3-204 |
| California | Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training | Yes | 21 years old (CA Bus & Prof Code § 25663) |