Bartender for hire at private parties

Hosts of weddings, milestone birthdays, engagement parties and holiday gatherings, plus small community groups.

Hourly rate or a flat fee per event, usually with a minimum number of hours. Tips may add to this, depending on the event. You can charge extra for a shopping list or setup and cleanup time.

• Mixing classic cocktails and pouring accurately
• Friendly, calm customer service
• Reliable and good with time

• Check provincial rules on who may serve alcohol and whether a special occasion permit is needed for the event, and who must hold it (often the host)
• Commercial general liability insurance that covers alcohol service, check with a broker
• Never serve minors or visibly intoxicated guests, as you may carry legal responsibility
• Check whether you are classed as self-employed and whether you need to register for GST/HST once revenue passes the threshold

Estimates suggest startup typically costs around $300 to $1,500, depending on the bar tools you buy, any training and how complete a kit you want. Hosts usually supply the alcohol and mixers.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $400 to $2,500, depending on how many events you work. The low end assumes about 6 hours a week, so this suits a side hustle alongside other work.

Check provincial rules on who may serve alcohol and whether a special occasion permit is needed, and who must hold it, often the host. Also check liability insurance covering alcohol service, rules on serving minors or intoxicated guests, and GST/HST registration.