Maryland is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and restaurants serving up craft cocktails and delicious pub fare. If you’re a young adult looking to break into the bartending industry, you may be wondering if it’s possible to work as a bartender under the age of 21 in Maryland. The answer is not a simple yes or no, as there are certain restrictions and requirements that apply to minors working in the service industry.
Understanding Maryland’s Liquor Laws
In Maryland, the minimum age to purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages is 21 years old. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, minors are allowed to work in establishments that serve alcohol, such as restaurants and bars, as long as they are not serving or dispensing the alcohol themselves.
Minors Working in the Service Industry
According to the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, minors under the age of 18 are allowed to work in the service industry, including in establishments that serve alcohol, as long as they are not serving or dispensing the alcohol themselves. However, there are certain restrictions that apply to minors working in these establishments.
For example, minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to work in areas where alcohol is being served or dispensed, such as behind the bar or in the dining area. They are also not allowed to handle or serve alcoholic beverages, even if it’s just delivering a drink to a customer.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are some exceptions to the rule, however. For example, minors who are 18 years old or older are allowed to work in establishments that serve alcohol, including behind the bar, as long as they are not serving or dispensing the alcohol themselves. This means that an 18-year-old could potentially work as a bartender in Maryland, as long as they are not serving or dispensing the alcohol.
Another exception to the rule is for minors who are working in a restaurant or bar that is owned by a parent or guardian. In this case, the minor may be allowed to work in the establishment, even if they are under the age of 18, as long as they are not serving or dispensing the alcohol themselves.
Requirements for Bartenders in Maryland
In order to work as a bartender in Maryland, you must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:
- Being at least 18 years old (although, as mentioned earlier, you must be 21 to serve or dispense alcohol)
- Completing a bartending training program or having equivalent experience
- Obtaining a food handler’s certification
- Obtaining a bartender’s license (optional, but recommended)
Bartending Training Programs
There are many bartending training programs available in Maryland, both online and in-person. These programs typically cover topics such as mixology, customer service, and responsible serving practices. Some popular bartending training programs in Maryland include:
- The Bartender’s Guild of America
- The United States Bartenders’ Guild
- The Maryland Bartenders’ Association
Food Handler’s Certification
In order to work as a bartender in Maryland, you must also obtain a food handler’s certification. This certification is required for all food service workers in Maryland, including bartenders. The certification program covers topics such as food safety, sanitation, and handling practices.
Working as a Bartender Under 21 in Maryland
While it is possible to work as a bartender under the age of 21 in Maryland, there are certain restrictions that apply. As mentioned earlier, minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to work in areas where alcohol is being served or dispensed, and they are not allowed to handle or serve alcoholic beverages.
However, minors who are 18 years old or older may be able to work as bartenders in Maryland, as long as they are not serving or dispensing the alcohol themselves. This means that an 18-year-old could potentially work as a bartender in Maryland, as long as they are not serving or dispensing the alcohol.
Job Opportunities for Underage Bartenders
While there may be some restrictions on working as a bartender under the age of 21 in Maryland, there are still some job opportunities available. For example, many restaurants and bars hire minors to work as servers, hosts/hostesses, or bussers. These jobs can provide valuable experience and skills that can be applied to a bartending career later on.
Volunteering or Interning
Another option for underage bartenders is to volunteer or intern at a restaurant or bar. This can provide valuable experience and skills, and can also give you a foot in the door for future job opportunities.
| Age | Job Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | Server, host/hostess, busser |
| 18-20 | Bartender (non-serving), server, host/hostess, busser |
| 21+ | Bartender, server, host/hostess, busser, manager |
Conclusion
While there are some restrictions on working as a bartender under the age of 21 in Maryland, there are still some job opportunities available. Minors who are 18 years old or older may be able to work as bartenders in Maryland, as long as they are not serving or dispensing the alcohol themselves. Additionally, there are many bartending training programs available in Maryland that can provide valuable skills and experience.
If you’re a young adult looking to break into the bartending industry in Maryland, don’t be discouraged if you’re under the age of 21. There are still many opportunities available, and with the right training and experience, you can set yourself up for success in this exciting and rewarding career.
