Are you ready to shake (or stir) things up and become a bartender in Illinois? From the bustling streets of Chicago to the quaint towns of the countryside, Illinois offers a vibrant nightlife scene that’s perfect for those who love mixing drinks and making memories. But before you can start serving up craft cocktails and cold beers, you’ll need to meet the state’s requirements for bartenders. In this article, we’ll break down what you need to know to get started.
Meet the Basic Requirements
To become a bartender in Illinois, you’ll need to meet some basic requirements. These include:
- Being at least 18 years old (although some employers may require you to be 21 or older)
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Being able to provide proof of age and identity
These requirements are pretty straightforward, but it’s essential to make sure you meet them before you start applying for bartender jobs.
Get the Necessary Licenses and Certifications
In Illinois, bartenders are required to have a few licenses and certifications before they can start serving drinks. These include:
BASSET Certification
BASSET (Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training) certification is required for all bartenders in Illinois. This certification program teaches you how to serve alcohol responsibly and how to identify signs of intoxication. You can take the BASSET certification course online or in-person, and it typically takes a few hours to complete.
Liquor License
In addition to BASSET certification, you’ll also need to have a liquor license to work as a bartender in Illinois. This license is issued by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, and it requires you to pass a background check and pay a fee.
Food Safety Certification
If you’ll be serving food as well as drinks, you may also need to have food safety certification. This certification is required for all food handlers in Illinois, and it teaches you how to handle and prepare food safely.
Develop Your Skills and Knowledge
While licenses and certifications are essential, they’re not the only things you’ll need to become a successful bartender. You’ll also need to develop your skills and knowledge of mixology, customer service, and more.
Learn About Mixology
To become a great bartender, you’ll need to know your way around a cocktail menu. This means learning about different types of spirits, beers, and wines, as well as how to mix and serve them. You can learn about mixology through online courses, bartending schools, or by practicing on your own.
Practice Your Customer Service Skills
As a bartender, you’ll be interacting with customers all day, every day. This means you’ll need to have excellent customer service skills, including the ability to listen, communicate effectively, and handle difficult situations.
Learn About Bar Operations
In addition to mixology and customer service, you’ll also need to know about bar operations. This includes things like inventory management, cash handling, and how to use a point-of-sale system.
Get the Right Equipment and Supplies
As a bartender, you’ll need to have the right equipment and supplies to do your job effectively. This includes things like:
- A cocktail shaker
- A jigger
- A muddler
- A wine key
- A beer opener
- Glassware and barware
- Mixers and syrups
- Garnishes and other ingredients
You may not need to purchase all of these items yourself, as many bars and restaurants will provide them for you. However, it’s a good idea to have your own equipment and supplies, especially if you plan on working as a freelance bartender or starting your own bar.
Find a Job as a Bartender in Illinois
Once you’ve met the basic requirements, gotten the necessary licenses and certifications, developed your skills and knowledge, and gotten the right equipment and supplies, it’s time to start looking for a job as a bartender in Illinois.
Check Out Job Listings
You can find job listings for bartenders in Illinois on websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. You can also check out local job boards and classifieds.
Network with Other Bartenders
Networking with other bartenders is a great way to find out about job openings and get tips on how to succeed in the industry. You can attend industry events, join online forums and groups, and connect with other bartenders on social media.
Consider Working as a Server or Host/Hostess First
If you’re having trouble finding a job as a bartender, consider working as a server or host/hostess first. This will give you experience in the industry and help you build connections with other bartenders and restaurant owners.
Conclusion
Becoming a bartender in Illinois requires a combination of licenses, certifications, skills, and knowledge. By meeting the basic requirements, getting the necessary licenses and certifications, developing your skills and knowledge, getting the right equipment and supplies, and finding a job, you can succeed in this exciting and rewarding career. Whether you’re working in a busy Chicago bar or a quaint small-town pub, being a bartender in Illinois can be a fun and challenging way to make a living.
| License/Certification | Description | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| BASSET Certification | Required for all bartenders in Illinois, teaches responsible serving practices and signs of intoxication | $8-$15 | 3 years |
| Liquor License | Required for all bartenders in Illinois, issued by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission | $100-$500 | 1-3 years |
| Food Safety Certification | Required for all food handlers in Illinois, teaches safe food handling practices | $10-$30 | 3-5 years |
Note: The costs and durations listed in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the specific license or certification and the issuing organization.
