Thinking of starting a mobile bar, but curious how mobile bar business owners are operating without a liquor license? Maybe you’ve heard that they’re operating as a ‘dry hire’ or ‘pour service’ but now you’re wondering what is a dry hire mobile bar.

In this article, we’ll cover what they are, how they work, their benefits, cost analysis, and the legal considerations.

Overview of Dry Hire Mobile Bars

What is a dry hire mobile bar? A dry hire mobile bar is a service that offers the rental of the physical bar setup, professional bartenders, as well as mixers and garnishes, without the inclusion of alcohol.

How is this possible? Simple, the event host provides the alcohol. While this might seem inconvenient, there are many ways that a mobile bar service can support the client in securing the alcohol to ensure it's as smooth and convenient as possible. We'll cover that more in the next section of this article. 

It's important to note that each state has different requirements a mobile bar needs to meet in order to operate legally with or without a liquor license. But essentially the client must provide their own alcohol to be in compliance with MOST states.

Operating Without A Liquor License

Let's first clarify that liquor laws apply only to the SALE of alcohol, not to the serving of alcohol. A dry-hire bar can perform every other task pertaining to a professional bar service aside from the purchasing of liquor. 

This includes creating a detailed shopping list of needed spirits for the client, and even placing the order with your local supplier. As long as they at no point pay for the spirits, IN MOST STATES they are still in compliance with the law.

 

To be crystal clear, there are no loopholes to starting a mobile bar without a liquor license, the regulating bodies strictly prohibit alcohol sales without a liquor license. This is true regardless of the guest count or event size. 

Whether you are hosting corporate events, public events, or a more intimate special event such as a bridal shower or bachelor party, a mobile bar company can never be responsible for the purchasing or "supply" of alcohol without a liquor license.

In some states, you may be approved for a temporary liquor license for public events, but this is a one-off and is typically only valid for the event date.

Cash Bars Are Strictly Prohibited Without A Liquor License

The term 'cash bar' indicates the sale of alcohol. Generally speaking, this looks like a mobile bar receiving cash or payment from each guest for their individual drink. In opposition, a dry hire mobile bar is being paid by the host or client for their SERVICE and all alcohol has been paid for by the client prior to the event.

Tips and/or tip jars are fine because the mobile bar company is being tipped for the SERVICE, but under no circumstances can a mobile bartending business without a liquor license receive payment in any way for the sale of alcohol.

In the event that you are executing a public event where you will be exchanging funds for spirits, you will need to obtain necessary permits (usually temporary) from the local powers that be. Always check with your local ABC board when you're in doubt about the legality of an event.

We have seen mobile bar businesses attempt to fly under the radar based on the nature of their business, hosting private parties or justifying based on how much alcohol they provide in their beverage services. We want to be very clear that regardless of how much alcohol you're providing, or even if it's just for your best friend, the intricate web of liquor laws cannot be escaped.

 

We have seen entire businesses shut down when they don't adhere to the laws and regulations in their state. It may work for a while, but is it worth the risk? Business models without a liquor license find it safest to offer a dry hire bar and adhere to their local legal requirements to ensure their business can flourish for years to come.

What Is Included In The Provision Of Services?

NOT THE SALE OF ALCOHOL. The mobile bar company is being paid for the pouring and serving of alcohol as well as many other things. They can be compensated for the provision of soft drinks or non-alcoholic beverages, bar tools, hydration stations, quality service, or completely customizable bar services.

Mobile bar entrepreneurs can ensure a streamlined and easy-to-understand experience by communicating clearly with ideal clients about their role in providing a unique experience at almost any type of event. Check with the event space or venue owner to ensure you are also compliant with their regulations and standards as well.

There may be an additional travel fee added to services if a client wants you to travel outside of a certain range. We recommend solidifying your travel radius so you have clarity around any additional charge you'd like to pass on to the client. This can include overnight stays as well as mileage for yourself and your bartenders.

Crafting a unique drink menu is also included in the provision of services and while it may be tempting to offer a wide selection of drinks to provide a unique mobile bar experience, this can actually become a mess for the business, the host, and the guests.

Keeping your menu tight while offering a healthy selection is always a good idea. The goal is to balance your expertise and efficiency with the unique desires of the client within certain means so as not to overload your staff or your operational systems. We don't want to overcomplicate an already intricate execution and planning process

 

For example, imagine a couple planning their wedding and opting for a dry hire mobile bar. They can choose their favorite wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails to be served at the reception, adding a personal touch to their special day.

In operation, dry hire mobile bars furnish customers with essential bar equipment like stylish counters, tap systems, and storage facilities, creating a complete bar experience for various events such as holiday parties, wedding receptions, or corporate events.

By offering clients the flexibility to stock their bar with preferred drinks, these services cater to specific event themes or guest preferences, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.

Pretty much anything that ISN'T the SALE OF ALCOHOL can be included in your provision of services.

How to Obtain a Liquor License

Obtaining a liquor license is different in every state and may even vary at the city/county level. It usually requires the serving of food or in some cases the ownership of a brick-and-mortar location. It is also possible to partner with local caterers or brick-and-mortar locations but this process is too nuanced to cover in depth here.

In most states, it is very difficult to obtain a liquor license for a mobile bar, thus why most opt for the dry hire mobile bar business model. While we have seen some mobile bars secure liquor licenses as a stand-alone, they are the exception and not the rule.

The idea of a dry hire may seem inconvenient but we promise that the clients seldom complain about operating within compliance, as it is also in their best interest to mitigate risk where possible. Offering professional bartending services by certified bartenders and the curation of a personalized menu as well as a unique experience all around is where the value is in this industry. 

 

Many mobile bars have created multiple six and even seven-figure businesses without a liquor license and the clients barely notice the difference.

Conclusion | What is a Dry Hire Mobile Bar?

To wrap it up, ensuring you have a thorough understanding of the specific regulations in your state is a critical aspect of starting a successful mobile bar business. Understand that it is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance and that you cannot ever take the word of venue owners or event planners without verifying the information against local regulations.

Armed with the proper information you can be sure that your business is legal, properly protected, and is producing the most professional and memorable experience for your ideal clients.

When in doubt, reach out to your local ABC board for clarification and never take blanket advice from the internet, another mobile bar owner, or anyone else without verifying the information yourself.

To learn more about starting your own mobile bar business check out our Mobile Bar Academy, where close to 2 thousand students have created successful businesses that operate professionally in the premium market.

What is a Dry Hire Mobile Bar?