Starting a mobile bar in California can be an exciting venture, but it comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to licensing, permits, and insurance. In this guide, we’ll break down the key aspects to help you understand what it takes to kickstart your mobile bar business successfully.
Alcohol Sales or Dry Hire: Mobile Bar Options in CA
California operates as a dry hire state, meaning you can’t sell alcohol unless you have a brick-and-mortar location with a liquor license. However, there’s a workaround – restaurants, for instance, can set up a mobile bar through trailers for specific events. In this case, permits are crucial, ensuring compliance when selling alcohol at different locations. Notably, every mobile bar in California is a dry hire, requiring clients to purchase the alcohol for private events.
Laws regarding mobile bars can vary between counties and cities in California. It is important to consult necessary parties and seeking specific permits for each city where you operate outside your base city, such as in San Diego. Understanding and complying with county regulations is vital. Reach out to the department of health and liquor liability department for accurate information for your specific locaton.
A common concern raised is whether the dry hire model is a profitable business model for mobile bartending. Your mobile bar’s success depends on effective marketing and sales strategies. Mobile bar entrepreneurs should focus on highlighting their services, including providing bartenders, mixers, and ice, while clients supply the alcohol. You can get more info with our free resources.
Licensing
When it comes to licensing, the key steps include registering your mobile bar business with the state of California. It is also a good move to register your business as an LLC to protect your personal assets in a worst case scenario.
Certifications
Additionally, an RBS or ABC certification is required for servers or bartenders, providing guidelines on responsible alcohol service. You can complete this training online and is fairly quick to get through. This is simply to give you the guidance on ID’ing guests, safe practices, preventing over serving guests, etc.
Insurance Requirements
Insurance is a critical aspect of running a mobile bar business. General liability insurance is a must in all cases, while liquor liability insurance is often necessary. You should be budgeting at least a hundred dollars a month for these insurances. It’s important to note that insurance requirements can vary by county, and entrepreneurs are advised to contact their county’s department of health and liquor liability department for specific details.
Starting a mobile bar in California involves a meticulous understanding of licensing, permits, and insurance. The dry hire model proves to be a lucrative business opportunity, with entrepreneurs consistently generating significant profits. By staying informed about county-specific regulations, obtaining essential licenses, and securing the necessary insurance coverage, aspiring mobile bar owners can embark on a successful journey. Utilizing resources like mobilebarhub.com can further enhance your knowledge and set you on the path to building a thriving mobile bar business in the dynamic California market.
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal or business advice. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up-to-date, laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances vary. It is crucial to consult with qualified professionals, such as legal and insurance experts, to obtain advice tailored to your specific situation. Any decisions made based on the information in this blog are at your own risk, and we do not assume any liability for actions taken as a result of reading this content. Always seek professional advice before making important business or legal decisions. Remember to consult with a legal professional to ensure that the disclaimer is appropriate for your specific context and complies with relevant laws and regulations.
