Bartending...

[exwhyzee]

Hey today I saw a flyer for a bartending school. They said they give you a "Bar Code" certification, I was wondering if this is legit? DO you really need a license to bartend? I have no idea and dont want to waste $250 if this is just a come on.


The reason I bring this up is because I have a really good schedule this semester and have a lot of free time, so a job would be nice. I was originally thinking working at a tanning salon. Do you have any suggestions for workplaces where there I can be in contact with hot women on a regular basis?




Thanks

 

[diablo]

Yes, you have to have a state license to handle or serve alcohol. Most people refer to it as an "Alcohol License" (in the USA). Certification costs about $20, and is done by the state government. Basically you have to go in, fill out a bunch of forms, show your ID, and get your picture taken... you don't have to go to bartending school.

Depending on your area, you might find that even though you go to the school, get certified, and are ready to be a bartender... you won't find work. In my town, you pretty much have to know someone or have been working at the place for a while to become a bartender. In Louisiana (and I'd imagine most other states) one of the requirements for getting your alcohol license is that you are employed at an establishment that serves alcohol. Who'da thunk. Here's what I recommend: If you want to learn how to mix drinks, and have $250 to spare, go to bartending school. If you're any good at it, don't look hideous, and can find a job at a decent bar then you'll make that back in a weekend or two. If you want to learn how to make drinks, read Playboy's "Bartender Guide: Deluxe Edition" (11.50 on Amazon.. nobody should live without it...) and save your remaining $239.50. Buy yourself something nice.

By the way, the bartending school isn't going to guarantee you that they'll get you a job anywhere. Best bet is to go to a few of the more upscale/busy clubs/bars in your area during off-peak hours and chat it up with the bartenders. Don't go at 10pm on a Friday night and expect them to sit down with you and take you through the process step by step... and don't forget to tip them when you leave!

 

[exwhyzee]

Thanks diablo for the response, are there any other good workplaces that you would reccomend for me to get job where I will be in contact with a lot of women. As I mentioned earlier I was thinking a taning salon, any special reccomendations?

 

[Albion4]

This hold true for the state of Wisconsin, I do not know about other states.

No, you do not need a license to bartend. I Bartended for 5 years before I ever went out and got mine. The law here in WI states that there must be at least one licensed bartender on the premesis.

If you want to learn how to bartend, don't waste your time on a school. Tell the owner at a place you frequent that you'd like to learn how to bartend. Most will be willing to start you out as a bar back allowing you to watch and learn. Eventually if you show your responsible and reliable they will offer to step you up to bartending.

Bartending Tip: When making a fruit drink like a Vodka Cranberry, Gimlit (Vodka and Lime), or screwdriver always shake, do not stir. Shaking causes a chemical reaction between the acids in the fruit, the alcohol and the cold ice bonding them together in a much tastier way. James Bond always asked for his Martini shaken not stirred. That's because by default a Martini should be stirred for a better all around taste.

-Al

 

[Albion4]

Originally posted by diablo
Yes, you have to have a state license to handle or serve alcohol. Most people refer to it as an "Alcohol License" (in the USA). Certification costs about $20, and is done by the state government. Basically you have to go in, fill out a bunch of forms, show your ID, and get your picture taken... you don't have to go to bartending school.

Actually here in Wisconsin you also have to take a test. It's no more difficult then the written driving test, mostly common sense stuff.

-Al