Can you drink as a bartender in NY?

Asked by: Angeline Durgan  |  Last update: June 15, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (75 votes)

New York. In New York, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages by any employee in an establishment licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption.

Can bartenders drink on the job in NY?

No. According to the New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, it is a criminal offense for any person, including bartenders, to consume alcoholic beverages while on duty in a licensed premises.

Can you drink while working as a bartender?

Answer: As a long-time Restaurant Business advice columnist, I sometimes feel my title should be Killjoy rather than Advice Guy. While drinking along with guests may be a common practice, especially in casual and fun environments, in most states, including yours, it is illegal for bartenders to drink on the job.

What is the 50 rule in bartending?

What's the 50% rule in bartending? The proper time to serve customers the next cocktail is once they've consumed 50% of their drink.

Can you drink in New York at 18?

Persons under 21 are prohibited from purchasing alcohol or possessing alcohol with the intent to consume, unless the alcohol was given to that person by their parent or legal guardian. There is no law prohibiting persons under the age of 21 consuming alcohol that was given to them by their parent or legal guardian.

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29 related questions found

Can you bartend at 18 in New York?

The general rule in New York is that any employee selling or handling alcoholic beverages must be at least 18. You do not need to be 21 or older to work as a bartender in the state.

What states allow 18 year olds to drink?

With the exception of five states (Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, New Hampshire, and West Virginia), all states and Washington, D.C., allow underage consumption of alcohol under limited circumstances, such as in the presence of parents, for religious or medical purposes, or while in a class that requires tasting.

Are bartenders allowed to drink with customers?

In California, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages by any person while on duty in a place where alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption on the premises.

What is a dirty dump in bartending?

A “dirty dump” in bartending refers to the technique of transferring the entire contents of a cocktail shaker into a serving glass, without the use of a strainer. This method includes all the ice, as well as any muddled fruits, herbs, and other solid ingredients used in the cocktail's preparation.

What are the 5 P's of bartending?

"We focus on the fundamentals of training. Everything from why you shake, when you muddle, to the practicalities of the job, and what we call the five 'P's of world class service: pride, passion, preparation, professionalism and presentation.

What are three rules of being a bartender?

If you want to make it, following these golden rules will be your ticket to being a great bartender.
  • Rule #1: Be Sociable. ...
  • Rule #2: Know Your Drinks. ...
  • Rule #3: Don't Mess Up. ...
  • Rule #4: Have Some Tricks Up Your Sleeve. ...
  • Rule #5: Listen and Respond. ...
  • Rule #6: Go Above And Beyond. ...
  • Conclusion.

Can you be sober and a bartender?

All in all, each person has their challenges in being a sober bartender. But the good news is, more and more people are pulling it off—and having very successful careers without drinking. Many of those who bartend sober say they feel far healthier—and even better at their job—because of it.

Can bartenders refuse to serve?

There are several legitimate reasons for bartenders to refuse service. For example, underage individuals, those who have over-consumed or are showing symptoms of intoxication, excessively rowdy or unruly customers, a person harassing staff or other customers, or if the establishment is at capacity.

Can you bartend in NY without a license?

New York does not have a statewide bartending license requirement, but alcohol servers may need permits in some counties.

Can bartenders work during the day?

Full-time bartenders work roughly 40 hours a week, with an average shift, day or night, lasting between 10 to 12 hours. This includes set-up or breakdown time and often does not include breaks. Part-time bartenders, on the other hand, can work anywhere from a few hours to 30 hours.

Is it illegal for a customer to go behind the bar?

Bars and Bartending says that customers are never allowed behind bars. Those that break that rule may be thrown out. So don't reach, walk, or lean over the bar for any reason; it just isn't worth it.

What does wet mean in bartending?

‍Wet: A drink with more of the mixer and less of the alcohol than the standard recipe calls for.

Why do bartenders hate dirty martinis?

Dirty Martinis

Some bartenders have had enough, especially when the drinks are ordered dirty. One Redditor's post bemoans a lack of brine and olive specifications, while others cite the annoyance of some guests' particular specs.

What is it called when bartenders flip bottles?

Flair bartending is the practice of bartenders entertaining guests, clientele or audiences with the manipulation of bar tools (e.g. cocktail shakers) and liquor bottles in tricky, dazzling ways. Used occasionally in bars, the action requires skills commonly associated with jugglers.

Can you drink while bartending in New York?

New York. New York's Alcoholic Beverage Control Law states it is a criminal offense for bartenders, servers, or any other staff members to consume alcohol on duty at a licensed premises.

Do bartenders make good money?

In California, bartenders can earn a base pay from $38,000 to $60,000 a year. The average is around $48,000. Additional pay is in the range of $19,000 to $35,000, with $28,000 as the median amount.

What should a bartender do if a customer complains about a drink?

The most important thing you need to do to effectively handle a complaint is to actually listen what the customer has to say. Whatever you do, DON'T interrupt or argue with them. That's only going to further infuriate them. It's also a great way to ensure bad reviews and specific complaints to management about you.

What is the lowest drinking age in the world?

At 13, Burkina Faso is the country with the youngest age of alcohol consumption.

What does mlda mean?

Minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) laws set the legal age when people can buy alcohol. The MLDA in the United States is 21 years. This means that alcohol cannot be sold to people younger than 21. Before the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, the MLDA could differ by state.

What is the first thing to be affected when drinking alcohol?

When you drink alcohol, you don't digest alcohol. It passes quickly into your bloodstream and travels to every part of your body. Alcohol affects your brain first, then your kidneys, lungs and liver. The effect on your body depends on your age, gender, weight and the type of alcohol.