Jack Stack asked:
My brother is talking about being a bartender in my neighborhood while he lives with me this summer, He is just about 20 years old and I think you need to be 21 to barkeep. But I’ve also heard 18 to serve.
My brother is talking about being a bartender in my neighborhood while he lives with me this summer, He is just about 20 years old and I think you need to be 21 to barkeep. But I’ve also heard 18 to serve.
Which is the correct age? Does it matter if he’s gonna work off the books?
I’m hopin he can get a gig so I can score the free drinks, to make up for the lack of rent I’m sure i wont be getting.
Tags: Barkeep | Books | Free Drinks
September 17th, 2009 at 7:57 am
the age varies from country to country i know in Quebec it is 18 and in Ontario it is 19
September 18th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
In most states you need to be at least 19 years old, it would depend on the bar, and your state regulations.
September 19th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I am almost certain that you have to be 21 to bartend and 18 to serve alcoholic beverages.
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:06 am
In the states it is 21.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
The drinking age in most states is 21. But should he get the job off the books or not and gives you free drinks, he will be looking for another gig. But I doubt at 20 he will get the job on or off the books. It is not worth losing the business license.
September 25th, 2009 at 3:28 am
As Far as the law goes in Florida where i Bartend you Have to be 18 to bartend but 21 to drink…. This means as soon as he turns 18 he is eligible for the job. What this also means though is that if he gets caught taste testing any of his drinks before his 21st birthday he can go to jail and the establishment can loose their license…..
September 25th, 2009 at 8:30 am
If you live in Canada you cannot serve alcohol under any circumstance unless you are 19 or older.
In the States, it gets a little more complicated. See the link in the sources section. It depends on what state you’re in.
I’d say it’s a little bit in the gray to work off the books. Despite it being a bit unethical, there are certain dangers especially if he gets injured or is fired without cause.
September 26th, 2009 at 7:11 am
It depends on what state you live in as well as the bars rules. I am in AZ and the age to serve here is 19 but most bars won’t let you mix drinks until you are 21.
Also you might ask if you would be allowed to drink at the bar on you days off. A lot of bars are getting pretty strict about this. Also generally speaking it is frowned upon to be drinking while you are tending bar.
If you find a bar that lets you take shots with customers you are one lucky SOB.
September 28th, 2009 at 4:27 am
i’m pretty sure it 21
September 28th, 2009 at 5:22 am
I live in the U.S. I thought you had to be 21 to drink in every state. If you have to be 21 to drink, you also have to be 21 to serve alcohol.
I’ve had waiters and waitresses have to have someone else bring out my drinks, because they didn’t have a liquor license.
September 29th, 2009 at 7:34 am
5 in my house
September 29th, 2009 at 11:04 am
I am certain you have to be 18. I know this because I had to tell the Georgia Aquarium I was 18 when really i was 17 just so I could pass out drinks at different parties that they had.