Got a bartending license and a hankering to be self employed? There are ways to make money with this career even on a freelance basis. Private events and parties of all kinds use bartending services, often in conjunction with catering companies. Even freelance bartenders, however, can land jobs and make money independently with their services.
Freelance Bartending
Bartending can be a lucrative career, but it can also help professionals achieve self employment. Bartenders are often hired out for private events by individuals and businesses with a reason to celebrate. By working with catering companies, bartenders can get a piece of the business. But by striking out on their own, freelance bartenders can set their own rates and call their own shots.
There’s a lot more to freelance bartending, and being self employed in this fashion, than simply pouring drinks. Take a look at what it takes to make this career path work:
- Bar. What’s a bartender without a bar? Most party venues will have an appropriate bar area with a standing bar already in place, but some may not. It’s a good idea to invest in a portable bar which can be transported via truck from one location to the next.
- Liquor wholesalers. Some hosts may provide their own liquor, but others will not. It’s a good idea for all freelance bartenders to have a connection to a wholesaler who can sell liquor cheaply. This cost, of course, will be figured into the bartender’s service fee.
- Miscellaneous bar equipment. Glasses, napkins, shakers, pour spouts and related bar equipment, for the most part, will be provided by the bartender. Invest in these materials in order to create a full-service bar that party hosts will be pleased with.
Freelance Jobs and Liquor Liability Insurance
Liquor liability insurance is the most important consideration for any freelance bartender. In fact, insurance considerations are the most difficult aspect of freelance bartending jobs. Many private events will need a licensed, insured bartender to protect both the hosts of the party and the place where the event is held from lawsuits and other legal actions. Liquor intake can lead to incidents, and the bartender needs to be prepared for this eventuality.
However, obtaining liquor liability insurance isn’t always easy. There are several different ways for a freelance bartender to be covered, or get covered, when on the job at a private event.
- Wedding insurance. Many wedding insurance policies will have an optional liability insurance option, and this can serve to cover the bartender who is serving liquor at the wedding reception. Check with reception hosts to find out if this insurance is in place or not; if it is, it may not be necessary to take out an additional liability policy.
- On-site liability insurance. Some venues may already have liability insurance which covers the property and the events being held within. Check with the hosts’ venue to see if these kinds of policies are already in place.
- Liquor liability insurance. Freelance bartenders who need to cover themselves can always obtain a liquor liability insurance policy. These policies can be purchased through insurance companies of all kinds. Look to independent insurance agents to obtain quotes and find out more about coverage options.
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