Should You Hire Certified Bartenders For Special Events and Private Parties?

If you are hosting a special event or party, it is advisable to hire a legitimate bartending company that is certified to provide bartending services in your state. If you are hiring a bartender for a private event, be sure to hire a certified bartender. Why? Laws vary from state to state, but almost all states in the U.S. require bartenders to be certified in order to legally pour and serve alcohol. The certification courses ensure bartenders understand the alcohol serving and selling laws in their state, and more importantly, laws regarding liability for over-serving.

For example, Chesapeake Bartenders, which is a Maryland-based bartending company, requires all bartending staff be TIPS certified. According to the website,  a Maryland TIPS certification course entails the following:

“Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) is an alcohol management program approved by the state of Maryland. The state of Maryland requires that an alcohol licensee have someone associated with the license, i.e., owner, manager, bartender, have training in an acceptable alcohol management program. The purpose of the TIPS program is to teach servers of alcohol acceptable, and helpful, standards for responsible alcohol service. TIPS has a fee, based on “on premise” or “off premise” status.”

– source http://www.marylandfoodservice.org/tips-alcohol-training.html

Technically-speaking, a bartender does not have to be certified to provide Maryland bartending services for events and parties, but certification is definitely encouraged.

Do Bartenders For Hire Need To Be Certified In Delaware?

Our company also provides certified bartenders for hire in Delaware, as it is one of the many states that encourages certification to sell and serve alcohol. Chesapeake Bartenders frequently provides wedding bartenders in Dover,  Wilmington and throughout the state, and all venues we work with require active bartending certifications for weddings, parties, and special events.

Do Bartenders For Hire In Virginia Need To Be Certified?

Virginia is one of the states that does not require a bartender certification to serve and sell alcohol. Chesapeake Bartenders provides event bartending staff in Northern Virginia, and although there are no requirements for official certifications, our staff is TIPS certified in the neighboring state of Maryland, ensuring they understand their responsibilities as a professional bartender.

In sum, while it may not be a legal requirement to hire certified bartenders for a wedding, party or special event, be sure to look into requirements in your state. If you are looking for reputable bartending companies in Maryland, DC, Virginia or Delaware, the Chesapeake Bartending team is not only certified, but is committed to providing an unparalleled experience that goes beyond traditional bartending duties. Call or email us today to learn more about our services and how we can make your next party or event unforgettable!

Chesapeake Bartenders

1517 Ritchie Highway Ste L3

Arnold, MD

21012

(410) 575-4960