Bartending Contract

What is a bartending contract?

A bartending contract is a legally binding agreement between the bartender and the client hiring them for a specific event. By using this template, you can customize it as a bartender contract for wedding, personal event, office party, outdoor event, etc. The text of a contract clearly defines terms of cooperation, event details, the bartender’s remuneration and obligations, the event cancellation policy, and much more.

The parties involved in a bartender contract are a client and a bartender. A client is an event host or organizer who needs to order professional bartending services. A bartender is an individual or a company that provides bartending services in compliance with local regulation.

Some states could have in place very specific regulations when it comes to the provision of bartending services. In particular, a bartender should be at least 18 years of age, complete special bartending courses, etc.

The present bartender agreement template could be customized for various types of bartending services, including

• Mobile bar service
• Wedding bartending
• Corporate event bartending
• Cash bar / open bar service
• Craft cocktail bar, etc.

Why do you need a bartending contract for events?

Most people may avoid having a solid bartending contract for events, thinking that this is a waste of time or money or hoping that everything will be just fine.

However, a written bartender contract template protects both parties from significant legal risks. On top of that, the contract:

• ensures general compliance with applicable state and local regulation;
• establishes clear terms and conditions for cooperation;
• defines both parties’ mutual rights and responsibilities; and
• helps to mitigate conflicts easier and more effectively.

Who should use this bartending contract?

This bartending contract for events could be suitable for various individuals and businesses, including:

• Independent bartenders, who wish to secure themselves while working with various clients;
• Mobile bar companies that need both professional and reliable legal templates for their business;
• Event planners who need a reliable bartender contract to secure event organization;
• Wedding coordinators who need a contractual tool to set up business relations with bartenders.

What should this bartending contract cover?

There is no specific list of clauses a bartender contract sample should have. The final document’s wording and content will largely depend on the specifics of the event itself, the type of ordered services, etc. For example, a mobile bartending contract should always provide an additional clause regarding the provision of a water supply and power for the setup of a bar section.

Below we made a list of the most important contractual terms every bartending contract must include.

Scope of Services

When the parties enter a bartending service contract, they may have completely different understandings of what is included and what is not in the scope of bartending services. Therefore, this is clause number one for every contract of that type. For example, under ‘standard bartending,’ a client may imagine the preparation of signature cocktails, while a bartender thinks only of simple cocktails.

Apart from the detailed description of services, the discussion of the cocktail menu is a must. Parties should agree well in advance:

• What is included in the list?
• Who shall provide all ingredients for cocktails?
• Who shall provide all bar equipment (e.g., shakers)?

Event Details

The second key element for a bartender contract sample is the inclusion of event details. A solid contract must include:

• the number of guests invited;
• location and venue of the event;
• date and timing; and
• other important details (e.g., outdoor event, type of event).

It is a client’s responsibility to ensure that the location of the event allows alcoholic drinks. On the other hand, it is a bartender’s obligation to ensure that provision of services under a bartender contract template is in accordance with local and state laws.

Payment Terms

Every bartender contract sample shall define how much, when, and how a bartender should be paid. There are several payment models parties may choose for their contract:

• fixed fee (a bartender is being paid once on the date of signing of this agreement or on the date of the event);
• hourly rate (a bartender should be paid per hour);
• per guest rate (a bartender is paid a fixed fee for each invited guest); or
• any other arrangement.

Apart from that, parties could also agree on a retainer fee, also known as a deposit. This fee helps to ‘reserve’ the bartender for the upcoming event and to guarantee his or her availability on the specific date. A retainer fee is a payment a client must pay on the date of signing this agreement.

Cancellation and Rescheduling

In case unpredictable circumstances occur, a planned event could be cancelled. Usually the text of every bartending contract template must provide a sort of compensation for a bartender. One of the most popular options is a bartender’s right to retain a deposit in full.

If, however, an event is being rescheduled, or an event’s details change, parties should also decide in the text of a contract if a bartender should have the right to compensation.

How to customize this bartending contract at FasterDraft?

To get a fully customized legal document, follow the few steps below:

1. Click the “Create Document” button.
2. Answer simple questions in the form.
3. Select a template’s format—bartender agreement PDF or Word.
4. Make a payment.
5. Download, print, sign, and use this agreement for your future event.