Do you NEED to go to bartending school in order to bartend?

Or is it optional?Do you NEED to go to bartending school in order to bartend?
It is not neccesary to attend a bartending school, but you will want to study recipe books anyway. Most restaurant chains, generally do not hire people that come from these schools, as just because you attended a bartending school, doesn't mean your a good bartender. It is usually better to work for a restaurant as host, barback, server what have you, and work you way to the bar. Once you can prove to the managers that you have the personallity and work ethic to work behind the bar, you can usually get cross trained as a bartender there. Once you get your experience you can look for other or better bartending jobs. There are a slew of bartending books out, but most restuarants and bars go by Mr. Boston's Bar book for it's recipes. Get that book, do some reading and studying, and work your way up, much cheaper than a bartending school, and you earn money while learning. Good luck.Do you NEED to go to bartending school in order to bartend?
NO u do not but experiece will help
It is optional, but there are some advantages to going.

Hand on experience Most places aren't patient enough to give that.

Looks good on a service resume

Job Placement. Finding a job right off is hard, so a good school will help you.Do you NEED to go to bartending school in order to bartend?
no, but if you do you may have a better chance of getting a better job.
well your not going to walk into a bartending Unless you own it%26gt;%26gt;

so after you put in your labor and the slow times allowes the KIND bartender time to take you UNDER his wing well %26gt;%26gt;%26gt;

school is by far a better wayDo you NEED to go to bartending school in order to bartend?
No, but being a heavy drinker usually helps.
we in the industry laugh at bartending school "graduates", we don't hire them. try www.totallyfreebartending.com. start as cocktail server, to learn about drinks, while making great money. then ask to work a few shifts as a barback, to pick up pointers, then as relief bartender, to gain more experience %26amp; confidence behind the bar. i preferred working as a cocktail server, the money was as good %26amp; the work was a lot easier, and i didn't have to close, clean %26amp; restock the bar after the shift.