Final Thoughts
Working as a bartender can be a fun and rewarding career, but it’s important to follow the law and respect the rules and regulations that are in place. If you’re under the age of 21 and looking to work as a bartender in Maryland, make sure to do your research and understand the restrictions that apply. With the right training and experience, you can set yourself up for success in this exciting and rewarding career.
Can you be a bartender under 21 in Maryland?
In Maryland, the minimum age to serve alcohol is 18 years old, but there are certain restrictions. Minors can work in establishments that serve alcohol, but they cannot serve or dispense the drinks themselves. However, there is an exception for minors who are at least 18 years old and are working in a restaurant or establishment where the primary business is food.
In this case, the minor can serve alcohol under the supervision of a licensed bartender or server who is at least 21 years old. The supervisor must be present and actively overseeing the minor at all times when they are serving alcohol. This allows minors to gain experience in the industry while still complying with Maryland’s laws and regulations.
What are the requirements to be a bartender in Maryland?
To be a bartender in Maryland, you must be at least 21 years old and have a valid Maryland Bartender’s License. You can obtain this license by completing a training program approved by the Maryland Board of License Commissioners and passing a certification exam. The training program covers topics such as responsible serving practices, alcohol laws, and conflict resolution.
In addition to the license, bartenders in Maryland must also complete a background check and provide proof of age and identity. Some employers may also require bartenders to have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as previous experience in the industry. It’s also important to note that bartenders in Maryland must comply with all state and local laws and regulations, including those related to serving minors and intoxicated patrons.
Can minors work in a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol in Maryland?
Yes, minors can work in a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol in Maryland, but they are restricted from serving or dispensing alcohol. Minors can work in other roles, such as hosting, busing tables, or working in the kitchen. However, they must be at least 14 years old to work in a restaurant or bar, and they must comply with Maryland’s child labor laws.
Minors who work in establishments that serve alcohol must also be supervised by an adult who is at least 21 years old. The supervisor must be present and actively overseeing the minor at all times when they are working. This ensures that minors are not exposed to situations that may be hazardous or inappropriate for their age.
What is the minimum age to serve alcohol in Maryland?
The minimum age to serve alcohol in Maryland is 18 years old, but only in certain circumstances. Minors who are at least 18 years old can serve alcohol in a restaurant or establishment where the primary business is food, as long as they are supervised by a licensed bartender or server who is at least 21 years old.
However, to serve alcohol in a bar or establishment where the primary business is serving drinks, you must be at least 21 years old. This is because serving alcohol in a bar or nightclub requires a higher level of responsibility and maturity, and Maryland’s laws reflect this.
Do bartenders in Maryland need to complete a training program?
Yes, bartenders in Maryland are required to complete a training program approved by the Maryland Board of License Commissioners. The training program covers topics such as responsible serving practices, alcohol laws, and conflict resolution. The program is designed to ensure that bartenders have the knowledge and skills they need to serve alcohol responsibly and safely.
The training program is typically a few hours long and can be completed online or in-person. After completing the program, bartenders must pass a certification exam to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the material. The certification is valid for a certain period of time, after which bartenders must complete a refresher course to maintain their certification.
Can out-of-state bartenders work in Maryland?
Out-of-state bartenders can work in Maryland, but they must meet certain requirements. If you are a bartender from another state, you can work in Maryland if you have a valid bartender’s license from your home state and you complete a Maryland-approved training program. You will also need to obtain a Maryland Bartender’s License and complete a background check.
However, if you are moving to Maryland from another state, you may be able to transfer your bartender’s license to Maryland. You will need to provide proof of your out-of-state license and complete any additional requirements that Maryland may have. It’s best to check with the Maryland Board of License Commissioners to determine the specific requirements for out-of-state bartenders.
Are there any exceptions to the age requirement for bartenders in Maryland?
There are no exceptions to the age requirement for bartenders in Maryland. To be a bartender in Maryland, you must be at least 21 years old. However, as mentioned earlier, minors who are at least 18 years old can serve alcohol in a restaurant or establishment where the primary business is food, as long as they are supervised by a licensed bartender or server who is at least 21 years old.
It’s worth noting that some establishments may have their own policies or requirements for bartenders, such as requiring a certain level of experience or education. However, these policies cannot supersede Maryland’s laws and regulations, which require bartenders to be at least 21 years old.