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 Message 8529 of 39187 in General Discussion
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Subject: Re: Need Help, New To Bartending
From: miamimartini
Posted: Wed Mar 6. 2002, 17:10 UTC
Followup to: "Re: Need Help, New To Bartending"  by veriria  (Fri Mar 1. 2002, 07:16 UTC)
> 
> I'm not pretending to know much more about bartending...As a matter 
> of fact, I have to wait a year to even get into it, I'm only 20 years 
> old :P  I DO know for a fact that, you do NOT need to get a 
> certificate to become a bartender.  I also hear bad and good things 
> about bartending schools - its about fifty/fifty good and bad 
> comments combined.  I really don't know what to think about them, 
> because I've never taken a bartending course - but I don't plan to 
> either.  Like you, I want to become a bartender to (hopefully) pay my 
> way through college.  And from the comments I've seen about schools 
> and certificates, most managers could give a rats butt if you had one 
> or not - they want to actually SEE that you have what it takes, a 
> peice of paper can't tell them that ;)  Of course thats just from 
> what I've heard so far from people...I could be wrong!  maybe someone 
> with more experience will reply ^_^


I started bartending when I was 20, but maybe that varies state-to-state.  In 
Florida you only have to be 18. I went to ABC bartending school and was very 
happy with it. Maybe I just had really good instructors. They didn't just let 
people pass and get a certificate, they made sure we knew our stuff! Only 9 
out of 22 people were certified.
It is true that most bar managers don't care if you've taken the course, but 
some schools have job placement. Bars and restaurants, and sometimes caterers 
will call the school looking for bartenders, barbacks, and they will hook you 
up with a job that matches what you're looking for.
There is alot of information on the internet and in books, but you really do 
need hands-on experience. There aren't very many bars that will hire 
bartenders without experience, so if you don't want to spend $400+ on the 
course, start out waiting tables, or as a barback. Some places make you start 
out there anyway (I applied at Flanigans and was told everyone they hire has 
to start out & train as a waiter, then they can move up to bartender). Its a 
good way to get your foot in the door. You could also try applying at a hotel 
poolside bar - its slower than a real bar and the drink menu is usually 
limited. You'll gain some experience and learn other things like 
opening/closing, inventory, etc. 
GOOD LUCK :)


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