How To Become a Bartender in Georgia
Ready to turn your passion for mixology into a career? Becoming a bartender in Georgia isn’t just about mixing drinks—it’s about mastering customer service, understanding state regulations, and building your reputation in the industry.
Below, we’ll talk about how to get a bartending license in Georgia – where it’s required, what training to take, and how much money you can make.
How Much Does a Bartender Make in Georgia?
Indeed reports that the average base pay for Georgia bartenders is $17.68 an hour plus $200 in tips a day – roughly the same as the national average. The average bartender’s salary in Atlanta is a little higher at $18.99.
That said, since Georgia exempts tipped employees from the state minimum wage, bartenders can make as little per hour as the federal minimum tipped wage, $2.13 an hour. It’s worth looking for the best hourly base pay.
Average bartender salaries are notoriously slippery. Tips, which usually make up a healthy portion of the total pay, are usually underreported to official sources. Additionally, bartenders rarely work a 40-hour week, but that’s the underlying assumption of salary estimates. Finally, what you can expect to make will vary a lot based on your location, type of employer, and skill level.
What Are Georgia’s Bartending Requirements?
Georgia’s minimum age for serving alcohol depends on the type of business. It’s 18 and up in general, but 21 and up if you deliver alcohol or work in a bar where at least 75% of the revenue comes from alcohol sales.
Do You Need a Bartending License in Georgia?
Well, the Alcohol and Tobacco Division of the Georgia Department of Revenue doesn’t require any particular training or license to work as a bartender.
But we can’t just say “no” because certain local jurisdictions do have requirements.
For example, Macon-Bibb County requires sellers or servers of alcohol in certain businesses to apply for an alcohol handler’s certificate. In order to apply, you must first complete a county-approved program like TIPS.
There may also be bartending license requirements in Savannah, Duluth, and other jurisdictions. For up-to-date details, check your local government’s website.
What Is Georgia Alcohol Server Training?
Georgia alcohol server training teaches alcohol handlers how and why to comply with liquor laws in the state. The goal of these courses is to encourage responsible beverage service and prevent illegal alcohol sales. For example, they’ll focus on preventing sales to minors or how to recognize when to cut a patron off.
There are two categories of alcohol seller/server training in Georgia: on-premises and off-premises. On-premises courses are targeted to bartenders, wait staff, and employees who serve alcohol for consumption on the premises. Off-premises courses are designed to address the challenges of employees at liquor stores, convenience stores, and other people who sell sealed alcohol containers for consumption off the premises.
For bartending, you’ll definitely want to choose an on-premises course.
What Does Georgia Alcohol Server Training Cover?
By taking alcohol server training, you’ll learn:
- The effects of alcohol on the body
- Alcohol sellers’ role in public safety
- Alcohol sellers’ responsibilities and obligations under the law
- How blood alcohol concentration (BAC) works
- The danger of mixing alcohol with other substances
- How to recognize symptoms and behavioral cues that indicate intoxication
- ID-checking procedures
- Strategies for refusing a sale with minimal conflict
- How to catch second-party sales
How To Get a Bartending License in Georgia
To earn your bartender’s license in Georgia, you’ll need to take the following steps:
- Check the regulations in your county, city, and/or township. Requirements for a bartending license in Georgia are set at the local level and can change at any time.
- Choose a training provider that’s approved for use in your jurisdiction. TIPS on-premises courses are popular and often fulfill local requirements.
- Work through the material online and at your own pace. You should be able to complete the typical alcohol server course in 2-4 hours.
- Pass the multiple-choice final exam with at least 70%.
- Save the certificate of completion for future reference.
- Follow any local procedures or requirements for reporting your training to the regulatory board or your employers. In some areas, Georgia bartender licenses may require an application, including a valid ID and an administrative fee.
Your certificate of completion from training can be printed or saved to share as proof with your employer or local regulating authority.
How Long Does a Georgia Bartender License Last?
In general, it’s best to renew your alcohol server training every two or three years to keep things fresh.
If alcohol server training is mandatory where you work, local regulations will specify expiration periods. For example, in Macon-Bibb County, a bartending license needs to be renewed every 3 years.
What Else Do You Need to Become a Bartender in Georgia?
In addition to any mandatory training, landing a good bartending job might require other types of experience or job skills. Common resume items include:
- Bartending school for hands-on training
- Food service experience; failing that, other customer service work
- Familiarity with beer types, wine varietals, or mixology
- Food handler training, if relevant
- Soft skills including:
- Work ethic
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Communication skills
You also shouldn’t underestimate the importance of the right shoes – this one won’t get you hired, but it will save your life!
Earn Your Georgia Bartender License Online
Online training is often the most convenient way to earn your bartender license in Georgia. You’ll be able to study whenever and wherever it’s easiest for you.
Our TIPS Georgia On-Premises Server Training is popular with many bartending employers due to its skills-based approach to preventing illegal sales. It’s also on Macon-Bibb County’s list of approved courses. If your job will also include food service, you can pick up food handler training at the same time!
