You know that you want to have bar service at your next event, and you need someone to run it for you. The problem is, you’ve never hired a bartender before. How can you be sure that you’re hiring a professional, whose standards of quality and service match up with your expectations for your guests? A few specific steps during hiring will make all the difference.
Licensing
Ask if your potential bartender is licensed to serve alcoholic beverages. Check with your local government first so that you know what to ask for. In a restaurant setting, both the establishment and the individual must be licensed to serve alcohol. Find out what your local laws are regarding off-site alcohol service, and be sure that anyone you are thinking of hiring complies with the law.
Personality
When you’re about to interview someone, it’s easy to caught up in what you are going to say and to focus only on the task at hand. However, when searching for someone who will interact with and ultimately help entertain your guests, it’s important to get a feel for their personality. Make a little small talk. If the vibe is friendly and outgoing, continue with the interview. If not, keep looking.
Knowledge and Experience
Do a trial run. Rattle off a drink order with a few customizations, and ask the bartender to repeat it to you. Then have them tell you exactly how that specific drink would be made. You need someone who knows their stuff and who can memorize orders while interacting with guests.
Above all, go with your gut. If you don’t have a good feeling about someone, don’t hire them. If you do like them, check their credentials and their references before offering them the gig. Click here to hire professional margarita bartenders in San Diego.