What are the basic requirements to become a bartender in Illinois?
To become a bartender in Illinois, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to obtain a Food Handler’s Certification, which is required by the Illinois Department of Public Health. This certification ensures that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to handle food and drinks safely.
In addition to these basic requirements, many bars and restaurants in Illinois require their bartenders to have a BASSET (Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training) certification. This certification program teaches you how to serve alcohol responsibly and how to identify and prevent underage drinking and intoxication.
What is BASSET certification, and how do I get it?
BASSET certification is a training program that teaches you how to serve alcohol responsibly and how to identify and prevent underage drinking and intoxication. To get BASSET certified, you can take an online course or attend a classroom training session. The course covers topics such as Illinois liquor laws, signs of intoxication, and strategies for preventing underage drinking.
Once you complete the course, you will be given a certification exam. If you pass the exam, you will receive a BASSET certification, which is valid for three years. Many bars and restaurants in Illinois require their bartenders to have a BASSET certification, so it’s a good idea to get certified even if it’s not required by law.
What kind of skills do I need to be a successful bartender in Illinois?
To be a successful bartender in Illinois, you will need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills. You will be working with customers, taking orders, and serving drinks, so you need to be able to communicate effectively and provide good customer service. You will also need to be able to multitask, as you will be handling multiple orders and serving multiple customers at the same time.
In addition to these skills, you will also need to have knowledge of different types of drinks, including cocktails, beers, and wines. You will need to be able to make recommendations to customers and answer questions about different drinks. Many bars and restaurants in Illinois also require their bartenders to have basic math skills, as you will be handling cash and credit transactions.
How much money can I expect to make as a bartender in Illinois?
The amount of money you can expect to make as a bartender in Illinois will depend on the specific bar or restaurant you work for, as well as your level of experience. On average, bartenders in Illinois can expect to make around $20,000 to $30,000 per year, although some bartenders can make much more than this.
In addition to your hourly wage, you will also make tips, which can significantly increase your earnings. Many bartenders in Illinois make an additional $10,000 to $20,000 per year in tips, although this will depend on the specific bar or restaurant you work for and your level of experience.
What kind of work environment can I expect as a bartender in Illinois?
As a bartender in Illinois, you can expect to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. You will be working in a bar or restaurant, serving customers and handling orders. You will be on your feet for most of your shift, and you will need to be able to lift heavy objects and stand for long periods of time.
The work environment can be stressful at times, especially during peak hours or when dealing with difficult customers. However, many bartenders in Illinois enjoy the fast-paced and social nature of the job, and find it to be a fun and rewarding career.
How do I find a job as a bartender in Illinois?
To find a job as a bartender in Illinois, you can start by searching online for job openings. Many bars and restaurants in Illinois post job openings on their websites or on job search websites. You can also check with local bars and restaurants in your area to see if they have any job openings.
In addition to searching online, you can also network with other bartenders or people in the industry to find out about job openings. Many bars and restaurants in Illinois also require applicants to have experience, so it’s a good idea to start out by working as a server or in another role in the industry before applying for a bartending job.
What kind of opportunities are there for advancement as a bartender in Illinois?
As a bartender in Illinois, there are many opportunities for advancement. With experience, you can move up to a lead bartender or shift manager role, where you will be responsible for overseeing other bartenders and managing the bar during your shift. You can also move into a management role, such as a bar manager or assistant manager, where you will be responsible for overseeing the entire bar or restaurant.
In addition to these opportunities, you can also consider opening your own bar or restaurant. Many successful bartenders in Illinois have gone on to open their own businesses, where they can use their skills and experience to create a unique and successful establishment.