Obtain a Bartending License
To get a job as a bartender, you will need to obtain your “operator’s license” (also called a “bartender’s license”) to serve alcohol. This license is easy to get, but it’s the golden ticket to bartending in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, you can get your bartending license by completing a Responsible Beverage Server (RBS) Training Course. The course is available online or in-person and covers topics such as alcohol laws, responsibilities, and serving techniques.
You must be older than 18 to become a bartender in Wisconsin. Once you complete the course, you will get a certificate that serves as proof of completion. Obtain a Wisconsin Bartender License (Alcohol Operator License) from the municipality where you work. The city clerk typically issues the Wisconsin Bartender License.
Cost and Considerations
How much does a bartending license cost in Wisconsin?
- List Price: $14.95.
There is no residency requirement to obtain an Operator’s License in Wisconsin. Bartending school can cost anywhere from $200 to $600 for an in-person 40-hour course. Online courses often cost less, but they won’t provide you with the hands-on learning that’s needed to build your dexterity and gain experience.
Licensing Requirements and Training
What are Wisconsin bartender license requirements? Wisconsin statutes 125.04, 125.17, and 134.66 outline bartender license rules. Approved training courses comply with these regulations set by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
How long is the Wisconsin bartending course?
- To become a bartender in Wisconsin, you must be over 18 years old. Complete a state-approved 40-hour responsible beverage server training course. This covers alcohol laws, responsibilities, and serving techniques. Then, obtain a Wisconsin Bartender License from the city where you’ll work. This license ranges from $12.50-$15.
Once certified, a Wisconsin bartending license is valid for 2 years. You must re-certify after that.
Earnings and Job Prospects
What can I expect to earn as a Wisconsin bartender?
- Bartenders in Wisconsin make an average of $10 per hour, plus tips. Experienced bartenders working in popular establishments can make $45,000 or more per year.
Overall, becoming a Wisconsin bartender takes 2-3 weeks for training, then applying for your license. Bartending school provides the knowledge and practice you need to work legally and earn good pay. The process is straightforward if you meet the state’s guidelines.