Frequently Asked Questions About Our Bar Services
General Questions
Q: What is an Experience Partner? Our bartenders and servers aren’t just staff, they’re Experience Partners. Every person on our team is vetted for both skill and character, holds a valid Serving It Right certification, and is trained regularly to deliver the same standard of service at every event. Together, they make up your Experience Team.
Q: How does payment work? Once you approve your custom quote, a 50% deposit secures your date and your inventory. The remaining balance is due one month before your event, payable by card or e-transfer. We keep it simple, no surprise fees added at the end.
Q: What areas do you service? We provide mobile bar services across Greater Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, from West Vancouver to Chilliwack. This includes Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, Richmond, New Westminster, Port Moody, Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, and surrounding areas.
Q: Do you offer labour-only or bartender-only packages? No. We offer full-service packages only. This is a deliberate choice; it ensures every event we take on is set up, staffed, and broken down to the same standard. Bartender-only arrangements don’t allow us to guarantee that experience.
Mobile Bar Services
Q: What is included in a Mobile Bar Services package? Our full-service packages are designed so you don’t have to coordinate multiple vendors. Depending on your package, inclusions cover: certified bartenders and servers, portable bar setup, all bar equipment, ice, sodas and juices, cups or glassware, set-up and takedown, and a custom cocktail menu if requested. We also offer liquor purchase and delivery so you don’t have to source alcohol separately.
Q: Do you handle the Special Event Permit (liquor licence)? This is one of the most important questions to get right. Per BC legal requirements, the SEP permittee and event managers must complete their own Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) program, you cannot use your bartender’s certification on your application. If a liquor inspector visits your event and asks to see your RBS certification, you need to present your own. The course, exam, and certificate are available at responsibleservicebc.gov.bc.ca. For full SEP details, visit the BC government licensing page. We walk every client through this process during the free consultation so nothing gets missed.
Q: How long does a package cover? Standard packages include up to 8 hours of service. If your event runs longer, additional time is discussed during your free consultation and quoted accordingly, no surprises on the day.
Q: What bar payment options can I offer my guests? You have four options: open bar, toonie bar, ticketed bar, or cash bar. For toonie bars, have a cash jar available. For cash bars, provide your own float. We’ll help you choose the right format for your event type and guest count during the consultation.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a bartender for a party in Vancouver? Our packages range from approximately $2,000 to $20,000 depending on guest count, event duration, venue, and services required. Every quote is custom, there are no fixed one-size packages because no two events are the same. What we can promise: no logistics fees, no transportation fees, no delivery fees, no drop-off or pick-up fees, and we cover the GST. Request a free consultation and we’ll have a quote ready for you.
Q: Do I need to source the alcohol myself? No. We offer liquor purchase and delivery as part of our service. Most competitors require you to source and deliver your own alcohol, we handle it for you so you have one less thing to coordinate before your event.
Bar Development Program
Q: What is the Bar Development Program? The Bar Development Program is a consulting service for liquor-licensed restaurants and bars looking to improve revenue, reduce waste, or build a bar program from scratch. Led by Creative Director Brendon Sharma with 10 years of experience working with establishments including Sequoia, Recipe Unlimited, and Atlas Steak + Fish, the program covers bartender training and hiring, bar labour management, liquor inventory management, beverage menu creation, and liquor sales strategy.
Q: Who is the Bar Development Program for? It’s built for two types of operators: those finalising the details of a new liquor-licensed establishment, and those looking to improve the performance of an existing bar program. If your bar is underperforming on revenue, struggling with inventory loss, or needs a beverage menu that actually moves product, this program is designed for that.
Q: How do I get started with the Bar Development Program? The first step is a free initial consultation. We use that session to understand your current bar setup, your business goals, and where the gaps are. From there, Brendon and the team build a program specific to your operation. Complete the consultation form on the Bar Development Program page to book your session.