How much do bartending services cost in Los Angeles?

Professional bartending services in Los Angeles start around $70 per hour per bartender for a standard event, with final pricing based on guest count, event length, bar setup, and add-on services like cocktail design or full event production. Contact us for a custom quote tailored to your event.

How many bartenders do I need for my event?

As a general rule, plan for one bartender per 50 guests for standard service, or one per 35 guests for cocktail-heavy events. We help you confirm the right staffing ratio based on your guest count, bar style, and timeline.

Are your bartenders licensed and insured?

Yes. All Platinum bartenders are licensed and insured, and we operate in full compliance with California ABC regulations. When required, we obtain an event-specific ABC permit before your event date. Host liquor liability and general liability insurance are available, and additional insured status for your host or venue can be added for a fee.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Palm Springs, and Las Vegas, with other locations available upon request.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your preferred staff and date, though we can often accommodate shorter timelines. Peak dates and large events should be booked as early as possible.

Do you provide the alcohol and handle the ABC permit?

We provide full bar setup, mixers, glassware, and bar rentals; clients typically supply the alcohol, and we secure the event-specific ABC permit where required. Let us know your needs and we'll handle the compliance details.

Event Insurance and One-Day Liquor Permits for Los Angeles Parties (General Info)

Jul 28

Written By Jesse Owens

Please note: This article is general information, not legal advice. Insurance and permit requirements change and depend on your event, venue, and how alcohol is provided. Confirm current requirements with your venue, your insurer, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), and the relevant city or county before your event.

Quick Answer: “Event insurance” usually refers to special event liability coverage that can protect the host or organizer against certain claims, and it is sometimes required by venues. A “one-day” or special daily license or permit is a temporary authorization that may be needed when alcohol is sold at an event or in other specific situations. Whether you need either one depends on your event details, so confirm with your venue, your insurer, and California ABC.

Understanding Event Insurance

Event insurance is a broad term that covers several kinds of protection for a gathering. For alcohol-related events, two categories come up most often, and many venues ask for proof of coverage before your date.

Special Event Liability Insurance

This coverage can help protect the host or organizer if a guest is injured or property is damaged during the event. Many venues require a certificate of insurance (COI) naming the venue as an additional insured. If your venue requires this, ask your insurer how to add the venue and what limits are needed.

Liquor Liability Coverage

Liquor liability is a specific type of coverage related to serving alcohol. Some general policies exclude alcohol-related claims, so a separate liquor liability endorsement or policy is sometimes needed. Requirements vary by venue and situation, so ask your insurer directly whether your event calls for it.

Who Provides the Insurance

Depending on the setup, insurance can come from the host through an event policy, from the venue, or from a licensed caterer or vendor. Clarify early who is expected to carry coverage for your event so there are no surprises close to the date.

Understanding One-Day and Temporary Permits

People often ask about a “one-day liquor license” for a party. The rules here are fact-specific and administered by California ABC, so this section is a high-level overview only.

When a Permit May Be Needed

Temporary permits and daily licenses generally come into play when alcohol is sold, when an event is open to the public, or in other specific circumstances defined by ABC. For a genuinely private event where alcohol is not sold, the situation is often different. Because the details matter, confirm your specific scenario with California ABC.

Who Applies for a Permit

Depending on the type of authorization, the applicant might be a nonprofit, a licensed business, or another qualifying party. Eligibility and process are set by ABC, and some permits have lead-time requirements. Start early and verify what applies to you.

How This Affects Booking Bartenders

Understanding insurance and permits early helps your event run smoothly. When you book staff, it is reasonable to ask what the staffing company carries and what your venue requires.

Questions to Ask Your Staffing Company

Ask whether the company carries general liability insurance, whether it can provide a COI for your venue, and how it handles responsible service. For anything about licenses or permits tied to selling alcohol, confirm with California ABC and your venue.

Ready to plan your event? Plan Your Event with Platinum Bartenders and our team can talk through staffing and what your venue may require for your Los Angeles event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need event insurance for a private party?

It depends on your venue and situation. Many venues require a certificate of insurance, and some events call for liquor liability coverage. Ask your venue what it requires and your insurer what your policy covers.

Do I need a one-day liquor license for my event?

Temporary permits often apply when alcohol is sold or the event is public, while genuinely private events where alcohol is not sold are frequently treated differently. Because it is fact-specific, confirm your situation directly with California ABC.

Jesse Owens