I'm 20 years old and live in Florida. I have never really bartended before, at least, not in a professional setting. So, I have a few questions for anyone who may know! 1. Are there any laws that would require me to be licensed and/or undergo any type of training program? 2. Any tips on how I can begin learning how to make drinks, different combinations, etc. before I begin a job? 3. In different settings, what are some possible income estimates? 4. What type of setting would anyone recommend for a beginner like myself? 5. Just a shot in the dark - Does anyone know of any places hiring for a position like this?
2006-09-18 08:12:16 · 6 answers · asked by Holly 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Beer, Wine & Spirits
To answer your first question: No, you don't have to go to any type of class to bartend. I am TIPS certified, which is definitely a plus, but not required. It is run by the ABC, and it teaches you how to cut someone off, how much is too much, measurements of a pour, etc. It's a helpful course to take, however. The link is below.
Secondly, any tips for drinks? Nah, you'll learn 'em pretty fast. The first night I ever bartended, I was surprised how many drinks I knew already, just from watching bartenders when I went out, or from watching them while I waitressed.
To answer your third question, it depends on the clientele that frequents the bar you plan on working at. And it also depends on what time of the year it is. Some places have a tourist season, and you'll make more then, of course. Here in Virginia Beach, I used to make anywhere from 500 to 1200 dollars per weekend, on a good weekend. On a slow one, anywhere from 200 to 500. It's a good business to be in if you have the personality, and it's one of those jobs where you'll want to go to work everyday.
As for #4--I would recommend you start out waitressing first. It's much easier to transition from waitressing to bartending once you know the prices and specialty drinks and so on. I often would have the waitresses reminding me how to make something if I was busy and couldn't remember! It's very difficult to start out bartending somewhere without any knowlege of the place.
As for a job, you're on your own, but I hope I helped!
2006-09-18 08:25:35 · answer #1 · answered by still waiting 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
#1, No, no licience required. #2. If you want to get a heads up on the bartending buisness buy a bartenders guide. Read the different kinds of drinks and how they are made. #3. Wages start around 3.18 an hour here in Florida, So if you find some place paying $5 or more, Go for it. #4. As someone willing to learn. I would recommend a service bar in a nice resturaunt, Or if you can find a place that is willing train you, all the better. Hands on is the best teacher. #5. No, I don't know of any in that area. I'm from the Daytona area. So your best bet is to shop around. But I will tell you as an ex-Bar owner. You may have problems with the age thing. Lot's of places won't hire bartenders untill they are 21. Legal drinking age. Sorry. But, It dosn't hurt to try. Good Luck.
2006-09-18 09:30:28 · answer #2 · answered by ASTORROSE 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, you have to be 21 to bartend in the state of FL. I'm sure that is all states, but I know FL really well.
You don't have to have any training to work in FL, but you get better jobs if you do.
I learned to mix drinks in a few different ways. One, I come from a long line of drunks and I have been making Martinis, Screwdrivers and Salty Dogs for different relatives since I can remember. I have a book for the ones I don't know. I also experiment with different things and come up with my own drinks.
You can go to a bartending school and start out at a nice place or you can do like I did and start at the bottom. Unless you know someone or get really lucky, those are your only options.
Good luck. I always loved working in the hospitality industry and have done it all over the country.
2006-09-18 09:08:31 · answer #3 · answered by lisalaw71 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check with your local municipality re: Bartender's License if applicable This is not likely to include any training beyond laws and liability. On the job training with an experienced bartender is a good start. Regarding income, you will find that your service and your friendliness go a long way to your tips regardless of setting. A $1.00 tipper might be a much bigger tipper with the right amount of attentiveness and true interest in serving. Lastly everyone is hiring when it comes to a great service employee, don't wait for a help-wanted ad. Simply walk-in and inquire.
2006-09-18 08:28:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope i think of a shrink is better, a bartender is a brilliant listener and all yet he went to college to income a thank you to combination beverages and the thank you to handle drunkards uncontrolled. A shrink learn the human concepts, human habit, and so on. and so on. for 4 years. whilst a bartender is a solid listener, the shrink has easily logical suggestions
2016-12-18 12:34:27 · answer #5 · answered by shorb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get you a mixed drink book, most liquor stores sell them.
2006-09-18 08:24:12 · answer #6 · answered by goldstar c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