So, You Wanna Be a Bartender in the Big Apple?
Let's talk about the age-old question (pun intended): How old do you have to be to sling drinks in the concrete jungle that is New York City? Well, buckle up, aspiring mixologists, because it's not as simple as just being able to tell a screwdriver from a Phillips head.
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| How Old Do You Need To Be To Bartend In Nyc |
The Age of Enlightenment (or at Least Employment)
You might be thinking, "I'm a whiz at making a mean vodka soda, and I've got the charisma of a used car salesman. Surely, I can start shaking things up right now!" Hold your horses, young Padawan. In the magical land of New York, you need to hit a certain age before you can legally play bartender.
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The golden number? 18. That's right, you can start pouring drinks (but not drinking them) at the ripe old age of eighteen. Isn't that just peachy keen? So, if you're still in high school and dreaming of a life behind the bar, you've got a few years to perfect your drink-making skills and learn how to handle drunk people without losing your cool.
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More Than Just Age: The Fine Print
While being 18 is the minimum requirement, there's a little more to it than that. You'll need to be under the watchful eye of someone who is 21 or older. Think of it like training wheels for your bartending career. And let's not forget about those pesky alcohol awareness training courses. It's like getting a degree in "How Not to Over-Serve Your Customers."
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So, You Think You Can Handle It?
If you're still determined to trade in your textbooks for cocktail shakers, there are a few things you should consider:
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- Are you good with people? Bartending is as much about customer service as it is about making drinks. You'll be dealing with all sorts of characters, from the overly friendly to the downright obnoxious.
- Can you handle the pace? NYC bars can be fast-paced and chaotic. You'll need to be able to think on your feet and multitask like a pro.
- Do you love alcohol? Okay, this one might seem obvious, but you should genuinely enjoy drinks and be knowledgeable about different spirits, wines, and beers.
If you can say yes to all of the above, then you might just have what it takes to be a successful bartender in the Big Apple.
How To... Your Bartending FAQs
- How to become a bartender in NYC? Be 18, complete an alcohol awareness course, and find a bar willing to hire you.
- How to get a bartending license in NYC? While not strictly required, getting certified can give you a competitive edge.
- How to handle drunk customers? Be assertive, set boundaries, and know when to cut someone off.
- How to make money as a bartender? Build a loyal customer base, learn to upsell, and tip pooling can help.
- How to survive the NYC bartending scene? Develop a thick skin, be prepared to work long hours, and always have fun!
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