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.

Best Bartending Services for Corporate Events in Los Angeles

Aug 21

Written By Jesse Owens

Bar service at a corporate event in Los Angeles

Corporate bar service in Los Angeles is priced the same way as private work: bartenders at $70 per hour, mixologists at $90, a 4 hour minimum and a $100 service charge per staff member. What changes is everything around the bar, including hosts at $70 per hour on the registration desk, security at $85, and a themed cocktail menu at $375.

What a company needs that a private host does not

A birthday needs someone to pour drinks. A product launch needs a door, a list, a brand on the menu and paperwork that the venue and the finance team will both accept. Platinum Bartenders has staffed corporate events and product launches since 2014, alongside yacht crews, weddings and private parties.

All staff are W-2 employees of Platinum Bartenders LLC, covered by general liability, liquor liability and workers' compensation insurance. Bartenders are RBS certified. That matters at a corporate event because venues and building management usually want proof of coverage before staff are allowed on site. Ask your venue what documentation it requires, including any certificate of insurance, and raise it when you request the quote rather than the week of the event.

Staffing a launch, not just a bar

Bartenders and mixologists: $70 and $90 per hour, one bartender per 50 guests
Hosts for the registration or check-in desk: $70 per hour
Servers and ambience models: $70 per hour
Barbacks: $70 per hour
Banquet captain or event allrounder: $90 per hour
Security: $85 per hour
DJ: $185 per hour with a 4 hour minimum, speaker system and decks $485

A themed cocktail menu built around the product, the brand colours or the campaign is $375, and the craft cocktail bar package includes a printed menu at the bar.

A 120 guest product launch, 4 hours

Three bartenders, two hosts on the door, one security guard, craft cocktail bar at light consumption, at a venue 12 miles from base:

Bartenders: 3 x 4 x $70 = $840
Hosts: 2 x 4 x $70 = $560
Security: 4 x $85 = $340
Service charge, 6 staff x $100 = $600
Craft cocktail bar: 120 x $25 = $3,000
Themed cocktail menu design: $375
Travel, 6 staff x $15: $90
Subtotal: $5,805
Card processing at 3.6 percent: $208.98
Total: $6,013.98

Swap in a full bar at $19 per guest and the drinks line drops to $2,280. Build the version your budget holder needs at book.platinumbartender.com.

Common questions

How do we pay for this through the company?

Payment is made in full up front. The deposit is 100 percent of the booking, there is no partial deposit option, and the date is held once the payment clears. Card payments carry a 3.6 percent processing fee. Ask for a written quote first so the numbers going to finance match the numbers on the day.

Can the cocktails carry our branding?

Yes. A themed cocktail menu designed for your event is $375, and the craft cocktail bar package at $25 per guest at light consumption includes three cocktails built for the event plus a printed menu.

Do we need a permit for a launch at our office?

It depends on the building, the guest count and whether alcohol is sold. Platinum can obtain an ABC one-day permit for $1,950 where one is required. Confirm the specifics with California ABC or your building.

For a quote you can forward internally, use book.platinumbartender.com, call 310-985-3014, or email info@platinumbartender.com.

Jesse Owens