A beverage cart attendant works on a golf course, selling and delivering refreshments. This hospitality job requires driving, sales, and food service duties. The minimum age varies significantly, primarily determined by state and local laws governing alcohol sale and service. Determining the exact age requires navigating complex regulations across different jurisdictions.
Understanding the Legal Framework for Alcohol Service
The minimum age requirement varies because authorities distinguish between different facets of alcohol handling. State and local laws govern specific activities: selling alcohol (the transaction), serving alcohol (handing the beverage), and possessing alcohol (stocking inventory).
A beverage cart attendant typically performs all three actions, complicating the age requirement. Since the cart functions as a mobile point-of-sale, server, and inventory holder, the most restrictive law usually applies. County or city ordinances can impose stricter requirements than the state minimum, meaning applicants must check regulations at the most localized level.
Varying Minimum Age Requirements
The minimum age for working on a beverage cart is not uniform across the United States, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific beverages offered. Regulations generally fall into a few common categories. Many states, roughly 41, permit individuals as young as 18 to serve alcohol, while a small number of states maintain a strict minimum age of 21 for all servers. Applicants must confirm the exact requirements with their local authorities.
18 Years Old: Serving Under Supervision
Some states permit 18-year-olds to serve alcoholic beverages, provided they are under the direct supervision of a licensed manager or employee who is 21 or older. This often applies to establishments where food sales generate a significant portion of revenue, such as a golf course with a full kitchen. In a few instances, the minimum age can be as low as 17 for serving, provided the supervisor is 21 or older.
18 Years Old: Serving Beer and Wine Only
Some jurisdictions distinguish based on the alcohol content of the beverage. In these areas, an 18-year-old may sell and serve low-alcohol content drinks, such as beer and wine, but are restricted from serving spirits or hard liquor. This distinction is significant because most beverage carts carry a full selection of alcoholic beverages.
21 Years Old: Serving All Alcohol
In locations with the most restrictive laws, the minimum age to serve any type of alcohol is strictly 21 years old. This requirement applies to all employees who handle or dispense alcohol, including cart attendants. If a golf course sells spirits from the cart, or if the local ordinance makes no distinction between beverage types, 21 is the mandatory minimum age.
Requirements for Driving the Cart
Separate requirements apply to operating the cart itself, regardless of alcohol service laws. Since the beverage cart is a motor vehicle, most courses require the attendant to possess a valid driver’s license. While a license can be obtained at 16, many clubs and their insurance carriers require the driver to be 18 for liability purposes. Therefore, the driving requirement often raises the functional minimum age to 18, even if alcohol laws permit younger servers.
Core Responsibilities of a Beverage Cart Attendant
The duties involve operational and customer service tasks. Before a shift, the attendant manages inventory by stocking the cart with beverages, ice, and snacks, and checking expiration dates. Stocking requires physical labor, often involving lifting items up to 40 pounds.
During the shift, the attendant provides customer service, greeting golfers and offering specials. This includes cash handling, processing credit card payments, and reconciling sales daily. The job also requires basic food stocking and maintaining the cart’s cleanliness. Attendants must know the golf course layout and etiquette to avoid interrupting play.
Essential Skills and Certifications for Success
Securing this position requires soft skills and formal qualifications. An outgoing personality, strong communication, and a professional demeanor are valued, as the attendant represents the golf course. Reliability and self-motivation are important traits, given the independent nature of the work.
Technical skills include quick math abilities for managing cash transactions. A valid driver’s license is required for operating the cart safely. Obtaining a responsible alcohol service certification, such as TIPS or ServSafe Alcohol, is recommended. These certifications demonstrate knowledge of alcohol laws, identification checking, and recognizing intoxicated patrons, making a candidate more attractive to employers.
Compensation Structure and Earning Potential
Compensation is structured around an hourly wage and customer gratuities. Base hourly pay often falls slightly above the local minimum wage, typically ranging from $13.46 to $16.35 per hour nationally. This base wage provides a reliable income floor.
The majority of income is derived from tips. Earning potential is influenced by customer service, weather, and golfer traffic. Weekend and tournament shifts usually yield the highest gratuities, pushing total hourly earnings well above the base rate, especially at high-end courses.
Tips for Securing the Position
Prospective attendants should focus on timing and presentation. Golf courses typically hire for seasonal positions during late winter and early spring (February to April). Applying early is advantageous, as courses prefer to train staff before the peak summer rush.
Applicants should emphasize prior experience in customer service, sales, or the food and beverage industry, demonstrating people skills and cash handling. Maintaining a professional appearance during the interview is important, as the attendant represents the club. Highlighting reliability and enthusiasm for working independently can set a candidate apart.