Becoming a bartender in Minnesota requires navigating state regulations, local ordinances, and industry expectations. The legal requirements for handling and serving alcohol must be met before employment can begin. This guide covers the necessary legal steps, required certifications, and practical skills needed to start a career behind the bar in Minnesota.
Meeting the Minimum Legal Requirements
Minnesota state law sets the minimum age to serve or sell alcohol at 18 years old. This allows individuals to work in establishments and handle alcoholic beverages, though the legal age to purchase or consume alcohol remains 21. While the state permits 18-year-olds to serve, many establishments, particularly high-volume bars or those focused on liquor sales, enforce internal policies requiring bartenders to be 21. Prospective bartenders should confirm the specific age policies of their desired employer during the job search.
Understanding Server Training and Certification
Minnesota does not mandate a single, state-run training program for alcohol servers, but certification is a standard industry expectation. Employers and their liquor liability insurance providers generally require employees to complete a recognized responsible beverage service course. Common certifications include Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) or ServSafe Alcohol.
These courses focus on the legal responsibilities of the server, such as checking identification correctly and recognizing signs of intoxication. Gaining certification demonstrates a commitment to legal compliance and responsible service, making an applicant more appealing. The process typically involves a few hours of online or in-person instruction followed by an examination, and the credential is portable between cities within Minnesota.
Navigating Local Licensing and Permits
Completing server training is only the first step, as many Minnesota municipalities require a separate, individual employee permit, often called a liquor card or badge. This local permit is required by the city or county where the business is located, not the state. In major metropolitan areas, such as Minneapolis, an employee permit is required and involves a separate application process with the city government.
Minneapolis typically requires applicants to be at least 21 years old for the city-issued license, even though state law allows 18-year-olds to serve. The application process for these local permits often includes a background check to screen for recent felony convictions or a history of multiple alcohol-related misdemeanors. Prospective bartenders should check the municipal website for the city where they plan to work, as requirements for application fees, background checks, and registration deadlines vary significantly.
Developing Essential Bartending Skills
Responsible Alcohol Service
Beyond the technical skills of making drinks, responsible alcohol service is paramount to the job. This involves making informed, real-time decisions about customer safety and legal compliance to prevent over-intoxication. Bartenders must skillfully navigate situations requiring refusal of service to impaired patrons or confiscating questionable identification. Maintaining a log of these incidents is often necessary, protecting both the employee and the establishment under Minnesota’s dram shop laws.
Speed and Efficiency
A busy bar environment demands speed and efficiency, developed through practice and a methodical approach. Bartenders should master the use of a jigger for accurate pouring, ensuring cocktail consistency and maintaining inventory control. The ability to multitask is important, allowing a bartender to take a new order, clear a glass, and prepare a complicated drink simultaneously during high-volume periods. An efficient bartender moves deliberately to minimize wasted steps and maximize service.
Customer Interaction and Service
Exceptional customer service is a core component of a bartender’s success, extending beyond delivering a drink. This involves building rapport with customers, remembering preferences, and creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages repeat visits. Bartenders must be adept at handling complaints or managing difficult situations with diplomacy and professionalism, often acting as the first line of conflict resolution. Upselling, such as suggesting a premium spirit or a more complex cocktail, contributes directly to the business’s revenue.
Basic Mixology and Product Knowledge
A working knowledge of classic cocktails and the spirits used to make them forms the technical foundation of the job. Bartenders should be familiar with common spirits, liqueurs, and mixers, along with standard recipes for drinks like an Old Fashioned, a Martini, and a Margarita. Given Minnesota’s strong craft beverage scene, familiarity with local breweries, distilleries, and regional beer styles is a valuable asset for engaging with customers and making informed recommendations.
Strategies for Landing Your First Bartending Job
Entering the hospitality industry often means starting in a supporting role to gain experience and operational knowledge. Many successful bartenders begin as barbacks, assisting the primary bartender with stocking, cleaning, and preparation work. This provides exposure to the rhythm of the bar and the venue’s routines. Tailoring a resume to emphasize transferable hospitality experience, customer service roles, or quick-paced work environments helps highlight relevant skills.
Networking within the local Minnesota restaurant and bar scene is an effective strategy for finding initial employment. Attending industry events or being a frequent patron at local establishments can help forge connections with hiring managers and owners. During an interview, demonstrating your responsible service certification and local permit, if acquired, immediately signals that you have proactively handled the legal requirements. Focusing on a willingness to learn the venue’s operations and a dedication to the hospitality experience can often outweigh a lack of previous bartending experience.