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.

What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Bartender?

Aug 21

Written By Jesse Owens

Professional bartender working a private event bar in Los Angeles

Ask eight things before you hire anyone: are the staff insured, are they employees or contractors, are they RBS certified, who supplies the alcohol, what the hourly rate includes, what travel costs, how overtime is billed, and what happens if you cancel. Platinum Bartenders charges $70 an hour for a bartender, 4 hour minimum, plus a $100 service charge per staff member.

Insurance and employment status

Are you insured, and for what? Two covers matter at a party where drinks are poured: general liability and liquor liability. Ask for both by name. Platinum Bartenders LLC carries both, plus workers' compensation insurance.

Are your staff W-2 employees or independent contractors? This changes who is responsible if someone is hurt on your property. All Platinum staff are W-2 employees of Platinum Bartenders LLC, covered by the company's workers' compensation insurance. A company that sends contractors is a different arrangement; ask them how it works.

Certification and the alcohol itself

Are the bartenders RBS certified? Responsible Beverage Service training is the California standard for serving alcohol. Platinum bartenders are RBS certified.

Who supplies the alcohol? Settle this early, because it moves the price. Bartender only means you buy the spirits, mixers, ice and glassware and pay by the hour, with no per guest charge. Supplied means we bring it: a full bar is $19 per guest light, $38 medium and $57 heavy.

Does my event need a permit? California treats a private hosted party and an event where alcohol is sold differently, and some venues require a permit either way. Platinum can handle an ABC one-day permit for $1,950 where one is needed. Confirm what applies with California ABC or your venue.

Rates, travel and overtime

What does the hourly rate include, and is there a minimum? Platinum bartenders are $70 an hour with a 4 hour minimum on all staff, so the floor is 4 x $70 = $280 plus the $100 service charge, or $380. Bartenders arrive with their own bar tools. A mixologist is $90 an hour and security is $85.

Is there a travel fee? Ask whether it is per booking or per person. Platinum charges it per staff member: $15 covers the first 15 miles, then $5 for each additional 5 miles. An address 25 miles out is $15 for the first 15 miles plus $10 for the next 10, so $25 per staff member, and two bartenders at that address is $50 in travel.

How is extra time billed? Past the 4 hour minimum, Platinum bills by the hour at the same rate. Recognised holiday dates add 50 percent to the staff cost, booking inside 48 hours adds 20 percent, and card payments carry a 3.6 percent processing fee. You can model any of it at book.platinumbartender.com.

Common questions

What if I need to cancel?

Ask any company for its cancellation terms in writing before you pay anything. Platinum bookings are secured with a 100 percent deposit, so the date is held once payment is made in full. Ask us what applies to your date.

How many bartenders do I actually need?

One bartender per 50 guests is the working guideline, with a second recommended at medium or heavy consumption. Medium is 3 to 4 drinks a guest, heavy is 6 or more.

Should I ask for a certificate of insurance?

Yes, especially if your venue requires one. Many venues will not let staff in without it, and some want to be named on it. Ask your venue what it needs, then ask for it.

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

Jesse Owens