Bartending can be a lucrative job. However, it’s not for everybody. You stand to make a lot of money, but you also have to put up with obnoxious, inebriated customers, fights and even underage people presenting fake IDs. The laws on bartender requirements vary from state to state. Call your local alcohol licensing board and they will give you all the information you need regarding certification.
License to Serve Alcohol
In most cases, your license should be certified within 90 days of working as a bartender. But again, there are variations depending on the state. In some states, you will need to have your license before you serve drinks. Since the national drinking age is 21, you will need to be of legal age before you can serve drinks. There are, however, a handful of states where you can be 18 as long as you have someone over the age of 21 supervising.
A certification class can last between 1-6 hours. It will only set you back about $25 bucks. In some cases, you can take the alcohol awareness course online. Again, it depends on the state. You will learn a lot of pertinent information regarding the profession. This is usually the best option for people who have a tight schedule. Most of the online courses are broken into sections with a timed exam. You will have to receive a score of 80 to pass.
The alcohol awareness class is a requirement in all states. It covers all of the rules, laws, and regulations regarding alcohol as it pertains to your state. You will learn everything about spotting fake ID to the laws surrounding serving underage individuals. This is something potential bartenders should pay close attention to. Serving underage patrons can lead to fines and the loss of license for both you and the establishment you work for.
Bartender School
One falsehood that should be expelled is the requirement of bartender school to receive a certification. This is not the case. However, bartender school is a good option if you want to learn how to make hundreds of drinks and cocktails. You will also learn how to prepare garnish, deal with problem customers, and even learn how to distinguish between wine and beer.
Bartender schools will set you back a few hundred bucks. But it is money well spent. The classes last about two weeks, and you will master some marketable skills. A number of schools also offer job placement when you’re ready to get your feet wet. At the same time, a number of bartenders start out in other positions then ease into the bartending gig.
When you take on a job as a bartender, it’s imperative that you are both certified and qualified. While the job itself is relatively easy, there are a few obstacles that could make your job a headache. Take the time to learn everything you need to know about the profession. This way, you will be ready and able to handle any crisis that may arise.
Neha Nidhi
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