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.

Last-Minute Event Planning: Finding a Bartender in LA

Aug 21

Written By Jesse Owens

Bar and rentals being set up ahead of a Los Angeles event

With one to two weeks before your event you can still book a bartender in Los Angeles at standard rates. The 20 percent rush surcharge only applies to bookings made inside 48 hours, so a party booked eight days out costs the same as one booked eight months out. Lock the staff count and the hours first. The drinks menu can wait.

Lock the staff first, because everything else follows from it

Staff sets the shape of the whole quote. Work out two things and you can book: how many people are coming, and how long the bar is open.

The guideline is one bartender per 50 guests, and a second bartender at medium consumption, 3 to 4 drinks per guest, or heavy, 6 and up.
A bartender is $70 per hour with a 4 hour minimum, plus a $100 service charge per staff member. One bartender for four hours is 4 x $70 = $280 plus $100, so $380.
A mixologist is $90 per hour. A barback at $70 per hour keeps ice and restocking off the bartender, which matters most once one bartender is covering a full 50 guests.

Then anything that has to be delivered

Anything delivered needs a slot, so it is the second call, not the last. A bar rental is $1,195 and includes the 5ft white wood bar, 4 ice tubs, a trash can, delivery and pick up. A back bar is $365. High top tables are $95 each and linen is $40 each. Glassware is $1.95 per unit plus $195 delivery each way, $390 round trip.

Space heaters at $275 each are what people forget in a short planning window, then want at 9pm in an LA garden in February.

What can wait, and what to skip

The bar package can be decided after the staff. Full bar is $19 per guest at light consumption, $38 at medium, $57 at heavy. Craft cocktail bar is $25, $50 and $75, and includes three craft cocktails built for your event and a printed menu.

Skip the $375 themed cocktail menu design on a short timeline unless you already know your theme, since it is design work that wants a few rounds. Skip real glassware if the party is casual; plastic cups come with the full bar and craft packages. The one thing you cannot compress is a permit. Platinum handles an ABC one-day licence at $1,950, but processing is not instant, so ask California ABC or your venue early whether your event needs one.

Common questions

Do I pay more for booking two weeks out?

No. The 20 percent rush surcharge starts inside 48 hours of the event. At one to two weeks you are paying standard rates, plus travel at $15 per staff member for the first 15 miles and $5 for each additional 5 miles, and the 3.6 percent card processing fee.

What do you need from me to book?

Date, hours, address, guest count, and whether you want staff only or a bar package. That is enough to price it. Booking takes a 100 percent deposit, so the date is held once payment is made in full.

Can I change the guest count after booking?

Guest count drives the per guest package, so tell us as soon as you know. Staff changes are the ones to settle earliest, since each added person carries the 4 hour minimum and the $100 service charge.

Price your date in a couple of minutes at book.platinumbartender.com, call 310-985-3014, or email info@platinumbartender.com.

Jesse Owens