How can i get a bartending license in ga?

Question

i tried googling "bartending license" and it just keeps showing me ads for bartending schools.

do i have to pay for bartending school?

will that certify me? or is it just training?

where/how do i get certified?

is there a way to study without paying for classes?

i'm pretty clueless, as you can tell, so i'd appreciate some guidance!

Answer 1

Why would you need a license to bartend? A lot of bars prefer to hire an inexperienced bartender because then they can train you the way they want to.  

Answer 2

There is know such thing as a bartending license.  I have been doing it for 20 years.  schools just make you learn the stuff you will eventually learn faster.  It may look better to have gone to mixologist school for a job in a upper class bar resteraunt or club though.

Answer 3

Don't go to bartending school (i.e. don't waste the money) unless the job you are applying to requires such an endevour (usually only hotels and casinos ask for that kind of stuff)

Also, most states don't require a license either. Depending on what state you live in you need to make sure of the age requirements (most states require that you are 21 years old and that's it, some want you to get a state license...etc...) Just check the laws for your state (go here: http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/StateAn...

The most important thing that you should do is pick up the Bartender's Black Book (you can usually find it at a local package store, if not order it from Amazon). It has thousands of recipes, Plus all the basics, terms, and measurements you need to memorize immediately. Learning your pour count, knowing how to make a Long Island, a Martini, a Cosmo, how to tap a keg, etc...

Other than knowing how to pour drinks and serve drinks quickly, the main thing a bartender has to do is listen/talk to people. Make sure you are a people person. You have to love to listen too, especially to drunks. You also want to be up to date on local stuff (where the best entertainment spots are, the nearest hotel, the cab's number, etc...) You also need to have at least two jokes you can pull from memory. One dirty, and one you could tell your mother. Both have to be funny. Also be up to date on all sports scores, especially on local teams. Know who is playing who and at what time (make sure to have it on the TV too).

When starting out, it may be tough to get a job. The best thing to do is to apply to all the places that cycle through bartenders/barbacks a lot (like restaurants, hotel bars, etc...) Then find bars that you like personally and become somewhat of a regular at those places. Get to know the other bartenders, owners, managers, and then in a few months drop the line that you would be willing to work for them. Start out as a barback and work your way up. Most small bars are run like families anyway. You will have to know your fellow employees well. That is how I got my first two bartending jobs and eventually made it to bar manager.

Bartending is an extremely fun job. You will meet tons of people and hear lots of interesting stories. Plus you will know alcohol better than the back of your hand. I find it to be quite rewarding when it comes to the bank account too.

Have Fun and Good Luck!

Answer 4

Most mom & pop bars/restaurants would hire someone without experience that they would train - even a chain rrestaurant maybe - however for a high class upscale place you would have to get professionally trained - there must be bartending schools in GA - try researching online in your local area....

Answer 5

you have to attend a bartending school/ course... yes you have to pay for it.. not sure how much in your area...  it does certify you, basically the school (atleast the one ive seen) had a room that was set up like a bar. its all hands on. they teach you how to hold the bottles correctly and mix drinks etc...

you can get the bartenders bible at barnes and noble and teach yourself and prob get a job at a local bar first.. but restaurants or busier clubs want someone wtih experience because in that field, time is money. they want someone who knows what they are doing.

you should check out some of the schools you found and see if you like it.. i doubt it woul dbe more than 500 for the course. good luck