Do you need a license to bartend in Minnesota?

Answered by Charles Pate

In Minnesota, there is no statewide requirement for obtaining a bartending license. However, it is important to note that some cities within the state may have their own regulations and licensing requirements for servers. Therefore, it is crucial to research and understand the specific rules and regulations of the city in which you plan to work as a bartender.

Having said that, let me share my personal experiences and insights regarding bartending in Minnesota. As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to work in various establishments throughout the state. I have always found it beneficial to familiarize myself with the local alcohol regulations, even if a statewide license is not mandatory.

Cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul, for example, have their own licensing requirements for servers. In Minneapolis, individuals who serve or sell alcohol are required to obtain an Alcohol Server Certificate, commonly known as a “Pouring License.” This certificate can be obtained by completing a Responsible Alcohol Service Training program, which educates servers on the responsible sale and service of alcohol.

Similarly, in St. Paul, alcohol servers are required to have a City of St. Paul Alcohol Awareness Training certificate. This certificate can be obtained by completing an approved training program that covers topics such as alcohol laws, responsible service, and recognizing signs of intoxication.

It is worth mentioning that these requirements may vary from city to city within Minnesota. For instance, smaller towns or rural areas might have different regulations or may not require any specific permits or certifications. It is essential to reach out to the local city or county government offices to inquire about the specific requirements in the area you wish to work.

To summarize the information above, while Minnesota does not have a statewide bartending license, some cities within the state may require alcohol servers to obtain permits or certifications. It is crucial to research and comply with the specific regulations of the city in which you plan to work. By doing so, you can ensure that you are legally eligible to serve alcohol and provide a safe and responsible environment for your customers.

To provide a concise overview, here is a bullet list summarizing the key points:

– Minnesota does not have a statewide bartending license requirement.
– Some cities within the state, such as Minneapolis and St. Paul, have their own licensing requirements for alcohol servers.
– In Minneapolis, servers are required to obtain an Alcohol Server Certificate.
– In St. Paul, servers are required to have a City of St. Paul Alcohol Awareness Training certificate.
– Licensing requirements may vary from city to city, so it is important to research and comply with the specific regulations of the area in which you plan to work.