From states where bartender sipping is strictly prohibited to surprising places where its allowed, explore the regulations of bartender alcohol consumption state by state.
Ever clinked glasses with a customer after a long day? Wondered if you ever get to enjoy a sip while mixing their drink? In some states, the answer is a (surprising) “cheers!”
Curious about what states bartenders can drink on the job? We’ve reviewed the regulations in all 50 states and compiled the following lists for bartenders.
[Whether you can drink with your customers or not, there are plenty of ways to be cool behind the bar with Broken Bartender’s stylish clothing and cheeky accessories collection for bartenders who want to stand out.]
State & Local Laws For example, if bartenders drink on the job in California, the bar’s liquor license could be suspended for 15 days. If the bartender gets intoxicated? That’s a 30-day suspension.
What are the penalties for bartenders caught drinking on the job?
Penalties for bartenders caught drinking on the job in certain states vary greatly depending on location and specific circumstances.
- Fines range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
- License suspension or revocation for both the bartender and the bar.
- Jail time in extreme cases, especially if public safety was compromised.
As a long-time Restaurant Business advice columnist, I sometimes feel my title should be Killjoy rather than Advice Guy. While drinking along with guests may be a common practice, especially in casual and fun environments, in most states, including yours, it is illegal for bartenders to drink on the job. Section 493(28) of the Pennsylvania Liquor Code states, “it is unlawful for any licensee, his servants, agents or employees, to consume liquor or malt or brewed beverages while tending bar or otherwise serving alcohol.” Violations can result in fines or the loss of your liquor license.
We have a pretty strict policy regarding shift drinks (one, and only after shifts), but recently my bartenders have started taking shots with customers that some regulars buy them. I am OK with this in terms of revenue and morale (both customer and employee), but is it allowed?
As always, this column is not legal advice. Check with your attorney, state liquor authority, and restaurant association to be sure your practices are compliant.
Beyond the legality, it would be wise to squash this practice. Drinking clouds judgment, as we all know. This may result in overpours or over-comps, favoring the guests who keep the shots flowing and neglecting others, or other unprofessional behavior that might come from how one acts a few drinks in, putting your operation at risk. My advice is that if a guest offers to buy a staff member a drink, you do this via a gift card credit. That allows the guest to show their generosity, the operation to capture the revenue, and the staff member to be properly rewarded with money to spend on food and beverage—just not while on the clock.
Should bartenders be able to drink on the job?
FAQ
Can you drink while being a bartender?
What’s the difference between barmen and bartender?
Are bartenders allowed to drink on the job in Pennsylvania?
Can bartenders drink on the job in NJ?
Can a bartender drink on the job?
In some states, bartenders are allowed to drink on the job as long as they are not visibly intoxicated and are not serving alcohol to themselves. Bartenders need to be familiar with the laws in their state to avoid potential legal issues. In terms of licensing and certification, requirements vary by state as well.
What is the legal age to be a bartender?
The legal age to be a bartender varies by state in the United States. In most states, the legal age to serve alcohol is 18 or 19 years old, while in some states, it is 21 years old. Alcohol sales hours also vary by state and local laws.
Is it illegal to drink alcohol while working a bar?
Whilst working a busy bar can be stressful at times, it’s still very much against the law in most states to have an alcoholic drink whilst serving alcohol. Whilst drinking on the job is illegal in some states, there are other countries outside of the US where drinking as a bartender is very much normal and accepted.
Can you drink alcohol while bartending?
Yes? Good, you are one step closer to finding out whether you can drink while on the job. Remember, some state laws require you only to be 18 years old to bartend. Therefore, regardless of what your state or employers rules are, you would be unable to drink any alcohol while bartending.