Do you really need to go to bartending school to bartend?

Thinking of picking up a 2nd job as a bartender at night, there's all these bartending courses, but I mean, I'm 28, I was a waiter in college, and I know how to make all the basic stuff, vodka cran/orange/whatever, all the basic shots, how to layer over a spoon, pour from a tap, etc. Other than memorizing drink recipies it seems like you'd learn most of it from working, and I'd rather not shell out 400 bucks and spend several weeks going.



How much do you really learn from a bartending school that you couldn't just pick up from working or memorizing shots on your own? Thanks.Do you really need to go to bartending school to bartend?
Unless the State or Bar you want to work at demands it... it's USELESS !!



I bartended during college, while off-duty in the Navy, and still fill in at the local bar and NEVER went to bartending "school".



My BEST recommendation is to by a Bartender's Bible or Handbook... or "Bartending for Dummies" and practice at home. Better still... find a small local bar and offer your services FREE in exchange for training.



GOOD LUCKDo you really need to go to bartending school to bartend?
no but in many states you do have to have a license. It is usually just a alcohol awareness class.Do you really need to go to bartending school to bartend?
No. Go to any bar and this is very obvious