Is getting a bartending license worth it?

[LOLyourFace]

I've been seriously thinking about doing this as a college senior, looking to make quick cash during the winter break + post graduation if I don't get a job right away.

How much time and money am I looking to spend? And as long as you have the license I can work at any bars correct? My friend just got one and she's making crazy cash working at a trendy bar in Boston. I'm thinking I can do this as well, I'm very presentable, talkative and out going...

So give me your tips (heheh) and experiences.

 

[RU482]

you can make damn good cash if you've got the right personality/skill

GO FOR IT

 

[JulesMaximus]

It'll cost you about $500 and will not get you any closer to a bartending job. Personality is all it takes. Most bar owners won't base any decision on whether or not you went to bartending school.

 

[Sluggo]

My friend just got one and she's making crazy cash...

Key word there is.....SHE

Hot chick bartenders get great tips from dumb drunk dudes, ugly dude bartenders get crap.

 

[Gyrene]

My cousin makes about $200/night in tips. HE just started about a month ago.

 

[fumbduck]

i plan on getting my bartending license.

i know a guy that works at a decent scale club, and on friday and saturday nights he averages 400$ in tips alone.

 

[KGB1]

Originally posted by: Sluggo

My friend just got one and she's making crazy cash...

Key word there is.....SHE

Hot chick bartenders get great tips from dumb drunk dudes, ugly dude bartenders get crap.

My English professor had confessed she was working part time as a bartender also :Q Suffice to say, we were all in shock. Plus she gave out the number for the joint so we can call her to keep her company or ask about the readings. The prof is very smart and pretty good looking, but why she even mentioned is beyond me.

 

[richardycc]

license? don't think you need a license to be a bartender in MA. I took a bartending class at umass thur their cont ed program years ago, I think it was like 90$, and I got a "certificate" out of it. It did it, so I could work at my dad's restaurant. It's just a cheesy piece of paper, probably won't get you or anyone a job if you don't have connections or experience. You can start working as a barback person thou. good luck!

 

[miniMUNCH]

The big question is, "do you know your liquor and mixed drinks and can you make good mixed drinks?"

If YES...then don't bother getting a license.

IF NO...then you'll learn some good stuff...but nothing you can't learn from the New York bartender's guide or other such books (which run about $5-10).

 

[shimsham]

Originally posted by: KGB

Originally posted by: Sluggo

My friend just got one and she's making crazy cash...

Key word there is.....SHE

Hot chick bartenders get great tips from dumb drunk dudes, ugly dude bartenders get crap.

My English professor had confessed she was working part time as a bartender also :Q Suffice to say, we were all in shock. Plus she gave out the number for the joint so we can call her to keep her company or ask about the readings. The prof is very smart and pretty good looking, but why she even mentioned is beyond me.

maybe she wants some buck?