We are uniquely qualified to answer this question, as Bartenders Unlimited (BU) originated the ‘Beverage
Catering’ concept in 1979.
In very simple terms, beverage catering means the provision and dispensing of beverages. However, a legitimate and comprehensive beverage caterer possesses a liquor license, meets all governmental criteria, and carries sufficient insurance, including liquor liability and worker’s compensation with the ability to process additionally insureds.
Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, a qualified and knowledgeable company maintains a staff of beverage experts and professional bartenders who will listen to their clients’ needs and guide them to ensure they receive the desired result.
There are specialists in every profession; beverage catering is no exception.
The bar is integral in setting the tone of an event, and is a pivotal point for socializing. Alcoholic beverages should be dispensed by those professionals who are accustomed to responsibly monitor consumption.
In order to receive the utmost in service, the bar is better entrusted to those who are proficient in effecting focused bartending and beverage purveyance. Bartenders Unlimited has considerably more experience than anyone in our industry.
It all depends. If you provide your own alcoholic beverages and your event is not open to the general public then you do not. If you hire a third party to provide and dispense alcoholic beverages, then licensing of your event is mandatory in most cases. Even in my own home for a small private affair? Yes.
Some do, but the vast majority do not. You can arrange for our services through your food caterer, or event / wedding planner, or contract with us directly.
We will gladly accommodate virtually any type of event, for example: Anniversaries, Auctions, Baby Showers, Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Birthdays, Board Meetings, Christenings, Concerts, Conventions, Exhibitions, Fashion Shows, Fundraisers, Gallery Showings, Graduations, Grand Openings, Holiday Celebrations, Launches, Memorials, Performances, Political Campaigns, Premieres, Quinceañeras, Retirements, Reunions, Tailgates, Tournaments, Trade Shows, Trunk Shows, Wedding Receptions, Wrap Parties, etc.
We have provided our services for as few as 10 guests and as many as 100,0000 attendees.
We are available throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area from Sacramento to Monterey and anywhere within California, as well as nationally for consultation or coordination.
Most likely. Should you select a venue with in-house beverage provisions, there is generally a buy-out option. The cost of our services plus the buy-out is typically less expensive than the in-house service itself
Yes. If the licensee is amenable, they may surrender their license for the day, duration, and/or specific on premise area of your event, without cost or jeopardy to them.
You cannot, but a company with the proper licensing can. BU is a qualified licensee in this regard. Certain nonprofit organizations may procure a one-day license under specific criteria for their fundraising efforts.
Sure. There are essentially two ways of handling this:
1. We can provide you with everything sans alcoholic beverages (Service & Equipment).
2. We can provide you with staff only (House Calls).
We guarantee that we will not deplete beverages in total. It is possible that one or more specific beverages could be depleted, though extremely rare. This can usually be avoided if we are given ample and timely information regarding the drinking nature of your guests.
Generally not. Each event has a quoted price for an entire service that includes beverages consumed. An exception would be if you purchase a specific amount of wine and/or beer from us.
We do not. Each and every event is unique, necessitating us to quote on an individual basis. Although a price list may seem to be convenient, in actuality it does not allow for flexibility or quantitative discounting. We can turnaround a quote in very little time, many times immediately.
Almost always. If all else is equal and your guest count goes up then the price per person will go down. Conversely, if your guest count goes down then the price per person will go up. We do not quote our prices on a per person basis. The guest count is just one of many variables in generating a proposal.
Not really. A bottle of wine yields fewer drinks than a bottle of distilled spirits. As such, a wine bar will be more expensive if it contains products of approximately the same value as those products in a full bar.
California Business and Professions Code Section 25658 makes it a misdemeanor to sell, furnish, or give alcohol to a minor, and this law applies even in private residences with parents. BU must uphold this law.
No. This is a common misconception. Drink for drink, a “standard” portioned cocktail (1.5oz of 80°), a glass of wine (5oz) and a bottle or can of beer (12oz) all induce intoxication at approximately the same rate. This is known as Alcohol Equivalence. There is certain inconclusive evidence that sparkling wine induces intoxication quicker. Bartenders Unlimited is an ardent supporter of responsible alcoholic beverage consumption.