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.

Bartending Service Areas in Los Angeles and What Travel Costs

Aug 21

Written By Jesse Owens

Platinum Bartenders event staffing across Los Angeles

This is not a ranking of neighborhoods. Platinum Bartenders staffs events across Los Angeles and Southern California, so the question is not which part of town is best but what it costs to get staff to yours. Travel is $15, which covers the first 15 miles, then $5 for each additional 5 miles, charged per staff member.

Where Platinum works

Los Angeles and Southern California is the home service area, from central LA through the Valley, the beach cities and the South Bay. Destination events go further: Palm Springs, Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco, Scottsdale, Miami and New York, quoted per event.

How the travel fee is calculated

One line on the quote, charged per staff member, based on the distance from the company base to your address. The $15 covers the first 15 miles; every further 5 miles adds $5.

10 miles, 2 bartenders: inside the first 15 miles, so $15 each, $30 in travel.
25 miles, 2 bartenders: $15 plus $10 for the next 10 miles, so $25 each, $50 in travel.
40 miles, 5 staff: $15 plus $25 for the next 25 miles, so $40 each, $200 in travel.

Per staff member is the part people miss. On a 200 guest event with four bartenders, a barback and two servers, you pay it seven times. Staffing runs one bartender per 50 guests, so the guest count sets the team size and the team size sets the travel. Enter the address at book.platinumbartender.com to see the figure.

Hillside homes, rooftops and the beach

Your address changes the load-in more than it changes the price. A hillside home often means parking well below the house and a long carry for ice, bottles and glassware. Tell us where staff can park, and if you ordered a bar rental, check a 5ft bar fits through the gate. A rooftop needs a service lift or a plan for the stairs. At the beach it is sand, wind and cold air after sunset, which is what space heaters at $275 each are for.

Gated communities, venues and public sites

Gated communities want names at the gate, so send the staff list to the guard house or the HOA in advance. Venues and office buildings usually want proof of insurance first. All staff are W-2 employees covered by general liability, liquor liability and workers' compensation insurance, and bartenders are RBS certified, so ask your venue what it needs when you request the quote.

A public site such as a park or a beach may need a permit, and so may an event where alcohol is sold rather than hosted. Platinum can obtain an ABC one-day liquor license permit for $1,950 where one is needed. Rules vary by city, so confirm the specifics with California ABC and the site.

Common questions

Do you charge a travel fee inside Los Angeles?

Yes. Every booking carries travel, starting at $15 per staff member for the first 15 miles. No zone comes free. The quote builder applies it once you enter the address.

How much is travel to a venue 30 miles away?

$30 per staff member: $15 for the first 15 miles, then $15 for the next 15. Four staff at that address is $120 in travel.

Do you travel outside Southern California?

Yes, for destination events in Palm Springs, Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco, Scottsdale, Miami and New York. Those are priced per event, so ask for a figure before planning around one.

For the travel fee on your address, build a quote at book.platinumbartender.com, call 310-985-3014, or email info@platinumbartender.com.

Jesse Owens