How to Hire a Bartender in Canada?

4. Job Interview

Following the resume screening step, we ask the selected bartending candidates to participate in an in-person interview with our recruiters.

We ask the candidates various general and technical bartending questions during the interviews, as follows:

• General Questions:
  • What do you enjoy most about being a bartender?
  • How do you tell if someone has had too much to drink?
  • How do you handle intoxicated customers?
  • How do you handle a busy bar?
  • How do you deal with a dissatisfied customer?
  • What do you do if you have a problem with a customer?
  • Which safety certifications do you have?
  • Have you had the opportunity to run a full bar or only a service bar?
  • What was the working environment like in your previous bartending position?
• Technical Questions:
  • What types of cocktails and beverages are you familiar with?
  • Can you describe the process of making a classic cocktail of your choice?
  • Do you have experience working with specialized equipment, such as a cocktail shaker or muddler?
  • How do you handle different glassware and garnishes for various drinks?
  • Can you explain the steps you would take to properly pour and serve a draft beer?
  • Have you worked with any specific POS (Point of Sale) systems or cash handling procedures?
  • What do you know about provincial liquor laws and responsible service requirements in Canada?
  • Are you knowledgeable about wine, and can you recommend wine pairings with different dishes?

5. Checking References

When checking references for a bartending candidate in Canada, we systematically gather relevant information about the candidate’s previous job performance and work ethic via contacting former employers or supervisors.

By contacting the references, we can confirm the accuracy of the information provided on their resume or during the interview, helping us gauge their level of professionalism and responsibility. Moreover, as bartenders interact directly with customers, we must assess their interpersonal skills, ability to handle difficult situations, and customer service orientation.

The questions that our recruiters ask revolve around the following:

• the candidates’ bartending skills and knowledge
• their customer service abilities
• their ability to handle high-volume and fast-paced environments
• their teamwork and communication
• their responsible service and knowledge of liquor laws
• the former employers’ overall performance and recommendation

We finally document the responses by taking notes during the reference check conversations and solely share them with you. This documentation will help us compare the candidates with one another.

6. Assessing the Bartending Candidates

After checking references, we evaluate the bartending candidates’ skills in real-world scenarios, as follows:

• Mixology test: We test the bartending candidates’ mixology skills, such as shaking, stirring, muddling, layering, and building drinks, by asking them to create specific cocktails or provide recommendations for various drink preferences. We evaluate their knowledge of popular beverages, their speed and accuracy, ability to experiment with unique mixes, and awareness of current industry trends.
• Organization and efficiency: We assign the bartending applicants tasks requiring them to organize bar supplies, track inventory, or create a system for drink orders. We observe their organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to streamline processes to improve efficiency. We assess their time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Composure and stress management: We design a high-pressure situation, such as a crowded bar or a customer dispute, to assess the bartending candidates’ multitasking abilities and ability to maintain composure. We observe how they handle stress, manage their emotions, and make rational decisions under pressure. We evaluate their ability to handle difficult situations calmly and professionally.
• Language proficiency assessment: We also gauge the prospective bartenders’ language skills. Based on your bar’s location, there may be international customers who would frequent your bar. To this end, we need to assess the candidates’ fluency, clarity of communication, and ability to understand customer requests.
• Soft skills: We evaluate the bartending candidates’ soft skills, such as communication, customer service, adaptability, teamwork, attention to detail, and emotional intelligence. This ensures they possess the necessary attributes to excel in their role and provide customer satisfaction in your bar.  

7. Training the Bartenders

At your establishment, we offer comprehensive and tailored training programs to bartending candidates before hiring them. Our training program focuses on equipping candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the unique environment of your bar.

Here are some critical components of our training program:

• Menu familiarization: We believe in the importance of knowing your menu inside out. Bartending candidates will receive detailed training on your drink menu, including understanding each beverage’s flavor profiles, ingredients, and presentation styles. This enables them to confidently recommend drinks and engage in knowledgeable conversations with your patrons.
• Bar etiquette and safety: Maintaining a safe and clean bar environment is paramount. We educate candidates on proper bar etiquettes, such as cleanliness, organization, and efficient workflow. Additionally, we prioritize safety protocols, including responsible alcohol service, handling potentially tricky situations, and ensuring the well-being of both staff and customers.
• POS system training: We provide comprehensive training on your specific POS system, ensuring candidates understand its functionalities, order processing, and payment procedures. This enables them to handle transactions seamlessly and minimize errors during busy shifts.
• Ongoing development: Our commitment to growth extends beyond initial training. We offer continuous learning opportunities, workshops, and team meetings to keep your bartenders updated with industry trends, new drink creations, and evolving customer preferences. This ensures they remain confident and adaptable in their roles.

