How Old Do You Have to be to Bartend in North Dakota?

If you’re planning to become a bartender in North Dakota, or if you’re a business owner hiring alcohol servers, understanding the legal age requirements is essential. The minimum legal age to bartend, serve, or sell alcohol varies depending on your role and workplace.
Feb 20
Don't hesitate

Get Your Alcohol Certification Today.

Many people assume that anyone over 18 can bartend, but North Dakota law is more specific. While 18-year-olds can serve alcohol in restaurants, only those 21 or older can bartend (we have more information on this later). Business owners, managers, and alcohol sellers also need to ensure compliance to avoid legal risks and penalties.

With the hospitality industry growing and alcohol sales regulations tightening, it’s crucial for bartenders, restaurant owners, and alcohol-serving professionals to stay informed. This guide will break down everything you need to know, including age restrictions, legal challenges, industry trends, and best practices. Plus, we’ll introduce the North Dakota Alcohol Awareness Training by the Certification Experts, an essential resource to help you stay compliant.

Age Requirements for Bartending and Alcohol Service in North Dakota

How Old Do You Have to Be to Be a Bartender in North Dakota?

  • To bartend (which includes mixing and serving drinks independently), you must be at least 21 years old.
  • Employees under 21 cannot mix drinks or work as bartenders, even with supervision.

How About the Age for Servers in North Dakota?

  • In restaurants, employees aged 18-20 may serve and collect payment for alcohol (beer, wine, and spirits) if supervised by someone 21 or older.
  • Outside of restaurants (such as bars, liquor stores, or events), individuals must be 21 or older to serve alcohol.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Sell Alcohol in North Dakota?

  • Employees at liquor stores, bars, or retail alcohol locations must be 21 years old to sell or handle alcohol.

Why Knowing These Details Matter?

Understanding these legal distinctions helps both employees and employers stay compliant. Businesses that allow underage employees to bartend risk fines, legal trouble, and license suspension.

Challenges that Bartenders and Business Owners Face

  1. Understanding Legal Age Restrictions
    Many workers and business owners misunderstand the difference between serving alcohol and bartending. The law is clear: bartenders must be 21 or older, but restaurant servers can be 18 with supervision.

  2. Supervisory Requirements for Young Workers
    Restaurants hiring 18- to 20-year-olds must ensure they have 21+ supervisors overseeing them. Failure to comply can lead to legal issues.

  3. Training and Compliance
    Many employers and employees don’t realize that training, such as North Dakota Alcohol Awareness Training, helps meet legal requirements and ensures responsible alcohol service.

  4. Hiring and Retaining Bartenders
    Businesses struggle to find experienced bartenders aged 21+ due to industry labor shortages.

  5. Liability Risks for Businesses
    Improper alcohol service, such as serving minors or intoxicated patrons, can lead to lawsuits, fines, or even liquor license revocation.

  6. Evolving Alcohol Industry Trends
    Bartenders must stay updated on new customer preferences, like craft cocktails and alcohol-free options, while businesses must ensure legal compliance.

  7. Lack of Awareness About State Laws
    Without proper education, many bartenders and business owners are unaware of specific state laws, increasing the risk of unintentional violations.

Trends in the Alcohol Industry Today

  1. Increased Demand for Alcohol Awareness Training
    ✅ Many states, including North Dakota, require alcohol server training for compliance and liability protection.
    ✅ Programs like the North Dakota Alcohol Awareness Training by the Certification Experts help bartenders and business owners understand regulations and avoid violations.

  2. Technology in Alcohol Service
    ✅ Age-verification software is becoming a must-have tool in bars and restaurants to prevent underage drinking.
    ✅ Many businesses now use scannable ID verification systems for accuracy.

  3. The Rise of Non-Alcoholic and Low-ABV Drinks
    ✅ Consumers are increasingly requesting alcohol-free alternatives, leading bars to create mocktail menus and expand low-alcohol options.

  4. Sustainable Bartending Practices
    ✅ Many bars are moving toward eco-friendly glassware, reusable straws, and reduced plastic usage to align with sustainability trends.

  5. Personalized and Experiential Bartending
    ✅ Customized cocktails, seasonal drink menus, and interactive mixology experiences are becoming industry standards.

Best Practice Advice for Bar Staff and Business Owners

  • Complete Alcohol Awareness Training
    💡 The North Dakota Alcohol Awareness Training by the Certification Experts is highly recommended for bartenders, managers, and alcohol sellers.
    💡 This training covers legal responsibilities, ID verification, and responsible alcohol service to help prevent legal issues and fines.

  • Implement ID Verification Policies
    💡 Always check customer IDs, even if they look over 21.
    💡 Use scannable ID verification systems to reduce the risk of serving minors.

  • Establish a Strict No-Underage Bartending Rule
    💡 Clearly define in employee handbooks that only those 21+ can bartend.
    💡 Train managers and supervisors to enforce compliance.

  • Stay Updated on Industry Trends
    💡 Attend bartending workshops, follow industry news, and adjust drink menus to match evolving consumer preferences.
    💡 Offer mocktails and low-alcohol options to cater to a broader audience.

  • Conduct Regular Staff Training
    💡 Keep employees informed about North Dakota’s alcohol laws to ensure compliance.
    💡 Regularly review age verification policies and responsible service techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can an 18-year-old work as a bartender in North Dakota?
    No. Only 21-year-olds or older can work as bartenders in North Dakota. However, an 18-year-old can serve alcohol in a restaurant under supervision.

  2. Can a 19-year-old sell alcohol in a liquor store?
    No. Employees must be 21 or older to sell alcohol in liquor stores, bars, or retail locations.

  3. Can bartenders serve alcohol without training?
    While North Dakota doesn’t explicitly mandate training, most businesses require North Dakota Alcohol Awareness Training to ensure compliance and minimize liability.

  4. What happens if a business allows an underage bartender?
    Businesses face fines, potential loss of their liquor license, and legal penalties if they allow employees under 21 to bartend.

Work Within Minimum Age Requirements

Understanding North Dakota’s age requirements for bartenders, alcohol servers, and sellers is crucial for staying compliant, avoiding legal risks, and operating a successful business.

To work legally as a bartender in North Dakota, you must be at least 21 years old. Those 18-20 can serve alcohol in restaurants but only under direct supervision. Employers and managers must ensure that all staff follow these regulations to protect their business.

To stay compliant and reduce legal risks, bartenders, alcohol servers, and business owners should complete the North Dakota Alcohol Awareness Training by the Certification Experts. This training provides essential knowledge on ID verification, responsible alcohol service, and compliance with state laws.

By following best practices, staying updated on industry trends, and prioritizing training, bartenders and business owners in North Dakota can build successful and responsible careers in the alcohol industry.

Get Trained at Your Convenience and Get Certified in North Dakota

Navigating North Dakota's alcohol training certification is vital for anyone working in the alcohol service industry. From bartenders and servers to liquor store employees, obtaining certification ensures compliance with state laws, improves career prospects, and protects businesses from potential liabilities.

Whether you’re starting a new job or advancing in your current role, investing in a reliable training program is an essential step forward. Consider options like the Certification Experts’ North Dakota Alcohol Awareness Training, designed to accommodate busy professionals with flexible, online modules.

See more topics related to certifications in North Dakota:
Take charge of your career today by getting certified—it’s an investment in your future and the safety of your workplace in ND.