How to Become a Bartender in Indiana
If you’re comfortable around people and are a night owl, you could be up for an exciting and successful career in bartending. However, Indiana alcohol laws are known to be stricter than others, and you will need to complete training before qualifying to serve drinks in the state.
In this blog, we’re going to teach you how you can become a bartender in Indiana. From training to getting licensed, by the end of this blog, you will have a clearer understanding of how you can meet Indiana’s strict requirements for becoming a bartender.
Bartending License Indiana Requirements
If you're considering a bartending role in Indiana, make sure to meet the state’s requirements.
Indiana bartending laws require you to be a minimum of 21 years to serve beverages, but you can work at a venue that serves alcohol from age 19.
The next stage is to complete a training program recognized by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC).
Then, after completing the training, proceed to the ATC's website to apply for an unrestricted employee permit if you’re 21 and older or a restricted employee permit if you’re 19 or 20 years old. It’s important to note that you must complete your training within 120 days of your employment to be eligible for the license.
Indiana has designed bartender training for everyone who wants to work as a liquor server in Indiana. This license is only issued once training has been completed as required.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Be a Bartender in Indiana?
The age requirement for bartending in Indiana is 21.
Normally, you must be 21 years old to obtain an ATC employee permit, which allows you to serve alcoholic beverages as a clerk in a package liquor store, a bartender, waiter, waitress, or manager in a retail establishment.
However, an individual that’s 19 or 20 years old and who completes an ATC-approved server training program may serve alcoholic beverages in a dining area or family room of a restaurant or hotel under appropriate supervision as authorized by statute.
What Is a Bartenders License in Indiana?
In Indiana, what many refer to as a "bartender license" is actually an employee permit that allows an individual to serve or sell alcoholic beverages. It's issued by the Indiana ATC.
How To Get a Bartending License in Indiana
If you want to serve or sell alcoholic beverages in Indiana, you will need to obtain an employee permit from the Indiana ATC. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get a bartending license in Indiana:
1. Meet the Age Requirement
- You must be at least 19 years old to work in an establishment that serves alcohol.
- To directly serve alcohol (e.g., as a bartender or server), you must be at least 21 years old.
2. Complete a Training Program
- Complete an Indiana alcohol server training program approved by the Indiana State Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC)
- This is one of the most critical prerequisites for obtaining your bartending license.
- The training program provides knowledge about responsible alcohol service, understanding the laws, checking IDs, refusing to sell alcohol to minors, handling intoxicated customers, and more.
3. Apply for the Employee Permit
- Visit the Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission's official website.
- Navigate to the section for obtaining an employee permit.
- Complete the proper Indiana bartender license application form, providing all necessary details.
- Pay any associated fees. The cost may vary, so check the current rates on the ATC website.
- As part of the application process, you might be subjected to a background check to ensure that you do not have any prior convictions for crimes related to alcohol service.
4. Wait for Approval
- Once you've submitted your application and any required documentation, wait for the ATC to review your materials.
- If approved, you will receive your employee permit, allowing you to be legally employed as a bartender anywhere in Indiana.
Remember that the employee permit is not permanent and will need to be renewed periodically. Restricted employee permits are valid for two years or less since Indiana requires you to upgrade to an unrestricted permit when you turn 21. However, you’ll have to renew your Indiana unrestricted permit every three years.
Permits qualify for renewal 90 days before expiration and can be renewed up to 120 days after their initial expiration.
Laws, rules, and requirements can change, so it's wise to periodically check with the ATC for any updates or changes.
How To Become a Bartender in Indiana
Being a licensed bartender is one thing, but you’ll need much more than that to succeed. This is especially true in Indiana because not only does the state have strict rules and regulations, but also because it has a competitive alcohol industry.
This means that it’s going to take more than just the knowledge of mixing different drinks to stand out. You’ll need people skills, dedication, and more. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how you can have a successful bartending career in Indiana.
