Are you interested in starting a career in bartending in South Carolina? To get started, you’ll need to obtain a bartending license. A bartending license is a crucial requirement for anyone who wants to work as a bartender in South Carolina, and it involves meeting certain requirements and completing a training program.
This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide to obtaining your bartending license in South Carolina. We’ll walk you through the requirements and the application process and give you tips on how to succeed in your bartending career. So, this post is for you whether you’re a seasoned bartender or just starting.
Bartending License Requirements for South Carolina
Do You Need a Bartending License in South Carolina?
No, alcohol server training is not required in South Carolina. However, alcohol server training is highly recommended for employees in South Carolina, and many employers require it as it can help reduce the sanctions resulting from liquor law violations.
The South Carolina Department of Revenue (DOR) Alcohol Beverage License (ABL) division maintains a list of recognized training programs for servers. If an employee is found to have violated liquor laws, completing a recognized training program within a reasonable time frame before the offence can be considered a “mitigating circumstance” by the DOR.
Minimum Age To Serve Alcoholic Beverages In South Carolina:
To work as a bartender, you must be 21 in South Carolina. However, servers and hostesses can start working in a bar at 18, according to the APIS.
According to the Department of Revenue website, the age limits for other alcohol services are:
- Bartender: 21 years old
- Server: 18 years old
- Working in a retail liquor store: 21 years old
- Selling or delivering sealed containers of beer or wine: no minimum age
What Is the Job Market Like for Bartenders in South Carolina?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of bartenders in South Carolina is projected to grow by 8.8% from 2019 to 2029, which is higher than the national average for all occupations.
What Cities Are Good Places for Bartending Work?
South Carolina offers many excellent cities for bartenders to work in. Here are some of the top cities in South Carolina for bartending jobs:
- Charleston – Known for its vibrant food and drink scene, Charleston is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Bartenders in Charleston can find job opportunities in various establishments, from upscale cocktail bars to beachfront resorts.
- Greenville – With a growing population and a thriving downtown area, Greenville is an excellent place for bartenders looking for new opportunities. Many of Greenville’s bars and restaurants offer craft cocktails and locally-sourced ingredients, making it an exciting place to work for bartenders with a passion for mixology.
- Myrtle Beach – As a popular beach destination, Myrtle Beach offers many opportunities for bartenders to work in resort hotels, beachfront bars, and nightclubs. With a high volume of tourists visiting the area, bartenders in Myrtle Beach can expect a busy and exciting work environment.
- Columbia – The capital of South Carolina, Columbia has a lively nightlife scene and a growing food and drink culture. Bartenders in Columbia can find job opportunities in a variety of establishments, from upscale cocktail bars to college-town dive bars.
- Hilton Head Island – As a top destination for golf and resort-style living, Hilton Head Island offers many opportunities for bartenders to work in upscale resort bars and restaurants. The island’s affluent clientele can provide bartenders with high tips and the chance to work with high-end spirits and wines.
Overall, these South Carolina cities offer plenty of opportunities for bartenders to find work in various settings, from casual bars to upscale restaurants and resorts.
Student Bartending Jobs in South Carolina
If you’re planning to attend school in the state, South Carolina has several college towns that offer great opportunities for student bartender jobs. Here are some of the top college towns in South Carolina for student bartenders:
- Columbia – Home to the University of South Carolina, Columbia is a bustling college town with a lively nightlife scene. Many bars and restaurants in the area cater to college students, making it a great place for student bartenders to gain experience.
- Clemson – Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Clemson University is a top-ranked public university with a vibrant student community. The town of Clemson offers many opportunities for student bartenders to work in bars and restaurants catering to college students.
- Charleston – With several colleges and universities in the area, including the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston is a great college town for student bartenders. Many bars and restaurants in the city offer part-time jobs perfect for students.
- Conway – Home to Coastal Carolina University, Conway is a smaller college town that offers a more laid-back atmosphere than some of the larger cities in South Carolina. Student bartenders in Conway can find jobs in local bars and restaurants and at events and festivals in the area.
Overall, these South Carolina college towns offer great opportunities for students to gain experience as bartenders while earning extra income to support their education.
How Much Do Bartenders Make in South Carolina?
According to websites like Indeed and Intuit, the average base salary for a bartender in South Carolina is $16.66 or $30,500 per year as of 2023, according to Intuit Mint’s data based on tax returns. This will depend on where you work, though. Many bartenders in South Carolina have reported earning as little as $13 an hour with tips included.
Conclusion
While it is not required by law, many employers recommend or require alcohol server training, which can help reduce sanctions resulting from liquor law violations. Bartenders in South Carolina can expect a growing job market, with many excellent cities offering job opportunities, from upscale cocktail bars to beachfront resorts. For students, South Carolina college towns offer great opportunities to gain experience as bartenders while earning extra income to support their education. The average base salary for a bartender in South Carolina varies based on location and experience but is around $16.66 per hour or $30,500 per year.
If you’re interested in bartending in other American states, we’ve written an article about bartending requirements across America here.
