FAQ
Hiring a bartender in Ontario, answered.
30 short answers on cost, staffing, permits, tipping and alcohol.
Cost
How much does a bartender cost per hour?
$45/hr per staff-only bartender (4-hr minimum). All-inclusive bar packages start at $595 for 3 hours.
How much does a bartender cost for a wedding?
$995 for 100 guests (4 hrs, 2 bartenders, mixers and ice included), $1,450 for 150 guests, or $45/hr per bartender for staff only.
What do mobile bartenders charge?
$45/hr per bartender for staff only, or $595–$1,450 for an all-inclusive bar package. Full pricing.
Are mixers and ice included?
Yes. Every bar package includes mixers, mix-ins, ice, garnish, cups, napkins and straws. You only buy the alcohol.
Can I add another bartender?
Yes — $125 per extra bartender on any bar package.
Is gratuity included?
No. 18% is added to wedding & corporate bar packages booked without a tip jar. Staff-only bookings have no automatic gratuity.
How do I lock in my date?
30% non-refundable deposit — for bar packages and staff-only bookings. The balance is due before your event.
What if my event runs longer?
$125 per extra hour on any bar package, or $45/hr per person for staff only.
Do you charge for travel?
Free within 50km of Brantford. Then $1/km for drivable events. Fly-in events get an itemized travel quote.
What if I have more than 150 guests?
We'll custom-quote it. Send your details and we'll staff it at 1 bartender per 75 guests.
Staffing
How many bartenders do I need for 100 guests?
Two. We staff 1 bartender per 75 guests: 1 up to 75, 2 up to 150, 3 up to 225.
How many servers do I need for 100 guests?
2, 3 or 6 — light duty is 1 per 60, buffet 1 per 35, plated dinner 1 per 18.
Can I book staff without the bar package?
Yes. Bartenders, servers, setup & cleanup crew and catering support at $45/hr each, 4-hr minimum. Event staffing.
What does a mobile bartender do?
Sets up, serves and closes your bar at your venue — pouring, checking for over-service and keeping the line moving.
What do mobile bartenders provide?
Depends on the booking. Staff only: the bartender. All-inclusive: bartenders, mixers, ice, garnish, cups, napkins, straws, a printed menu sign, and setup & breakdown.
Permits & insurance
Do I need a Special Occasion Permit (SOP)?
Only at a rented venue without its own liquor licence. Serving invited guests at home or another private place needs no permit (AGCO).
Do I need a permit for a party at my house?
No. The AGCO says serving invited guests in your own home doesn't need a permit.
How much is a Special Occasion Permit in Ontario?
$50/day for a private no-sale permit. Apply on iAGCO at least 10 days before an indoor private event.
What time does the bar have to close in Ontario?
2 a.m. at permit events (AGCO regular hours 9 a.m.–2 a.m.), or 3 a.m. on New Year's Eve.
Do bartenders need a licence in Ontario?
Smart Serve is Ontario's responsible-service certification, and the AGCO recommends it for permit events. Tara is Smart Serve certified.
Do I need a bartender at my wedding?
Not legally at a private event, but the AGCO recommends Smart Serve certified servers — and it keeps your family off bar duty.
Are you insured?
Yes — $2M liability insurance for private events where the client supplies the alcohol. Tara is also Smart Serve certified.
What kind of insurance does a mobile bartender need?
Liquor liability and general liability. Ours is $2M, covering private events where the client supplies the alcohol.
Tipping
Do you tip a bartender at a wedding?
Either a tip jar or 18%. Weddings booked without a tip jar have an 18% gratuity added to the invoice.
Do you tip a bartender at a private party?
A tip jar is the easiest way — guests tip as they go. Ask about gratuity when you get your quote.
Alcohol & bars
Do I need to supply my own alcohol?
Yes. You supply the alcohol; we handle everything poured around it. How much to buy.
How much alcohol do I need for 100 guests?
About 600 drinks for 5 hours: 200 beers (9 cases), 40 bottles of wine and 10 litres of liquor. Calculator.
Do you run cash bars?
No. We work private events where the host supplies the alcohol for guests. We don't sell drinks or run cash bars.
Do you do mocktail or dry bars?
Yes — dry weddings, showers, all-ages parties and work events. Mocktail bars.
Do you bartend Christmas and holiday parties?
Yes — office holiday parties, client events, home Christmas parties and New Year's Eve.
Ready to lock your date?
Tell us about your event and get a custom quote, usually the same day.