A bartender’s duties extend beyond just taking orders, preparing and serving drinks, and interacting with customers. Bartenders assist in stocking up liquor supplies, preventing wastage of products, checking customers’ age verification documents, changing the kegs, and using other equipment at the bar.
If you want to work as a bartender in Illinois, you need to obtain a license from ILCC (Illinois Liquor Control Commission). ILCC grants license to people who have completed BASSETT (Beverage Alcohol Sellers & Servers Education & Training) and are above 21.
Given below are the detailed steps to acquire the requisite education and skills to become a bartender at Illinois:
- Join a bartending educational or training program in a good institute or school. There are various bartending institutes in the state of Illinois. The majority of the bartending courses can be completed in around two weeks. These programs generally impart learning about the preparation of mixed drinks, presentation of products, knowledge of drink ingredients, and related areas. The curriculum of these courses aligns with the requirements of BASSETT.
- Apply for the BASSET license at ILCC. In addition to your application, you need to submit a copy of your bartending training and course completion certificate. As of 2019, you need to pay $350 as application fees for the BASSET license.
- Some bartending training institutes also extend placement assistance for the students. So, try getting a job through placement, if possible. Alternatively, you can look up bartender job vacancies around your city. Meanwhile, keep practicing what you learned at the training institute. Most employers will evaluate your skills by asking you to mix drinks or do similar tasks.
The goals and objectives of the BASSET Program are:
Train and educate sellers and servers to engage in responsible alcohol service;
Spot signs of intoxication and utilize various intervention techniques;
Prevent DUIs and alcohol-related fatalities;
Stop underage sales and underage drinking;
Create safer communities and establishments where alcohol is served;
Educate owners, managers, and staff on dram shop insurance, state laws, and local ordinances regarding alcohol service.
Let we see How to Get a Liquor License: