Age Structure
Bartending Age by State 2025
Minimum Bartender Age
16
17
18
19
20
21
State | Minimum Bartender Age↓ | Minimum Server Age | Supervisor Must be Present | Exceptions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Alabama | 21 | 19 | Yes | |
 | Alaska | 21 | 21 | No | |
 | Arkansas | 21 | 19 | No | |
 | California | 21 | 18 | No | |
 | Delaware | 21 | 18 | No | |
 | Indiana | 21 | 19 | Yes | |
 | Kansas | 21 | 18 | Yes | |
 | Mississippi | 21 | 18 | No | |
 | Nevada | 21 | 21 | No | |
 | New Mexico | 21 | 18 | No | |
 | Utah | 21 | 21 | No | |
 | Kentucky | 20 | 20 | No | |
 | Idaho | 19 | 19 | No | |
 | Nebraska | 19 | 19 | No | |
 | Ohio | 19 | 19 | No | Must be 21 to bartend wine and spirits |
 | Arizona | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Colorado | 18 | 18 | Yes | |
 | Connecticut | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Florida | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Georgia | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Hawaii | 18 | 18 | Yes | |
 | Illinois | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Iowa | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Louisiana | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Maryland | 18 | 18 | No | Must be 21 to bartend spirits |
 | Massachusetts | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Michigan | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Minnesota | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Missouri | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Montana | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | New Hampshire | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | New Jersey | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | New York | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | North Carolina | 18 | 18 | No | Must be 21 to bartend spirits |
 | North Dakota | 18 | 18 | Yes | |
 | Oklahoma | 18 | 21 | No | |
 | Oregon | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Pennsylvania | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Rhode Island | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | South Carolina | 18 | 21 | No | |
 | South Dakota | 18 | 21 | No | |
 | Tennessee | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Texas | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Vermont | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Virginia | 18 | 21 | No | |
 | Washington | 18 | 21 | Yes | |
 | Wisconsin | 18 | 18 | No | |
 | Wyoming | 18 | 21 | No | |
 | Maine | 17 | 17 | Yes | |
 | West Virginia | 16 | 16 | Yes |
Traversing the diverse legal landscape of bartending age requirements across states is essential for anyone seeking employment in the hospitality industry. With laws varying from state to state, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the minimum age requirements for bartenders to ensure compliance and responsible alcohol service.
The majority of states set the minimum bartending age at 18, allowing young adults to serve alcohol in various capacities. However, there are exceptions. For instance, some states require bartenders to be at least 21 years old to serve spirits, while others may have additional restrictions or conditions.
It’s important to note that violating these age requirements can lead to serious consequences, including fines, penalties, or even criminal charges. Therefore, prospective bartenders must familiarize themselves with the specific laws in their state to avoid legal issues and ensure safe alcohol service practices.
