What is a bartending certification or licence?
A bartender prepares and serves drinks, typically alcoholic, at a bar or restaurant. They often mix cocktails, pour beer and wine, and serve other beverages. Bartenders can also take orders, manage bar inventory and handle payments while interacting with customers and providing an enjoyable experience. While some provinces and territories may require bartender certification, it’s the establishment that needs an official bartending licence to serve alcohol.
There are two main types of certifications in bartending: one from bartending schools where the bartender gains knowledge about wines and beer, learns how to create and mix cocktails, and builds an understanding of effective customer service techniques. The other certificate comes from a provincial or territorial course that focuses on the responsibilities of safe alcohol service and typically covers the following:
- procedures for checking IDs
- how to spot fake identification
- standards for intervention when denying a sale
- effects of alcohol on customers
- recognizing when someone is intoxicated
- preventing customers from overconsuming
- protecting you and your employer from legal risks
What to consider when hiring a bartender
To hire skilled bartenders and ensure proper training and certification, consider guiding candidates through the process:
High school diploma or GED
Ensure your applicants have completed secondary education, which is typically a prerequisite for any postsecondary program.
Postsecondary or bartending program qualifications
Candidates who complete a bartending program and earn a certificate often learn essential skills, including alcohol regulations, cocktail mixing, wine selection and customer service best practices.
Practical bartending experience
Look for candidates with hands-on experience through bartending mentorships or roles as barbacks who support bartenders during busy shifts by keeping the bar stocked. While they do not typically interact with customers, they gain valuable experience that prepares them for bartending roles.
Developed skills
Bartenders who continuously develop their skills can offer more to your business. You may want to prioritize candidates who can showcase their abilities with a signature drink portfolio and demonstrate strengths such as:
- mixology and drink preparation
- communication skills
- memory and organization
- ability to stay calm under pressure
- people skills
- cash handling
Beverage certification
Verify that your bartenders have provincial or territorial certification to serve alcohol responsibly. These certification programs teach bartenders how to handle alcohol-related situations and prevent overconsumption, which can protect your business from liability and ensure safety.
Provincial and territorial bartender certification
You can use the following to ensure bartender applicants have the correct certification or, once hired, to help them enrol and earn a certificate. Even if your province or territory does not require bartender certification, it can be in your business’s best interest for safety and liability reasons:
Northern territories
Each territory sets its own rules for alcohol certification.
Northwest Territories
In the Northwest Territories, the SafeServe certification program trains bartenders on alcohol’s impact on the body and legal responsibilities.
Yukon
In the Yukon, the Be a Responsible Server-Liquor (BARS-L) program teaches bartenders to check IDs, recognize intoxication and understand their duties.
Nunavut
Nunavut allows communities to set their own alcohol regulations, focusing on licensing requirements for establishments rather than individuals.
British Columbia
In British Columbia, the Serving It Right (SIR) certification is necessary for anyone working in licensed venues, from managers to bartenders. The tourism industry human resource association runs this self-study program and covers those handling special occasion licences for private events. Applicants can complete the coursework and exam either online or through printed materials.
Manitoba
Manitoba requires anyone in alcohol service, including bartenders, managers and security personnel, to hold Smart Choices certification. The program covers all aspects of responsible alcohol service, and applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Alberta
Alberta’s Gaming and Liquor Commission manages the ProServe program. Anyone serving alcohol in licensed establishments or at private events requires this certification. You can complete the training online, through seminars, or with self-study materials. A final proctored exam certifies the individual.
Ontario
In Ontario, Smart Serve certification is mandatory for all involved in alcohol service. The course can take up to four hours to complete online or in person. While anyone can enrol, only those aged 18 or older can legally serve alcohol in the province.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia requires the Serve Right certification for anyone working in alcohol service. Managed by the Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council, the program offers online courses and seminars for bartenders and managers.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Hospitality NL offers the Serve Responsible NL program. While not required, this certification benefits anyone working in alcohol service. Students can complete the online self-study modules and take a final exam. Separate options exist for managers and servers.
New Brunswick
The Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick provides the Responsible Beverage certification with options for servers and management. The voluntary program helps ensure safe and responsible alcohol service in the province’s hospitality industry.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island requires the It’s Our Business certification for anyone working with alcohol within 30 days of starting their job. Provided by the Liquor Control Commission, this program offers online and in-person training. To remain compliant, everyone must renew their certification every five years.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan requires all alcohol-serving professionals to earn Serve It Right Saskatchewan (SIRS) certification. You can complete the training online or in person, with a 45-day deadline. The certification remains valid for five years.
Quebec
Quebec offers the Service in Action program for hospitality workers who want to enhance their knowledge, though the province does not require it. This four-hour course is available online or in-person and aims to improve bartenders’ service skills.
Frequently asked questions about bartending certification
What is bartending certification in Canada?
Obtaining a bartending certification in Canada can ensure that individuals serving alcohol understand the laws, responsibilities and safety measures necessary for their role. Certification programs teach proper alcohol service, including how to prevent overconsumption, recognize intoxication, and check ID. Each province or territory has its own certification program and requirements.
Is bartending certification mandatory in all provinces?
Not all provinces and territories require bartending certification, but most do. Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta have mandatory certifications such as Smart Serve, Serving It Right and ProServe. Even in areas like Quebec and Nunavut, where it is not required, many employers prefer certified staff to reduce legal and safety risks.
How does bartending certification benefit businesses?
Bartending certification helps businesses comply with provincial alcohol regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues. Certified bartenders understand how to serve alcohol responsibly, which minimizes the chances of over-serving customers. This, in turn, lowers liability risks and helps create a safer environment.
How long does it take to complete a bartending certification in Canada?
The time it takes to complete bartending certification varies depending on the program. Applicants can complete most certifications online, like Smart Serve and ProServe, in a few hours. These programs offer flexibility, allowing participants to learn at their own pace and meet provincial standards for alcohol service.
Can bartending certification expire?
Yes, many bartending certifications in Canada have expiration dates. For example, certifications like Ontario’s Smart Serve and Saskatchewan’s SIRS remain valid for five years. After that period, employees must renew their certification to continue working in alcohol service roles and ensure ongoing compliance with updated laws and regulations. This renewal process helps employees stay updated with changes in alcohol laws, safety protocols and responsible serving practices. Regular recertification can also maintain a high standard of service and minimize liability risks for employers.
Bartending certification in Canada keeps your bartenders well-versed in the laws and responsibilities of serving alcohol, helping you stay compliant with provincial regulations. While certification isn’t mandatory in all provinces, certified staff can significantly reduce legal and safety risks in your organization.
