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.

How Much Does a Bartender Cost for a Private Event in LA?

Aug 21

Written By Jesse Owens

Platinum Bartenders bartender at a private event in Los Angeles

A bartender for a private event in Los Angeles is $70 per hour with a 4 hour minimum, so the floor is 4 x $70 = $280 plus a $100 service charge, or $380 for one bartender. A mixologist is $90 per hour. Travel by distance, holiday and rush surcharges, and a 3.6 percent card processing fee sit on top of that.

Staff rates, per person per hour

Every role carries the same 4 hour minimum.

Role	Rate
Platinum bartender	$70
Mixologist	$90
Shirtless or bikini bartender	$100
Shirtless or bikini mixologist	$150
Barback, server, host, ambience model	$70
Banquet captain, kitchen assistant	$90
Security	$85

The fees on top of the hourly rate

Service charge: $100 per service staff member.
Travel, per staff member: $15 covers the first 15 miles, then $5 for each additional 5 miles. An address 25 miles out is $15 for the first 15 miles plus $10 for the next 10, so $25 a head.
Holiday dates: 50 percent added to the staff cost.
Booked inside 48 hours: 20 percent rush surcharge.
Card processing: 3.6 percent.
Booking: a 100 percent deposit is required, so the date is held once payment is made in full. There is no partial deposit option.

Drinks are separate. Bartender only means you supply spirits, mixers, ice and glassware. A full bar package is $19 per guest at light consumption, $38 at medium, $57 at heavy. Craft cocktail bar is $25, $50 and $75. Craft cocktails and full bar together are $37, $74 and $111.

Example 1: 40 guest birthday, 12 miles out, 4 hours

One bartender, full bar package, light consumption.

Bartender: 4 x $70 = $280
Service charge: $100
Travel, first 15 miles: $15
Full bar: 40 x $19 = $760
Subtotal: $1,155
Card processing at 3.6 percent: $41.58
Total: $1,196.58

The whole $1,155 is paid to secure the date, or $1,196.58 if you pay by card.

Example 2: 100 guest holiday party, 25 miles out, 5 hours

Two bartenders and a barback, craft cocktails and full bar at medium consumption, on a recognised holiday.

Bartenders: 2 x 5 x $70 = $700
Barback: 5 x $70 = $350
Staff subtotal: $1,050
Holiday pay, 50 percent of $1,050: $525, so staff becomes $1,575
Service charge, 3 staff x $100: $300
Travel, 3 staff x $25: $75
Bar package: 100 x $74 = $7,400
Subtotal: $9,350
Card processing at 3.6 percent: $336.60
Total: $9,686.60

Run your own numbers at book.platinumbartender.com.

Common questions

What is the cheapest a bartender can cost?

$380: four hours at $70 plus the $100 service charge, with you supplying the alcohol. Travel adds at least $15 on top of that. Shorter parties still pay the 4 hour minimum.

How many bartenders do I need?

One per 50 guests. A second is recommended at medium consumption, three to four drinks per guest, or heavy, six and up.

Are rentals and permits included in those rates?

No. A bar rental is $1,195, a back bar $365, glassware $1.95 per unit plus $195 delivery each way. An ABC one-day permit handled by Platinum is $1,950. Confirm whether your event needs a permit with California ABC or your venue.

For an exact figure, build a quote at book.platinumbartender.com, call 310-985-3014, or email info@platinumbartender.com.

Jesse Owens