How to Bartend in California

Bartenders enjoy the company of others while working.

Working in the hospitality and food service industry can involve being a hostess, waitress, cook or bartender. For those who enjoy the company of others, like staying up late and enjoy a fast-paced line of work, bartending can be a good job choice. In California, bartenders work throughout the state, from major cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco to smaller towns such as Chico and Goleta. Get started in bartending with a little planning and research prior to jumping into the field.

Instructions

1. Make sure you are at least 21 years of age. In California, you must be of legal drinking age before you are able to work as a bartender and thus serve alcohol to others. Ensure that you turn 21 before applying for any bartending positions.

2. Talk to the bartender at the bars, nightclubs or restaurants that you frequent, Alcohol is served in most cities and towns throughout California. Make sure to visit an assortment of bars to determine which setting works best for your personality and lifestyle. For example, know that popular and trendy bars in Los Angeles serve high-end drinks with high price tags and local bars in smaller towns cater to locals and regular customers. Determine which environment works best for you.

3. Take classes in bartending at a college or technical training school in California. You do not need to have formalized training to be a bartender; however, having education associated with bartending will help you in securing a job. Find bartending classes by searching through the National Bartenders list of bartending schools throughout California. Apply for and attend classes to strengthen your skills and knowledge of the industry.

4. Practice mixing drinks and creating new drinks at home or at the homes of friends and family. Use traditional recipes and drinks to get acquainted with the skills required to mix drinks quickly and properly. Tweak recipes and ingredients to create your own drinks and keep recipe cards for all creations you design.

5. Apply for bartending positions at bars and restaurants throughout California. If you are looking for potential employers, review the listings of bars by looking at the local chamber of commerce website for the area in which you wish to work.

Tips & Warnings

• Be creative when coming up with new drink ideas and make sure to showcase your personal creations when applying for a bartending position.

• Never serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 in California. Make sure to verify a person's age if you are in doubt.

References

• State of California: Alcoholic Beverage Control Act
• Miss Charming.com: Miss Charming's How to Become a Bartender Page

Resources

• National Bartenders: Bartending Schools