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.

Professional Bartending Services for Small Private Parties in LA

Aug 21

Written By Jesse Owens

Bartender serving a small private party in Los Angeles

For a private party of 20 to 50 guests in Los Angeles, one bartender covers the room. At $70 per hour with a 4 hour minimum and a $100 service charge, that is $380 for a four hour party if you supply the alcohol. Add a full bar package and Platinum supplies the drinks at $19 per guest for light consumption.

One bartender covers 50 guests

The staffing guideline is one bartender per 50 guests. A party of 20, 30 or 45 people sits inside that, so a single bartender is the normal answer. A second bartender is recommended when consumption is medium or heavy, which means three to four drinks per guest or six and up. If your 40 guests are drinking through a five hour birthday, one person behind the bar will be busy, and the second bartender is what keeps the line short.

Every bartender is a W-2 employee of Platinum Bartenders LLC, RBS certified, and covered by general liability, liquor liability and workers' compensation insurance. They arrive with their own bar tools.

A 30 guest, 4 hour party, priced two ways

Same party, same staffing. The difference is who buys the alcohol.

Option 1: bartender only. You supply spirits, mixers, ice and glassware. Platinum supplies the person.

4 hours x $70 = $280
Service charge: $100
Total: $380

Option 2: bartender plus a full bar package. Platinum brings top-shelf spirits, beer, wine, mixers, sodas, ice, garnishes and plastic cups.

Staff, as above: $380
Full bar, light consumption: 30 guests x $19 = $570
Total: $950

At medium consumption the per-guest price doubles: 30 x $38 = $1,140, giving $1,520 with staff. A craft cocktail bar runs $25 per guest light, which is three craft cocktails built for your event plus beer, wine, sodas, mixers, ice, garnishes, cups and a printed menu, so $750 plus $380 = $1,130.

What gets added on top

Travel, per staff member: $15 covers the first 15 miles, then $5 for each additional 5 miles. An address 25 miles out is $25 a head.
Card processing: 3.6 percent.
Holiday dates: 50 percent on the staff cost.
Bookings inside 48 hours: 20 percent.
No bar at home? A 5ft white wood bar with 4 ice tubs and a trash can, delivered and picked up, is $1,195. Glassware is $1.95 per unit with delivery and pick up at $195 each way.

Prices for your own guest count are at book.platinumbartender.com.

Common questions

Is a bartender worth it for only 25 people?

It is the same 4 hour minimum and the same $380 whether the room holds 25 or 50. What you get back is a host who is not making drinks, ice and glassware that stay stocked, and someone paying attention to how much people have had.

Can I just buy the alcohol myself?

Yes. That is the bartender only option: you supply spirits, mixers, ice and glassware, and pay by the hour with no per-guest charge.

Do I need a permit for a party at my house?

For a private party where drinks are not sold, usually not, but it depends on the event and the property. Platinum can obtain an ABC one-day permit for $1,950 where one is required. Check the specifics with California ABC or your venue.

To price your own party, build a quote at book.platinumbartender.com, call 310-985-3014, or email info@platinumbartender.com.

Jesse Owens