8. Drawing up a Contract

The final stage in our hiring process involves drawing up a contract with the accepted bartending candidates. As legally sound agreements are crucial, we work closely with our legal advisors to draw up a comprehensive and fair contract with your new bartending staff.

Here are some steps we consider when drawing up a contract with the prospective bartenders:

• Job duties and responsibilities: We provide a detailed description of the bartender’s duties and responsibilities. This includes preparing and serving beverages, taking customer orders, maintaining the cleanliness of the bar area, ensuring customer satisfaction, and complying with relevant liquor laws and regulations.
• Training and certification: We specify any required training or certifications that the bartender needs before starting work. We will discuss whether you should pay for future training courses or the bartenders themselves.
• Shift flexibility: We outline the expected working hours and shifts for the bartender position. This includes information about regular hours and any flexibility required for evening, weekend, or holiday shifts, depending on your establishment’s operating hours.
• Payment terms: We clearly state how the bartender will be compensated, whether it is an hourly wage or salary. We specify the payment schedule, payment method, and any deductions or benefits (if applicable) under provincial employment standards.
• Breaks and rest periods: We state the guidelines for breaks, rest periods, and meal breaks in compliance with applicable labor laws. This ensures the bartender receives appropriate rest and meal breaks during their shift.
• Leave and time-off policies: We detail the policies regarding vacation leave, sick leave, personal days, and any other types of leave that the bartender may be eligible for. We also include the process for requesting and approving time off, considering the establishment’s needs and the bartender’s personal circumstances.
• Code of conduct and disciplinary procedures: We clearly define the expected code of conduct for the bartender. This includes guidelines for professional behavior, customer service standards, dress code, and any other relevant policies. We also outline the disciplinary procedures that may be implemented in the event of violations, ensuring a fair and consistent approach.
• Liability and insurance: We also include clauses regarding the bartender’s responsibility for their actions (such as selling an alcoholic beverage to a minor), the requirement for personal liability insurance, workplace insurance coverage, incident reporting procedures, and indemnification, ensuring compliance with laws and protecting both parties from potential risks.
• Termination terms: We specify the conditions under which either party may terminate the employment. This includes notice periods, severance pay (if applicable), and other relevant termination provisions under provincial employment laws.

Labour Laws and Regulations for Hiring a Bartender in Canada

Before hiring a bartender in Canada, you must acquit yourself with the applicable labor laws and regulations.

Below are some essential legal prerequisites that you must take into account:

• Employment standards: Familiarize yourself with federal, provincial, and territorial employment standards legislation. These laws establish minimum employment conditions, including wages, working hours, overtime pay, vacation entitlements, and termination procedures.
• Age requirements: In Canada, the legal drinking age varies by province or territory, ranging from 18 to 19 years old. When hiring a bartender, ensure that the individual meets the minimum age requirement to serve alcohol in your jurisdiction.
• Work permits: If you’re considering hiring a foreign bartender, ensure that they have the appropriate work permit or visa to legally work in Canada. You can consult the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for information on work permits and hiring foreign workers.
• Health and safety regulations: Comply with federal and provincial/territorial occupational health and safety regulations. Ensure that your workplace meets the necessary safety standards, including proper training, equipment, and procedures to prevent accidents and maintain a safe working environment.
• Payroll deductions and taxes: Familiarize yourself with payroll deduction requirements and tax obligations. Deduct the appropriate amounts for income tax, Employment Insurance (EI), and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions from your bartenders’ wages and remit them to the appropriate government authorities.
• Workplace discrimination and harassment: Ensure compliance with federal and provincial/territorial human rights legislation, which prohibits discrimination and harassment based on protected grounds such as race, gender, religion, and disability. Implement policies and procedures to prevent and address workplace discrimination and harassment.
• Liquor licensing: Depending on the province or territory, establishments that serve alcohol may require specific liquor licenses or permits. Familiarize yourself with the licensing requirements in your jurisdiction to ensure legal compliance when hiring a bartender.
• Privacy laws: Comply with federal and provincial/territorial privacy laws when collecting, using, and storing employees’ personal information. Ensure that you have appropriate privacy policies and procedures to safeguard employee data.

What is the Average Wage for Hiring a Bartender in Canada?

The average wage for hiring a bartender in Canada can vary depending on factors such as the region, the type of establishment, the bartender’s experience level, and other considerations. The average annual salary for bartenders in Canada is around $33,150, which equates to approximately $17 per hour. Beginners in the field can expect starting salaries of about $29,250 per year, while those with extensive experience can earn up to $39,000 per year.

The average wage for hiring a bartender varies in different provinces of Canada. The following table illustrates the average wages for hiring a bartender in different provinces of Canada:

Different Types of Bartenders we Hire in Canada