Legal age requirements for bartenders in the US: what you need to know

Bartending is a popular career choice for many young people in the United States (US), especially students. It’s a beginner-friendly job that offers flexible working hours and an opportunity to improve social skills that will later become very valuable.

However, there are certain restrictions regarding the legal age requirements that differ by state or even by city. Some states also have different age restrictions for serving vs bartending. Understanding these legal requirements is crucial for both employers and employees to ensure compliance and avoid legal repercussions.

Without further ado, let’s see what the restrictions are like.

Age requirement for serving

The age requirement for serving is typically lower than or equal to the one for bartending. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• 16 years old: West Virginia
• 17 years old: Maine and Michigan
• 18 years old: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
• 19 years old: Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Nebraska, and Ohio
• 21 years old: Alaska, Nevada, and Utah.

Age requirement for bartending

The age requirement for bartending doesn’t only vary by state but it also depends on the type of alcohol.

To make this breakdown a little easier for those interested in how old do u have to be to be a bartender, here’s a list of the states that have the same age requirement regardless of the alcohol type:

• 16 years old: West Virginia (under certain special restrictions)
• 17 years old: Maine and Michigan (under certain special restrictions)
• 18 years old: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin (some under certain special restrictions)
• 19 years old: Idaho and Nebraska
• 20 years old: Kentucky
• 21 years old: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.

Specific state requirements

Aside from the general requirement, certain states in the US also have specific exceptions to the rules or additional requirements surrounding bartending. Here are a few examples:

• Maryland, North Carolina, and Ohio: The minimum age requirement to bartend spirits is 21.
• West Virginia: It’s possible to hire someone under 18, but at least 16 to serve or bartend alcohol, but only with the prior approval of the commissioner and under additional special requirements.
• Michigan: 17-year-olds may sell or serve alcohol if they have completed state-mandated server training courses and a supervisor who is at least 18 years old is present during their shift.
• Pennsylvania: A minor who is 17 years old and either a high school graduate or declared to have attained their academic potential by the chief administrator of their school district is considered an 18-year-old for the purposes of laws relating to the employment of minors by retail licensees.
• Virginia: Although bartenders are generally required to be at least 21, a person who is at least 18 may sell or serve beer for on-premises consumption at a counter in an establishment that sells beer only. An individual who is at least 18 years old may also sell or serve wine for on-premises consumption in an establishment that sells wine only.
• Many states require manager or supervisory presence for those under a certain age serving or bartending alcohol.

Why are age regulations important?

Age regulations for bartenders are primarily established to ensure responsible alcohol service. They exist to protect minors from the potential harms associated with alcohol consumption.

Generally speaking, these laws aim to strike a balance between providing job opportunities for young individuals and maintaining public safety.

Training and certification

Many states, regardless of the legal age for bartending, require bartenders to undergo specific training or obtain certification in responsible alcohol service.

Programs like TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) or ServSafe Alcohol educate bartenders on the legal aspects of alcohol service, including how to recognise signs of intoxication and prevent underage drinking.

The impact on employment

These varying age requirements for bartenders can significantly impact employment opportunities for young individuals. In states with a minimum age of 21, younger individuals, such as high school students, must often seek other employment until they are legally eligible to serve alcohol.

Conversely, states with lower age requirements provide more immediate opportunities for these people to enter the workforce.

Always check local and state laws

Making sure you’re compliant with the legal age requirements for bartenders in the US requires complying with both state and local laws. However, remember that these regulations are in place to ensure responsible alcohol service and protect public safety.

Whether you are an 18-year-old in Texas looking to start your bartending career or a business owner in California, staying informed about the legal age requirements is essential for success in the hospitality industry.