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.

Liquor License Requirements for Private Events in LA

Aug 21

Written By Jesse Owens

One day liquor licence and permits for private events in Los Angeles

A private host in California generally does not need a liquor license to serve alcohol free of charge at a private party on private property. A permit usually comes into play once alcohol is sold or the event is open to the public. Platinum Bartenders can handle an ABC one-day permit at $1,950. Confirm your situation with California ABC and your venue.

The general rule, in plain terms

Licensing in California is administered by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, usually called ABC. The broad distinction ABC draws is between giving alcohol away at a genuinely private gathering and selling it, or serving at an event the public can attend. A birthday at your own house where you bought the alcohol and guests drink for free sits at one end. A ticketed event in a public park with a cash bar sits at the other. This is general information, not legal advice. The specifics depend on your venue, your city, and how the event is run, so check with California ABC and with your venue.

When a permit usually comes into play

You are selling drinks. A cash bar, drink tickets, or a ticket price that covers alcohol all look like a sale.
The event is open to the public. Public admission, public property, or a venue with no license of its own.
Your venue requires it. Many venues, including some private estates and event spaces, make a permit a condition of their contract regardless of what ABC would require.
Alcohol is being served on behalf of a business or nonprofit. Fundraisers and corporate events at non-licensed sites are a common case.

If the venue holds its own license, it will normally have rules about who may pour and whose alcohol may be brought in. Ask for that in writing early.

What Platinum handles

Platinum Bartenders states full compliance with California ABC regulations and obtains event-specific permits where required. An ABC one-day permit handled by Platinum is $1,950, priced as a flat add-on alongside staff and bar packages.

ABC one-day permit handled by Platinum: $1,950
Bartender: $70 per hour, 4 hour minimum, so 4 x $70 = $280, plus a $100 service charge
Every bartender is RBS certified and a W-2 employee of Platinum Bartenders LLC
Staff are covered by general liability, liquor liability and workers' compensation insurance

That insurance point matters separately from licensing. Venues often ask for proof of liquor liability coverage before they let anyone pour, and a hired team arrives with it. You can add a permit to a quote at book.platinumbartender.com.

Common questions

Do I need a license for a birthday party at my own house?

Generally no, if the alcohol is free and the party is private. That is the common case and it usually needs no permit. Confirm with California ABC if anything about your event involves selling drinks or public access.

What if I charge guests for drinks?

Charging changes the picture, and that is where a permit normally comes in. Talk to California ABC before you set up any kind of cash bar or drink ticket system.

Does hiring a bartender cover the licensing?

Hiring RBS certified staff and a company that carries liquor liability insurance is not the same as holding a permit. If your event needs one, Platinum can obtain the ABC one-day permit at $1,950.

For pricing with or without a permit, build a quote at book.platinumbartender.com, call 310-985-3014, or email info@platinumbartender.com. For the law itself, go to California ABC and to your venue.

Jesse Owens