When you call the number listed on the website, I’m the one the callers are chatting with, answering all the questions…with the correct answers and everything! One of the most common exchanges centers around why it’s important to have a professional bartender behind the bar – it usually goes a little like this:
Callie the Client: Well, my cousin/friend/sibling/person, Bob, used to/wants to/offered to bartend for me and it’s free, so why do I need to hire a bartender or a Colorado Springs bartending service?
Me the Michaela: That’s a great question. Free is awesome until it isn’t, and there are two important questions here for you. First, is he current on his TIPS certification or any other alcohol service certification? Second, is he insured?
Callie: You have to be certified to get tips? Insured for what? Is that a thing?
Me: *Chuckle* No, you don’t have to be certified to receive tips or gratuity. I’m referring to liquor service training. A TIPS certified bartender is a bartender that has been trained and certified in lawful liquor service and has an understanding, and will comply with, current liquor laws. You have to remember that ultimately, liquor is a controlled substance, so it’s important for guest safety and your safety, that someone at your event knows how to serve appropriately. TIPS is one alcohol awareness program that is recognized nationally in the hospitality industry.
You also want that bartender and bartending service to be insured with liquor liability. As the Host, you are liable for the safety and security of your guests. So when you combine serving a controlled substance with personal liability, a drink becomes a whole lot more than a drink!
Callie: Wait, are we liable if someone comes to our house for dinner, has wine, but then has an accident after they leave? Surely not! We’ve had lots of parties and never hired a bartender before and there’s never been an issue. I can’t imagine any of our friends holding us responsible like that!
Me: That is a common reaction and perhaps your friends wouldn’t hold you liable. But, technically, you are responsible for what is served in your home and the condition that your guests leave in. While your friends might not hold you responsible, if an accident hurts someone else, the injured party, their family or even the state can hold all parties, including you, responsible.
Callie: Oh, geez. That is more involved than I thought. Bob is definitely not trained like that. But, I promised him he could bartend at the bar. Any ideas?
Me: Well, you could ask Bob to help you decide what all should be on your drink menu? Sometimes, having input is fun, then Bob is able to attend the event as a guest, rather than having to be stuck behind the bar working the event.
I have this conversion at least twice a week. So, yes, I highly recommend hiring an insured, trained, certified bartender for your event. Well, really, I highly recommend you hire The Parlor for your event. It takes the pressure off you and really does allow you to be the protected host and to concentrate on the best parts of your event – your guests and the reason you are all gathered!