Mobile Bartending for Private Parties

Hosts of weddings, milestone birthdays, graduations, showers and house parties, plus small companies hosting events.

A flat rate or hourly fee per bartender, often with a minimum number of hours. Add-ons can include bar tools, mixers, ice and garnishes, or a signature cocktail menu.

• Mixing classic and popular drinks
• Friendly, calm customer service
• Handling busy crowds and cash or card payments
• Reliable and punctual

• Check your state and local rules on who may serve alcohol and whether you need a server permit
• Check whether you need a liquor license or a one-day event permit, since rules differ by state, county and venue, and who supplies the alcohol often changes the answer
• General liability insurance, ideally with liquor liability cover, as many venues ask for proof
• Never serve minors or visibly intoxicated guests, as you can carry legal risk for it
• Register as a sole proprietor or LLC and check whether your city requires a business license

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $400 to $2,500, depending on your bar tools, mixers, garnishes, ice supplies and insurance. In many setups the host buys the alcohol, and you provide the skill, equipment and service.

Rules differ by state, county and venue, so check locally. Look into server permit rules, whether you need a liquor license or one-day event permit (who supplies the alcohol often changes this), liability insurance, and whether your city requires a business license.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many events you book and what you charge. Estimates start from about 6 hours a week, so it can begin as a part-time service.