Can You Be a Bartender at 18 in Your State?

Bartending is one of the most exciting jobs in hospitality. The late-night energy, customer interaction, and potential for really good tips make it appealing for young adults. But here’s the big question: Can you really become a bartender at 18 or do you have to be at least 21 years old?
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The answer depends on where you live. In the U.S., bartending age requirements are set at the state level, and the rules vary widely:

  • Some states allow bartending at 18.

  • A handful allow even younger.

  • Many require you to be 21.


This guide breaks down the bartending minimum age for all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. so you know exactly when and where you can start your bartending career.

Pro tip: No matter the legal age, most employers expect or require alcohol server training certification. You can prepare today with Alcohol Awareness Training by the Certification Experts.

Serving Alcohol vs. Bartending

Before diving into each state, it’s important to understand a key distinction:

  • Serving alcohol means delivering drinks to tables, often allowed at younger ages.

  • Bartending means mixing, preparing, and directly serving alcohol behind the bar.

This matters because some states allow you to serve alcohol at 18 but not bartend until 21.

National Overview

  • 26 states plus D.C. allow bartending at 18.

  • Two states allow younger: West Virginia (16) and Maine (17).

  • About 20 states require bartenders to be 21.
  • A few states set the bar at 19 or 20.

  • Nearly all require or recommend alcohol training like BASSET (IL), TABC (TX, TN), MAST (WA), or RBS (CA).

  • Local rules can be stricter than the state baseline.

State-by-State Minimum Bartender Age

Here’s a breakdown of the minimum age to bartend in every state plus D.C., including key rules and restrictions you need to know.

Alabama

The minimum bartending age is 19, though some counties allow 18-year-olds to serve alcohol with special permits. Bartenders must also comply with the Responsible Vendor Program (RVP).

Alaska

Alaska requires bartenders to be 19 or older. Alcohol server training is highly encouraged, and employers usually prefer staff with certification.

Arizona

Arizona allows bartending at 18. While no statewide training mandate exists, local jurisdictions may require Title 4 Alcohol Training, and most employers insist on certification.

Arkansas

Arkansas sets a 21 minimum age to bartend. While 18–20-year-olds may serve alcohol in some situations, they cannot work behind the bar.

California

California requires bartenders to be 21, one of the strictest laws. In addition, all bartenders must complete Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training, which became mandatory in 2022.

Colorado

In Colorado, you can bartend at 18, but younger staff may need supervision. Responsible beverage service training is strongly recommended.

Connecticut

Connecticut allows bartending at 18, but responsible server training is mandatory.

Delaware

Delaware sets the bartending minimum at 21. No exceptions exist for younger workers.

District of Columbia (D.C.)

In D.C., you can bartend at 18, but alcohol server training is generally required by employers.

Florida

Florida allows bartending at 18, though training is typically required by employers. The state emphasizes responsible service laws.

Georgia

Georgia permits bartending at 18. While not mandated statewide, alcohol awareness training is often required at the county level.

Hawaii

Hawaii requires bartenders to be at least 20, making it one of the few states with a non-standard minimum age.

Idaho

Idaho mandates a 21 minimum age for bartending.

Illinois

Illinois allows bartending at 18, but completion of BASSET Training is mandatory for all servers and bartenders.

Indiana

Indiana permits bartending at 18, provided you complete state-approved training like ServSafe.

Iowa

In Iowa, bartenders can start at 18, with alcohol awareness training recommended.

Kansas

Kansas requires bartenders to be 21. No exceptions apply.

Kentucky

Kentucky sets the bartending minimum at 18, though local counties may impose stricter rules.

Louisiana

In Louisiana, bartending is allowed at 18, but local licenses may include additional restrictions. Training is highly recommended.

Maine

Maine is one of the few states allowing bartenders as young as 17, but only with parental consent and responsible server training.

Maryland

Maryland sets the minimum age at 18, but alcohol server training is mandatory in most counties.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts permits bartending at 18, but responsible alcohol service training is required.

Michigan

Michigan allows bartending at 18, with training mandated by law.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, bartenders can start at 18, but must complete alcohol server training.

Mississippi

Mississippi requires bartenders to be 21.

Missouri

Missouri allows bartending at 18, though employers typically require responsible service training.

Montana

Montana sets the bartending minimum at 18, with training strongly encouraged.

Nebraska

Nebraska requires bartenders to be 21.

Nevada

Nevada mandates 21 as the minimum age to bartend, reflecting its strict approach to alcohol handling.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire allows bartending at 18, provided responsible server training is completed.

New Jersey

In New Jersey, you can bartend at 18, but training and local licensing may apply.

New Mexico

New Mexico requires bartenders to be 19. However, 18-year-olds may serve alcohol under supervision in restaurants.

New York

New York permits bartending at 18, but employers often require Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) training.

North Carolina

North Carolina requires bartenders to be 21.

North Dakota

North Dakota allows bartending at 18, though permits and training may be required.

Ohio

Ohio permits bartending at 18, with alcohol server training encouraged.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma requires bartenders to be 21, with no exceptions.

Oregon

Oregon allows bartending at 18, but only with state-approved alcohol server certification.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania sets the bartending minimum at 18, but requires mandatory alcohol server training and permits.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island allows bartending at 18, though training and local restrictions may apply.

South Carolina

South Carolina mandates a 21 minimum age for bartenders.

South Dakota

In South Dakota, bartenders can start at 18, provided they complete responsible beverage training.

Tennessee

Tennessee allows bartending at 18, but bartenders must complete TABC certification before serving.

Texas

Texas permits bartending at 18, but requires TABC certification for all servers and bartenders.

Utah

Utah requires bartenders to be 21. No exceptions apply.

Vermont

Vermont allows bartending at 18, with alcohol server certification required.

Virginia

Virginia sets the bartending minimum at 18, but mandates alcohol server education certification.

Washington

Washington allows bartending at 18, but requires a MAST Permit (Mandatory Alcohol Server Training) for compliance.

West Virginia

West Virginia is unique in allowing bartenders as young as 16, provided they are supervised by an adult and complete responsible server training.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin allows bartending at 18, with training encouraged.

Wyoming

Wyoming permits bartending at 18, though training is recommended for compliance and safety.

Restrictions for Under-21 Bartenders

Even in states where 18-year-olds can bartend, restrictions are common:

  • Supervision requirements (e.g., Colorado, West Virginia).

  • Mandatory training (e.g., BASSET in Illinois, TABC in Texas, MAST in Washington, RBS in California).

  • Local variance — counties or cities may enforce stricter age requirements.

Why Training is Critical

Being legally old enough is just one piece of the puzzle. Employers want bartenders who can:

  • Spot fake IDs.

  • Prevent overservice.

  • Handle intoxicated customers safely.

  • Protect the bar’s liquor license.


That’s why completing Alcohol Awareness Training by the Certification Experts is the smartest first step to launching your bartending career at 18 (or even younger in certain states).

So, Can You Bartend at 18?

To summarize:

  • In 26 states plus D.C., yes.

  • In West Virginia (16) and Maine (17), even younger with conditions. In Hawaii you need to be at least 20 years old.

  • In about 20 states, you’ll need to wait until you’ve reached 21.

Important reminder: Training is the difference-maker. Even if your state allows 18-year-old bartenders, employers want certification. Protect your career and boost your job opportunities by enrolling in Alcohol Awareness Training by the Certification Experts today.