If you’re interested in becoming a bartender in Utah, you’ll need to obtain a Utah bartending license. While this may seem like a daunting task, it’s a fairly straightforward process that we’ll walk you through in this article.
We’ll start by discussing the eligibility requirements and then move on to the fun part: completing an alcohol training course and passing the Utah alcohol server exam. By the end of this article, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a licensed bartender in Utah and ready to mix up some creative drinks for your customers.
So, let’s get started and raise a glass to your exciting new career!
Bartending License Requirements for Utah
How Old Must You Be To Serve Alcoholic Beverages in Utah?
You must be at least 21 years old to serve alcohol in Utah, and it is a requirement for obtaining a bartending license, according to the APIS.
Do You Need a Bartending License in Utah?
Yes, if you are involved in alcohol sales and service in Utah, you must complete training within 30 days of hire through an approved provider. Upon completing the training, you will receive a certificate of completion for your employer to use as temporary proof of training.
The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC) will also be notified of your training completion, and they will process your official card. It is important to note that DABC will not send a physical copy of your permit, and you will need to print it from their portal.
Complete an Approved Alcohol Training Course
After you have met the eligibility requirements, the next step in obtaining your Utah bartending license is to complete a DABC-approved alcohol training course. Utah also has the SIPS exam, which you can read about here.
These courses are designed to teach you about the responsible service of alcohol, including how to recognize the signs of intoxication and how to handle difficult situations. It will also cover Utah’s alcohol laws and regulations, which are important for bartenders to understand.
If you are going to be serving alcohol in Utah, there are two types of training:
Why Take Utah Alcohol Server Training?
- Learning Utah’s alcohol laws can help you and your employer avoid legal violations and penalties for serving minors.
- DABC enforces harsh penalties for serving or selling alcohol to minors under the age of 21.
- Charges for violating Utah’s alcohol laws depend on whether the sale is made knowingly (a Class A misdemeanour) or out of recklessness, like failing to check ID (a Class B misdemeanour).
- Even a Class B misdemeanour can result in up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both.
- Class A is punishable by up to $2,500 and/or a year in jail.
- There are also consequences for your employer.
On-Premise Beverage Server Training
On-premise alcohol server training is for individuals serving alcohol in establishments where the alcohol is consumed on-site, such as bars and restaurants. This training focuses on the responsible service of alcohol in a sit-down, table-service setting.
How Long Does Alcohol Employee Training Last?
On-premises server training expires three years after the issue date.
EASY/Off-Premise Alcohol Sales Training
Off-premise alcohol server training, also known as EASY (Eliminate Alcohol Sales to Youth) training, is for individuals selling alcohol in establishments where the alcohol is consumed off-site, such as convenience stores and grocery stores. This training focuses on preventing the sale of alcohol to minors and intoxicated individuals and how to check IDs properly.
How Long Does Easy Training Last?
EASY training is good for five years from the date it’s issued.
What Is the Job Market Like for Bartenders in Utah
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for bartenders in Utah is competitive but with growth potential. The state has a high concentration of jobs in this occupation, with approximately 7,400 bartenders employed as of May 2020. While the job growth rate is projected to be slower than average at 1.4% from 2019-2029, turnover in the industry is expected to create new job opportunities.
What Cities Are Good Places for Bartending Work?
Several cities in Utah offer good opportunities for bartending work, including:
- Salt Lake City: the state’s largest city with a thriving nightlife scene and numerous bars and restaurants downtown.
- Park City: a popular destination, particularly during ski season, with upscale bars and restaurants catering to tourists and locals alike.
- Moab: an excellent place for bartending work, with a bustling tourism industry and various bars and restaurants.
- Ogden: a city with a growing food and drink scene offering opportunities for bartenders.
- Provo: a college town with a mix of bars and restaurants that cater to students and locals.
- St. George: a city with a developing bar and restaurant scene, particularly in the downtown area.
The availability of bartending work may depend on the season and the specific establishment, but these cities offer a good starting point for those seeking employment in the industry.
Student Bartending Jobs in Utah
Here are some cities in Utah that offer opportunities for student bartending jobs while you’re studying:
- Provo: Provo is home to Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University, with a large student population and high demand for bartenders.
- Logan: Home to Utah State University with a bustling student scene and plenty of bars and restaurants.
- Salt Lake City: home to several colleges and universities, including the University of Utah and Westminster College, providing many opportunities for student bartending jobs.
Overall, these Utah 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 Utah?
According to websites like Indeed and Intuit, the average base salary for a bartender in Utah is $16.01 or $29,000 per year as of 2023, according to Intuit Mint’s data based on tax returns. This will depend on where you work, though.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining a Utah bartending license is necessary for anyone looking to work as a bartender in the state. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can become a licensed bartender in Utah and start your career in the exciting world of bartending.
Remember, the first step is to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, including being at least 21 years old; then, you’ll need to complete a Utah-approved alcohol training course to teach you about responsible alcohol service and Utah’s alcohol laws.
If you’re interested in bartending in other American states, we’ve written an article about bartending requirements across America here.
