Do I need a personal licence to be a bartender?

No. You only need a personal licence if you want to be the person who authorises alcohol sales, such as a designated premises supervisor, but it is a good extra for progression. Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check locally.

Can I apply with no bar experience?

Yes. Venues often train new staff on the drinks, so show that you are quick, friendly and calm under pressure, and mention any customer service or hospitality work.

Should I list the cocktails I can make?

List a few if the job is at a cocktail bar. Otherwise focus on speed, service and cash handling.

I am not good at writing about myself. Can Ceev help?

Ceev writes your CV from your own answers, typed or spoken, and shows a free preview, so you can describe a normal busy night and let it do the wording.

Bartender CV example

A strong bartender CV shows quick, friendly service, accurate cash handling and a clear understanding of licensing rules such as checking age. Employers like to see the type of venue you have worked in, the drinks you know and any personal licence or cellar experience.

Erin Doyle

Bartender

erin@example.com 07700 900138 Brighton

Profile

Friendly and quick bartender with three years of experience serving drinks in a busy town-centre pub and a cocktail bar. Confident with cash, card payments and cellar work, and knows how to handle busy weekends and refuse service politely. Holds a personal licence and follows Challenge 25 at all times.

Experience

Bartender – a busy town-centre pub with live sport and music nights

Served drinks to a packed bar on Friday and Saturday nights, keeping queues moving and orders accurate

Used Challenge 25 to check the age of anyone who looked under 25 and refused service politely when needed

Changed barrels, flushed lines and kept the cellar tidy, with the cellar log kept up to date

Cashed up the till at close and reported any differences to the duty manager

Showed two new members of staff how to use the till and learn the drinks list

Bar Staff – a cocktail bar with a late licence

Made classic and house cocktails to the recipe specifications, often around 40 drinks an hour on busy nights

Restocked fridges, garnishes and glassware before opening each evening

Took table orders and payments using a handheld card machine

Handled complaints calmly and asked a manager to step in when needed

Closed the bar safely by cleaning surfaces and making sure all stock was stored securely

Example · fictional candidate · Statement design · Use this design

Tips for a bartender CV

Name the type of venue, such as a pub, cocktail bar or event bar, since each needs slightly different skills
List your personal licence if you hold one
Mention Challenge 25 and responsible service to show you understand the law
Show speed and accuracy with a detail such as serving a packed bar or making cocktails at pace
Include cellar and stock skills, which matter most in pubs
Give your availability for late nights, weekends and bank holidays

Applying with a cover letter? See our bartender cover letter example.