Alabama Mobile Bartending Laws
Alabama is a strict “Brick-and-Mortar” state. There is no standalone Mobile Bar License. You typically cannot sell alcohol from a vehicle unless you already own a licensed restaurant or lounge.
Current as of February 2026
Select Your Business Model
Short Answer: You do NOT need a liquor license if the event is a private party (invite-only) and the host supplies the alcohol for free. You are charging for labor, equipment, and mixers—not alcohol.
The Service-Only Strategy
Alabama laws are strict about “sales.” If money exchanges hands for a drink, you need a license. However, if a host provides alcohol freely to guests at a private event (wedding, backyard party), no “sale” occurs. You can rent them commercial portable bars and provide professional bartenders to serve their alcohol. [Ref] Private Party Rule:
A license is required for the “sale” of alcohol. Service at a private party without sales is generally exempt.
Source: ABC Board Regs
The Strategy: Operate as an “Event Staffing & Rental” company. Quote for “Bartender Labor” and “Bar Rental.” Never put alcohol on your invoice. The client buys the booze directly from a package store.
The Liability Buffer
Protecting the Host: In Alabama, “Social Host” liability is real. If a wedding guest leaves drunk and causes an accident, the bride and groom can potentially be sued.
Your Value Prop: You aren’t just pouring drinks; you are a professional safety layer. By hiring a licensed, RVP-trained bartender with Liquor Liability Insurance, the host demonstrates they took responsible steps to prevent over-service. This “Peace of Mind” is your strongest selling point.
Short Answer: Selling alcohol (Wet Hire) generally requires you to hold a permanent Retail Liquor License (Restaurant/Lounge). There is no standalone “Mobile Bar License” for independent operators.
The “Restaurant First” Rule
Alabama does not issue liquor licenses to vehicles. To cater alcohol and sell it, you typically need to hold a Restaurant Retail Liquor License or a Lounge Retail Liquor License for a brick-and-mortar location first. You then get off-site catering privileges attached to that license. [Ref] Fixed Location:
“Evidence of ownership… of the real property where the applicant’s business will be located.”
Source: Admin Code 20-X-5-.01
Basically: If you don’t already own a bar or restaurant, this path is extremely difficult and expensive.
The “Plumbing Trap”
If you do manage to get a permit, mobile units are often subject to “Mobile Food Establishment” codes. This means you need a 3-compartment sink and a separate hand sink on the unit, plus a wastewater tank 15% larger than your fresh water supply. [Ref] Mobile Sink Rule:
Mobile food units must have a handwashing sink and appropriate warewashing facilities.
Source: ADPH Food Rules 420-3-22
Most “horse trailer” bars fail this inspection unless heavily modified.
⚠️ Reality Check: Local Traps
Alabama has a complex mix of state and local laws. Watch out for these three common traps.
1. The “Wet/Dry” Puzzle
Alabama is a patchwork. Some counties are Dry (no sales), but have “Wet” cities inside them. 23 of 67 counties are partially dry. You must check the specific address of every venue. [Ref] Wet/Dry Status:
Alcohol sales status varies by county and municipality.
Source: ABC Board Maps
Action: Don’t assume legality.
2. Dram Shop Liability
Alabama has strict Dram Shop laws (Ala. Code § 6-5-71). Even a social host can be sued if they serve alcohol to a minor who then causes an injury. [Ref] Social Host Liability:
Hosts can be liable for damages if they serve minors who cause injury.
Source: Ala. Code § 6-5-71
Action: Hire pro bartenders.
3. The 19 vs 21 Gap
Servers can be 19+ ONLY if your business is RVP certified. If you are not RVP certified, everyone must be 21+. Dry Hire bartenders should generally be 21+ to be safe.
Action: Check staff IDs.
Staffing & Operations Matrix
Alabama distinguishes between RVP-certified and non-certified businesses.
| Role | Minimum Age | The Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Bartender (Mix/Pour) | 21+ | Must be 21 to mix drinks or pour spirits/wine/beer behind the bar. [Ref] Bartender Age: “Legal Age to Bartend (mix drinks): 21.” Source: AL Responsible Vendor |
| Server (Deliver) | 19+ (RVP) | Can serve 19+ ONLY if business is RVP Certified. Otherwise 21+. [Ref] Server Age: “19 years of age… provided the licensee is certified in the Responsible Vendor Program.” Source: Ala. Code § 28-1-5 |
| Purchase Age | 21+ | Strictly enforced for all alcohol purchases. |
Common Questions
What is “Dry Hire” vs “Wet Hire” in Alabama? ▼
Dry Hire: You provide the portable bar, tools, and staff. The client provides the alcohol. This is generally legal without a permit for private parties.
Wet Hire: You provide and sell the alcohol. This requires a Retail Liquor License and is difficult for mobile-only businesses.
What is “Dram Shop” liability? ▼
Civil Liability for Injury. Under Alabama Code § 6-5-71, anyone who sells or furnishes alcohol “contrary to law” (e.g. to a minor or visibly intoxicated person) can be sued for damages if that person causes injury. This includes “Social Hosts” serving minors.
Does my portable bar need to be NSF certified? ▼
Ideally Yes. Alabama Health Department rules for mobile food units require equipment to be “approved,” meaning smooth, non-absorbent, and easily cleanable. If you handle garnishes (fruit) or ice, you are a food handler. Commercial-grade stainless steel is the safest way to pass inspection.
What is the Responsible Vendor Program (RVP)? ▼
A Voluntary Safety Program. The Alabama ABC Board runs the RVP. If your business is certified (meaning your staff is trained), you get two huge benefits: 1) You can hire servers as young as 19 (instead of 21), and 2) Fines for violations are reduced or eliminated. It is highly recommended.
Can I buy the alcohol for the client? ▼
No. In Alabama, you generally cannot be the purchaser. The host should buy the alcohol directly from a licensed ABC store or private package store. You should not be “reselling” it to them, even for reimbursement, to avoid any accusation of unlicensed sales (acting as an unlawful agent).
Can I keep the leftover bottles? ▼
No. The alcohol is the property of the host. You cannot transport open containers or take inventory home to build your own stock. Leave all unconsumed alcohol with the client.
Can I set up in a public park? ▼
Usually No. Most public parks in Alabama prohibit alcohol consumption. You would need specific permission from the municipality and possibly a Special Event Retail License. Dry Hire works best on private property.
Beat the Heat
Alabama summers are hot and humid. Don’t limit your business to outdoor trailer events where ice melts instantly. Our portable bars on wheels allow you to move the party indoors to air-conditioned ballrooms and historic venues.
Zero-Tool Assembly
Set up a professional station in minutes, even in tight spaces.
Built for Volume
Integrated ice wells and speed rails designed for high-traffic events.