1. Meet the Minimum Bartender Requirements
If you plan on taking up a bartending job in the state of Indiana, make sure you meet all the requirements before you seek employment. These requirements are listed above (age requirement, employee permit, etc.).
2. Develop Experience or Training
While not mandatory, many employers prefer bartenders with some experience or formal training. Consider enrolling in a bartending school or course. This can provide you with basic mixology skills, knowledge of alcoholic beverages, and hands-on practice.
Another route is to start in an entry-level position, such as a bar-back or server, in a bar or restaurant. This allows you to observe and learn from experienced bartenders.
3. Practice Your Skills
Success in the industry requires a lot of practice. It will not just come with a license; you need to have basic knowledge about the different kinds of drinks, their ingredients, and an idea of what unique flavors you can create with them.
Additionally, you should be aware of the different drinking lingo used for alcohol. For instance, what does ‘on the rocks mean,’ and what is ‘neat.’ Bars also have specific language. For example, the most expensive drinks in the bar are called ‘top-shelf’ drinks.
The more knowledge you have of your beverages, the more you will succeed in the industry.
And don’t forget soft skills! Beyond mixing drinks, successful bartenders often have excellent customer service skills, the ability to handle difficult situations, multitasking capabilities, and a good memory.
4. Make Connections
It’s important to maintain a good working relationship with your employer while developing a relationship with other people in the business as well.
A bartender gets to meet lots of people every day. Networking with the right people could lead to your next dream opportunity. Exchange numbers with those who might be able to help you get better opportunities in the future.
Be open to exploring better opportunities. If you feel the bar two streets down the block will help you grow more, weigh your options carefully and make a decision that you are comfortable with.
Consider how the business is performing by asking questions:
- Are they receiving a respectable number of customers?
- What is their financial situation?
- What are their plans for the future?
This will help you make the right decision regarding when it is time to move on and whether you should stay put.
5. Continue Learning
The world of mixology is vast. Consider taking advanced bartending courses, attending workshops, or participating in mixology competitions to further hone your skills and gain recognition in the industry.
Best Cities in Indiana for Bartending
Alcohol service is a big industry in the state of Indiana. However, some cities are booming for bartending more than others. The best cities for bartending in Indiana can vary depending on what you're looking for – high volume, a vibrant nightlife scene, a growing craft cocktail culture, a higher bartender salary, or steady, consistent work.
However, some cities in Indiana stand out for their opportunities in the bartending profession due to their population density, tourism, or cultural attractions. Therefore, if you are a licensed bartender, here are some cities to consider when looking for employment:
- Indianapolis
- Bloomington
- South Bend
- Fort Wayne
- Lafayette & West Lafayette
Next Steps
A bartending career in Indiana can be very rewarding for those who are out there to get it. The training adds an extra layer of challenge, but it’s clearly all for safety and the safety of others. The best part is that, with Learn2Serve by 360training, you can now easily complete your Indiana Alcohol Server training online, offering you the convenience of working at your own pace and schedule.
Are you ready to take charge of your career? With the right attitude and knowledge, you’ll have no problems heading toward a successful bartending career in Indiana. Get started with our Indiana (On-Premises) Alcohol Server Training today!
Indiana Bartending Requirements
The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) has strict and comprehensive laws for serving alcohol in the state. From age requirements to serving limits, the state rules here nearly cover everything that involves alcohol.
The Excise Police also encourage servers or the security staff to verify the age of anyone appearing under 26, through any of the state-issued identifications before they are allowed to drink. This, along with other requirements are ALL necessary if you want to find a rewarding career in Indiana’s flourishing liquor and food business.
Most importantly, the state has designed bartender training for everyone who wants to work as a liquor server in Indiana. That all-important license is only issued once training has been completed as required.
What Is an Indiana Bartender License?
While almost all states; and especially the employers, appreciate prior training for the job and its related aspects, a license is not mandatory everywhere. Indiana is one of the select states that regulates the people associated with the alcohol business.
