Bartending school or not to bartend school?

I have a chance to work at a bar and learn to bartend I am afraid that I wont be able to get a job without a license. Should I just go to bartending school??Bartending school or not to bartend school?
Im not a bartender, but I have considered it before, and if you really aspire to bartend, absolutely go to school. Pretty much any employer that's hiring will hire you and if you do some "extra credit" by mixing drinks for your friends or family in your spare time, you'll get the hang of the idea and you might pass the class sooner than expected. Plus no matter where you go there are always needs for bartenders and its a fun environment if you know what you're doing. Also you can make a heck of a lot of money if you do your job well, but if you're in it only for the part time job, then I'd pass on it.Bartending school or not to bartend school?
A bartender certification is not valued as much as actual experience. In chain establishments, it is common to see wait staff or "bar-backs" take on roles of a bartender and eventually become bartenders themselves.



As an owner, here's what I look for:

-Knowledge of how to make basic drinks (Midori Sour, Sex on the Beach, Tom Collins, and other IBA)

-Social people (Good at keeping customers interested, has a lot of friends)

-Quick (Making drinks, Identifying problems, Adaptable)

-The ability to say "NO" (I cannot stress this one enough)



How a certificate will help you:

-Laws pertaining to alcohol

-In the event that you (or the establishment) is brought up for alcohol charges (over-serving, operating after required closing time, permitting illegalities, etc.) , a certificate will help build credibility for your side

-Basic understanding of wine, malt beverages, and hard liquor



If you are offered an opportunity to bartend, take it - but plan to eventually get your certification.