Frequently Asked Questions About Our Courses
How old do I have to be to bartend in New York?
In New York (and most states) you have to be 18 to serve alcohol. You can get someone drunk but you can't drink yourself. Go Figure!
Do I need a license to bartend?
A bartending school certification, or license, is not a requirement by law in the state of New York. Individual bars, restaurants, and other establishments that serve alcohol, however, may require bartenders to have their certification. Certification without the necessary training is like rowing a boat without a paddle. Personality, knowledge, confidence and efficiency behind the bar are the real attributes that the manager/owner is looking for in a bartender. It's the training that gives you the ability to do the job, not the certificate.
What should I look for when choosing a bartending school?
The level of training can vary immensely from one school to another. So when choosing a bartending school we suggest you compare several schools. Take your time to research your options. The bartending school with the best training is the best school for you. Without the right training everything else is meaningless!
1-Check to see if the school is licensed by the NY State Education Department. A licensed school provides students with protection, such as tuition refunds, available through the State’s Tuition Refund Account. Licensed bartending schools also have a formal complaint process, whereas unlicensed schools, on-line bartending schools and bartending agencies, do not provide recourse, real training or job placement assistance. Unlicensed schools do not tend to invest money in set-up and equipment because they are subject to closing if and when the education department discovers they are operating without a license. Check if a bartending school is licensed: http://www.highered.nysed.gov/bpss/DIRECTORY1.htm
2- Do your research. Inquire if they offer a hand-on trial class (an excellent way to see the facilities and evaluate the quality of training). Review the school's training manual to make sure it's up-to-date and that it covers the entire spectrum from classic drinks to trendy drinks served in the bars, restaurants and clubs of today. Or will you be wasting your time learning obsolete drinks like the Pink Squirrel, Golden Cadillac, Angels Tip, and King Alphonse. Once you've done your research, make a visit to the two or three bartending schools that you have narrowed your choice down to. Before making a final decision, you need to physically check out the facilities. Does it have the atmosphere of a real bar? Is it fully equipped with all the modern equipment? Are the classes overcrowded or too large in comparison to the number of stations. By visiting several schools, you will be able to make an informed and educated decision as to which bartending school provides you the best value for your money.
3-A good bartending school will provide detailed training/seminars on wine, spirits and beer along with all other aspects of bartending. It's not only about making the drinks, it's about the complete skill set; you need to create and build a career in bartending.
Do you guarantee a job?
The degree of job placement assistance offered by any trade school varies immensely, but none guarantee you a job, At the New York Bartending School we are proud of our job placement assistance program - it has helped thousands of graduates find a job. At the Long Island Bartending School of New York we provide job hunting seminars, one-on-one assistance and a job placement site that posts real job leads - we provide graduates with every tool they need to land a job. It's these resources combines with our graduate's persistence and determination that accounts for our success, and theirs, in finding a bartending job. Check out our blog for more info on job placement and our photo gallery to view our graduates at work.
What if I am not ready after 40 hours?
If you feel you need to take the course again to refine your training, you can take the course over again - as many times as you wish, at no additional fee. This applies to any of our bartending schools.
Do you have payment plans?
We offer an interest-free payment plan. Call us at 516.279.4510 to schedule what payment plan works for you. We're more than happy to help you start your career training.
Do you offer flexible schedules?
We offer classes at a variety of times so you can fit it into your schedule. View our schedule for details, or call us to talk about working out a schedule that works for you!
I do not drink and know nothing about alcohol. Can I still learn?
Most of our students start out with little or no knowledge of alcohol, yet most graduate the first time they take the course. It all boils down to a comprehensive curriculum and unique teaching from qualified licensed instructors. If you are not ready, no problem, you can retake part or the entire course as many times as you want, whenever you want, and you will never have to pay another dime!
Ready to start your bartending training? Register today by calling 516.279.4510
Back to top |
