Event Service Policies
Review KBS policies for alcohol, setup, cleanup, travel, deposit, payment, COI documentation, client supplies, and event service requirements. We provide transparent guidelines so your event planning process remains clear and straightforward.
Service Terms and Event Policies
Clear details regarding how KBS contracts, schedules, and executes event staffing and beverage support across Southern California.
Itemized Pricing & Staffing Minimums
KBS uses itemized service pricing instead of a flat event minimum. Each quote is built around the specific staff and equipment your event requires.
- Bartenders: $45 per hour (4-hour minimum per bartender).
- Waitstaff / Servers: $40 per hour (4-hour minimum per server).
- Barbacks: $40 per hour (4-hour minimum per barback).
- Mobile Bar Setup: starts at $150 plus delivery fee.
- Beverage Station Setup: starts at $350.
Setup and Cleanup Time
Setup time and cleanup time are not included in the base service hours. Base service hours cover active event service time.
If your event requires setup or breakdown assistance, clients can add 30 minutes or 1 hour at the hourly rate of the requested service ($45/hr for bartenders, $40/hr for servers/barbacks).
Alcohol Purchasing Policy
Clients provide all alcohol. KBS does not supply, sell, or purchase alcohol. This BYO model allows hosts to control their beverage selection and budget.
KBS assists hosts with drink menu planning, quantity calculations, and signature cocktail ideas. Signature cocktail consultation is included free with bartender bookings.
Travel Fees, Parking & Loading Access
Travel fees are 1 hour or more at the hourly rate of the requested service, depending on event location, staff travel time, parking costs, loading access, and venue requirements.
Hosts are responsible for providing clear loading access, designated staff parking, or parking reimbursement where applicable.
COI & Insurance Documentation
COI / insurance documentation is available when required by a venue or property manager. This is not included in base service pricing.
COI / insurance documentation starts at $88.67 and may increase depending on guest count, staffing needs, venue requirements, and specific policy endorsement details.
Deposit, Payment & Cancellation
A 50% deposit is required at contract signing to secure your event date. The remaining balance is due 7 days before the event starts.
Cancellation and rescheduling terms are reviewed during the booking process to accommodate client scheduling needs.
What clients provide vs what KBS provides
A clear breakdown of event responsibilities to ensure smooth coordination on event day.
What Clients Provide
- • Alcohol (liquor, beer, wine, champagne)
- • Ice if agreed upon
- • Mixers, juices, and sodas if agreed upon
- • Cups, glassware, or disposable drinkware if agreed upon
- • Garnishes and specialty ingredients if agreed upon
- • Venue access and staging space
- • Parking and loading access details
- • Event timeline and service schedule
- • Final confirmed guest count
What KBS Provides
- • Professional certified bartenders
- • Trained waitstaff and food servers
- • Dedicated barback support staff
- • Essential bar tool kits (shakers, strainers, pourers)
- • Mobile bar setup when booked ($150+ plus delivery)
- • Beverage station setup when booked ($350+)
- • Drink menu planning and signature cocktail ideas
- • Alcohol shopping list guidance
- • Setup and cleanup support when added to quote
- • Glassware coordination when available
- • Vendor referrals when available
- • COI / insurance documentation when required (starts at $88.67)
Common event questions
Get quick answers to common questions about event staffing ratios, ice calculations, setup times, and venue policies.
How many bartenders do I need for 100 guests?
For 100 guests, 1 bartender is typically sufficient for beer and wine service. If serving a full bar or signature cocktails, 2 bartenders or 1 bartender plus 1 barback is recommended to keep service fast. Explore our complete guide on How Many Bartenders Do I Need?
Do I need a barback for a full bar?
A barback is highly recommended for full bar service, signature cocktail menus, high guest counts, or multi-bar setups. Barbacks handle ice restocking, glassware management, and supply runs so bartenders can keep pouring without interruption.
Do clients provide the alcohol?
Yes. Clients provide all alcohol. KBS does not sell or supply alcohol. KBS provides drink menu planning, quantity calculations, and professional bar service. Check our Alcohol Calculator Guide for purchasing ratios.
How early should bartenders arrive?
Bartenders should arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour before guest arrival or service start time. Setup time is not included in base service hours and is added separately at the hourly rate.
Is setup time included?
No. Setup time is not included in base service hours. Clients can add 30 minutes or 1 hour of setup time at the hourly rate of the requested service ($45/hr for bartenders, $40/hr for servers/barbacks).
Is cleanup time included?
No. Cleanup time is not included in base service hours. Clients can add 30 minutes or 1 hour of cleanup time at the hourly rate of the requested service.
Do I need COI / insurance documentation for my venue?
Many commercial venues, parks, and corporate buildings require a Certificate of Insurance (COI). COI / insurance documentation is available when required by your venue, starts at $88.67, and is priced separately from base staffing rates. View details on our Pricing Page.
How much ice do I need for 100 guests?
For 100 guests, plan on approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds of ice per guest (150 to 200 lbs total). This covers drink shaking, ice over drinks, and chilling beer, wine, water, and sodas. See our complete Ice Buying Guide.
What is the difference between beer and wine service and full bar service?
Beer and wine service involves simpler pouring and faster transactions. Full bar service includes spirits, mixers, garnishes, and cocktails, requiring additional prep, ice, and setup time. Read our Beer & Wine vs. Full Bar Guide.
Can KBS help with signature cocktails?
Yes. Signature cocktail consultation and menu guidance are included free with bartender bookings. KBS helps you select pre-batched recipes or custom drink proportions for your celebration. Contact us on our Contact Page to get started.
Ready to plan your event service?
Contact Kevin and the KBS team with your event date, location, guest count, and service preferences for a custom itemized quote.