Frequently asked questions
Find clear answers about mobile bartending, wedding service, alcohol purchasing, staffing numbers, and travel configurations.
Mobile Bartending & Bar Setup
What is included in your mobile bartending service?
Our packages include certified, professional bartenders, basic bar tool kits (shakers, strainers, pourers, openers), custom beverage menu planning, and alcohol quantity shopping calculations. We also offer guidance on bar layouts and setup logistics.
Do you provide beer and wine only service, or full bar setups?
We handle both. Whether you are serving a simple menu of draft beers and local wines, or a full bar with complex craft signature cocktails, our team organizes the setup, cooling, and service speed to match your event type.
Who provides the bar setup and equipment?
We work with you to plan bar dimensions and equipment needs. Clients typically rent or provide the physical bar counter, glassware, and cooling bins, while we supply the professional staff and service tools. We can also coordinate beverage stations and hydration setups.
Do you handle setup and cleanup of the bar area?
Yes. Our bartenders arrive early to handle prep, cool down beverages, and organize the bar layout. At the end of the service hours, we pack up leftover inventory, clean down the bar workspace, and empty bar-related trash bins.
Alcohol & Purchasing
Do we need to buy the alcohol ourselves?
Yes. To comply with California regulations and save you money, clients purchase the alcohol directly. By buying your own spirits, beer, and wine, you pay retail pricing instead of marked-up catering prices, saving significantly on your event budget.
Can you help us calculate how much alcohol to buy?
Yes. Once your booking is finalized, we provide custom shopping list calculations. We look at your guest count, event duration, weather conditions, and beverage menu preferences to provide precise purchase recommendations for spirits, beer, wine, mixers, and ice.
Event Staffing & Coverage
Do you provide food servers in addition to bartenders?
Yes. KBS provides professional servers, barbacks, setup helpers, and general event support staff. Our servers handle passed appetizers, buffet monitoring, table clearing, and water glass refills to keep your event running smoothly.
How many bartenders do I need for my event?
Typically, we recommend one bartender for every 50 to 75 guests for beer and wine service, or one bartender for every 50 guests for weddings, custom cocktails, or busy hosted bars. Check out our comprehensive Event Bartender Staffing Guide for detailed charts and planning factors.
Are your bartenders insured for premium event venues?
Yes. KBS carries full general liability, liquor liability, and workers' compensation policies with $2M limits. We coordinate directly with venue managers or wedding planners to issue required Certificates of Insurance (COIs) before the event day.
What areas of Southern California do you serve?
We provide core coverage throughout San Diego County, Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire (including Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Temecula, Murrieta, and Redlands). We also travel to select surrounding event markets.
Do you charge travel fees or have event minimums?
Standard travel within our core coverage areas is typically included in our custom packages. Travel fees and event minimum requirements depend on the specific location, time of year, and date, and are clearly detailed in your custom quote.
Booking & Payments
How do we request a quote and reserve our date?
Submit our website contact form with your event details (date, guest count, location, and services needed). Our team reviews the details and sends a custom quote. To reserve your date, we require an agreed contract and a deposit.
What forms of payment do you accept and what is the timing?
We accept major credit cards, bank transfers, and standard electronic payment options. A deposit is required to secure your date, with the remaining balance due prior to the event date as outlined in your contract.
Have a question not listed here?
Get in touch with our team and we will be happy to help clear up any details or coordinate pricing packages.
Contact Our Team