Any person can apply for the license with an Employee Permit Form 43. Once they have submitted the form, they can get employment and work for 30 days on the basis of the receipt they got from the application. They would need their state-issued license to continue working once the initial 30 days are done.
Steps to Become an Indiana Bartender
Being a licensed bartender is one thing, but you’ll need much more than that to succeed. This is especially true in Indiana, because not only does the state have strict rules and regulations even on, but also because it has a very successful alcohol industry.
This means that it’s going to take more than just the knowledge of mixing different drinks to stand out. You’ll need people skills, dedication, and more. To make it clear, we’re listing you a step by step guide to how you can have a fruitful bartending career in Indiana.
1. Meet the Minimum Bartender Requirements
If you plan on taking up a bartending job in the state of Indiana, make sure you meet all the requirements before you seek employment. It starts with your age. Although you can work in an alcohol serving establishment if you are at least 19 years of age, you will not be eligible to serve drinks until you are at least 21.
The next stage is to complete a training program approved by the Indiana State Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC). Once that’s done, apply for an employee permit which you can download easily through ATC’s website. It is important to note that you must complete your training within 120 days of your employment to be eligible for the license.
2. Get an Indiana Bartender License
As mentioned, you cannot operate in the state of Indiana as a bartender without a license.
A prior alcohol server training is one of the biggest requirements for bartending license. You can either take admission in one of the ATC approved training schools or get it online from a certified vendor. There are two types of this course, Indiana Off-Premises Alcohol Seller/Server and Indiana On-Premises Alcohol Seller/Server. The classes are short and don’t cost much. They, however, have to be completed within 120 days of your application.
Once that’s done, fill up the employee permit form and submit it with the required fee. If your application is approved, you will have your permit within a couple of days, and you can get employment as a bartender anywhere you want in the state.
3. Practice Your Skills
Success in the industry requires a lot of practice. It will not just come with a license; you need to have basic knowledge about the different kinds of drinks, their ingredients, and an idea of what unique flavors you can create with them.
Additionally, you should be aware of the different drinking lingos used for alcohol. For instance, what does ‘on the rocks mean,’ and what is ‘neat.’ Bars also have their particular language, for example, the most expensive drinks in the bar are called ‘top-shelf’ drinks.
You should also keep experimenting with different flavors and create your own combinations. The more knowledge you have of your beverages, the more you will succeed in the industry.
4. Make Connections
A bartender gets to meet numerous people every day. You must make connections with the right people when the opportunity presents itself. Exchange numbers with those who might be able to help you get better opportunities in the future.
Just don’t forget to treat all customers with the same respect and professionalism. You best avoid making an impression that you’re being picky. Otherwise, that’s going to have a negative effect on you and the business's reputation.
On the other hand, be open to exploring better opportunities. If you feel the bar two streets down the block will help you grow more, weigh your options carefully and make a decision that you know you are comfortable with. Besides maintaining a good working relationship with your employer, try to develop a relationship with other people in the business as well.
Another important thing is to have an eye on how the business is performing as a whole. Are they receiving a respectable number of customers, what is their financial situation, and what are their plans for the future? This will help you make the right decision regarding when it is time to move on and whether you should stay put.
Best Cities in Indiana for Bartending
Alcohol service is a big industry in the state of Indiana. Therefore, if you are a licensed bartender, you can easily find employment in one of its cities. Below are some of the best places for bartending in the state.
- Indianapolis
- Fort Wayne
- Evansville
- South Bend
- Carmel
A bartending career in Indiana can be very rewarding for those who are out there to get it. The training adds an extra layer of challenge, but it’s clearly all for your own good. It doesn’t even have to slow you down since you can now easily take this process online in line with your own pace and schedule. Ultimately, it all comes down to your readiness and willingness to take charge of your own career. If you have the right attitude as well as ample knowledge as an alcohol server in the state, you’ll have no problems building towards a fruitful and extended bartending career in Indiana.
