We know, there’s a lot to plan when it comes to putting together an event – especially when it comes to figuring out the bar – so we’ve put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions you may have about Kitsap Bartending Services and also general bar planning questions you may have for us:
1. Are you, as Kitsap Bartending Services, insured?
Yes. We are insured for up to $2,000,000 for General Liability insurance and $1,000,000 of Alcohol Liability insurance – both of which are included with each event we serve. Typically, one-time insurance policies can cost between $200-$600 per day, so this is a huge money-saver that is included with our services. With our services, you will not need additional alcohol liability insurance, but our general liability is for our company, and not general event insurance.
2. Does the price include alcohol and/or mixers?
No. According to Washington State Law alcohol must be provided by the host at private events with a Banquet Permit, and purchased from a retail establishment (examples include: Costco, BevMo, Total Wine & More, a local brewery/winery/distillery, or any similar public reseller). However, we are more than happy to help guide amounts, plan a menu, and help find discounts and sales during our unlimited consultation planning – and even arrange delivery if needed.
If you are interested in a Cash Bar where the alcohol and mixers are provided by the bar staff, please contact us if stand-alone services are preferred or see the Pricing & Packages page for The Bustender HERE where we can arrange a Cash Bar (NOTE: with the cost of licensing and minimum sales, for smaller events, this may actually be more expensive than a hosted bar).
3. Speaking of Licenses, do you provide the Banquet Permit with services?
Yes! Although it is doable by most, we know you already have a full-plate planning the event, and navigating the WSLCB website to make sure you cross every “t” and dot every “i” can be a bit overwhelming if you’ve never applied for a Banquet Permit before – so we take care of it for you, and will print it out and have it on-hand during the event.
4. Are the Bartenders licensed with a MAST Permit?
Yes. Along with extensive additional training on how to bartend and bar knowledge, all of our Bartenders are licensed with the state-required MAST Permit (Class-12 Mixologist Permit) which is required by most venues, and a copy is available if the venue does not have it on file already.
5. Do I need to provide ice?
Mostly, no. Again, we know you have a lot to worry about, and ice shouldn’t be one of them, especially when you’ve hired a Bartender to handle the bar. We will provide a specified amount of ice that will be enough for the bar needs – factoring in guest count and length of services. However, if you are using kegs we recommend getting a few bags to cover the keg before we arrive.
6. Does Kitsap Bartending Services provide the needed equipment for kegs?
Yes. We are able to provide the needed hand pumps and keg tubs at no additional charge if needed. We also have a stainless steel Jockey Box (more info on pricing and benefits HERE) with 3 taps available. However, we do suggest getting at least the tubs yourself or from the keg supplier, so it can be on ice before we arrive.
7. Do you charge mileage or a travel fee?
We do not charge a travel fee within Kitsap County. Any event outside of the county, we do charge a competitive rate of mileage and tolls only.
8. Do you provide non-alcoholic options for children, underage adults, or non-drinkers?
Yes. With all services, we provide two punch and water dispensers – which includes our signature Raspberry Ginger Limeade which is always a huge hit for children and adults alike, without tasting like an overly-sweet pre-packaged “just add water” mix. However, if you’d like any other non-alcoholic options, like juice, soda, bottled water, etc. we will gladly serve them, but those would need to be provided by you, the host – whether they are for cocktail mixers or additional non-alcoholic options for guests.
9. How much alcohol do I need to get?
The question that has no perfect answer. It varies greatly by time of day, number of guests, length of event, local or destination wedding, weather, day of the week, etc.
However, we have put together a post HERE about general suggestions on amounts and styles to get factoring in the most common scenarios. As a rule of thumb, we suggest 1 drink per guest for each hour of the event. However, you know your guests better than we do – if they are light drinkers, you want to cut the number a bit. If you think they plan to indulge more than most, maybe up the number a bit. Factor in your guest preferences as well to determine the variety; if you have wine lovers, craft brew enthusiasts, cocktail sippers, or old-school big-brand beer drinkers.
Keep in mind, almost all wine and spirits can be returned if unopened, and some retailers will return beer if unopened (case boxes as well). We will do our best to not open anything unless it is needed, so you can return if you overstock a bit.
10. Do you offer a discount for Non-Profit Events and Fundraisers?
Mostly, yes. We will help coordinate the proper licensing and option for your event, and in most cases, offer a discount of services and/or add-ons for selected non-profits pending availability – for both our stand-alone bar services or services with The Bustender.
If our list did not answer your question(s), please do not hesitate to reach out – whether you’re in the vendor searching stage, and have a question about Kitsap Bartending Services, or if you are already a booked client and need clarification on anything.
You may also find some more specific bar planning tips or ideas on our blog HERE
Feel free to contact us via our Contact Page