In New Jersey, there aren’t any state regulations in place that require a server or bartender to be licensed in order to sell alcohol.
However, certain municipalities in New Jersey do require bartenders to obtain “Bar Cards.” Employers may also refer to this as the “ABC Bar Card.”
So while there are no state-wide requirements for bartenders, the New Jersey Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) gives local municipalities the power to authorize their own regulations around businesses licensed to sell alcohol. These local municipalities may or may not require bartenders to obtain Bar Cards.
For example, a person looking to work on a liquor licensed premises in Hoboken would have to contact the local Police Department to apply for the “Bar Card,” before they can begin employment.
Thus, it is critically important to contact your local city clerk’s office or local police department to find out if a “Bar Card” is required in your municipality.
If you would rather be “safe than sorry” and get a Bar Card, we recommend this course from Serving Alcohol which only costs $10.99.
Local Municipalities in New Jersey with ABC Boards:
Atlantic City, Camden, Clifton, East Orange, Elizabeth, Galloway, Garfield, Hillside, Hoboken, Jersey City, Linden, Newark, North Bergen, Orange, Passaic, Paterson, Rahway, Secaucus, West New York and West Orange.
This page was updated on August 31, 2023.
Minimum Age To Serve Alcoholic Beverages In New Jersey:
- 18
As documented in New Jersey’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s Handbook:
For all on-premise consumption licenses, no person under 18 years of age may be employed to work on the licensed premises.
The handbook later states that people over the age of 16 are, however, allowed to a busboy (as in, someone who does not prepare, sell or serve alcoholic beverages) in a restaurant, bowling alley, hotel, motel or guest house.
Bartender Qualifications/ Restrictions:
- In order to serve or dispense alcoholic beverages in the state of New Jersey, a person cannot have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
- In such a case, a person MUST contact the Division to apply for a Rehabilitation Permit. If granted, the permit would allow an individual to work on a licensed premises, sometimes in a limited capacity or with restrictions, depending on the circumstances.
Additional Resources:
- Visit HERE to view New Jersey’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s public announcements & educational material
Other Requirements That May Be Helpful:
- Driver’s License or Passport
- Good Communication Skills
- Knowledge of basic drink recipes
For more information, please contact your local City Clerk’s office.
Cheers!