How to Become a Bartender in Washington

Bartending in Washington State can be a lucrative career.

Bartending is an excellent job in Washington State. A high minimum wage and good economy combine to make jobs both available and well paying. The path to becoming a bartender can often be confusing, since permits and licensing are required, and every state has different requirements for those who will be serving liquor, beer, and wine. Understanding Washington State's regulations and job market are critical to getting a bartending job.

Things You'll Need

• Mandatory Alcohol Servers Training (MAST) Class 12 Mixologist Permit
• Food worker card

Instructions

1. Attend a Washington State Liquor Control Board certified liquor license class. Bartenders are required to be at least 21 years old and carry a Class 12 Mixologist Permit, which allows them to pour and mix drinks. The permit costs around $30 and includes a mandatory three-hour training class.

2. Attend a food worker training session and obtain a food worker card. Bartenders handle ice, lemons, limes, and other garnishes that are served ready to eat. To legally be able to dispense these items to the public, bartenders must complete a three-hour training class and pay $10 for the food worker card.

3. Build your resume, highlighting experience and qualities that employers look for in a bartender. Bartending is all about personality, multi-tasking, and creativity. Focus on work or life experience that deals with these traits.

4. Study cocktail recipes, beer and wine information. Some employers may quiz you in an interview to see how much you know, and how well you can relate that information to potential customers. If the place you are applying to has a specialty, like Italian wines, then spend extra time studying that information.

5. Look the part. While you might fit into a dive bar wearing a stained t-shirt, a week-old beard it won't work in most establishments. Be well groomed and well dressed to show your potential employer that you're a professional.

6. Practice your interview. Have a friend or a relative hold a mock interview, asking you questions about your experience and capabilities. Showing confidence in a real interview will demonstrate to your potential employer that you're at ease talking to new people, like customers.

7. Search for jobs in the industry and apply to those that interest you. Local newspaper classifieds and Internet posting websites like Craigslist.com are the most commonly used outlets to find jobs in the bar industry.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have any experience bartending, it may be hard to get a job pouring drinks. Getting a job as a barback or a server might provide a way to gain experience and set yourself up for possible promotion. Bartending college is also available, offering a week-long training session and job placement. Washington State is a heavy beer drinking state with dozens of micro-breweries. Having excellent beer knowledge may help you get a bartending gig.

References

• Washington Liquor Control Board
• Washington Department of Health

Resources

• Washington Bartending College