Minimum Age for Bartending: Bartender Age Laws by State

What is the minimum age for bartending? Most U.S. states permit adults to tend bar in on-premises venues. That is, people age 18 or older.

We show the minimum age for bartending in each state.

                  Overview

          1. Background
          2. Age for Bartending
          3. Resources

I. Background

A “bartender” is a person who dispenses alcoholic beverages. On the other hand, “server” refers to a waitperson.

minimum age for bartendingOn-premises venues are those selling alcohol for drinking there. That is, instead of elsewhere. Typically, they’re restaurants and bars.

In some states, adults under 21 may legally tend bar. But only in certain types of on-premises places, such as restaurants.

Often, bartenders must be at least a given age. But younger employees may stock coolers with alcohol. Or clear alcohol from tables.

Some states place conditions on on-premises bartenders under age 21. For example, that a supervisor 21 or older be present. Or it might require that a bartender under 21 take special training.

II. The Minimum Age for Bartending in On-premises Establishments by State

18192021
ARAZAL
COIDAK
CTNECA
FLDC
GADistrict of Columbia (Wash, DC)
HIIN (18 with restrictions)
ILKS
IAKY (20 with restrictions)
LAMO
MEMT
MDNV
MANM
MINC
MNND
MSOH
NHOK
NJOR
NYSC
PAUT
RIVA
SDWA
TNWY
TX
VT
WV
WI

 

III. Resources on Bartending: Minimum Age for Bartending

These resources are about successful bartending. They give much helpful information. But they don’t deal with the minimum age for bartending.

e-Video

Become a Professional Bartender

Popular Books

Note

Do not rely on this site. Nor any other website for legal info about the minimum age for bartending. Laws change. A town may have its own higher minimum age for bartending.

This site does not give any legal advice. Please ask a lawyer for legal help.