Question 1

Do you provide or sell alcohol?

Accepted Answer

No. The Humble Barkeep is a dry-hire (BYOB) bartending service. We never sell, furnish, purchase, transport, or resell alcohol. You provide the alcohol. We handle the plan, the bartender, and the bar support.

Question 2

Who purchases and transports the alcohol?

Accepted Answer

The client or the venue purchases, owns, transports, and controls all alcohol for the event. We give you an event-specific Alcohol & Supply Guide so the shopping trip is straightforward and quantities match your guest count, service length, and menu.

Question 3

What is included in the $795 starting service?

Accepted Answer

Up to five hours of bartending with one professional bartender for up to 75 guests, a pre-event planning consultation, your event-specific alcohol shopping guidance, The Bar Plan, standard bar tools, a standard two-table bar setup where appropriate, basic cups, basic garnishes, coolers, setup and breakdown of the bar service area, a venue bar-access checklist, and travel within the service radius.

Question 4

What is the Hosted Bar Supplies Bundle?

Accepted Answer

It's one optional upgrade at $8 per guest covering event-appropriate ice, bottled water or an equivalent approved hydration format, and the essential mixers that match your agreed menu. Most hosts add it so there's one less errand on event day.

Question 5

Are ice, bottled water, and mixers separate charges?

Accepted Answer

No. They are bundled together into the single $8-per-guest Hosted Bar Supplies Bundle. If you prefer to supply them yourself, you can skip the bundle entirely.

Question 6

When is another bartender required?

Accepted Answer

Events above 75 guests generally require at least one additional bartender at $300, which keeps lines short and service consistent. Larger or more complex events are quoted with a custom staffing and bar plan.

Question 7

Is gratuity required?

Accepted Answer

No. Gratuity is entirely optional. There is no mandatory gratuity, service-charge substitute, or gratuity guarantee anywhere in our pricing.

Question 8

Can you work from an existing venue bar?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes — if the venue permits outside bartenders and client-supplied alcohol, and the bar is accessible to us for setup and breakdown. We confirm this during planning using the Venue Bar-Access Checklist.

Question 9

Do you provide a portable bar?

Accepted Answer

A portable bar is available as a $150 upgrade. Without it, the standard setup uses a suitable bar location provided by you or the venue.

Question 10

Do you provide glassware?

Accepted Answer

Basic cups are included. Specialty glassware is not included and is either supplied by you or your venue, or coordinated separately during planning.

Question 11

How far do you travel?

Accepted Answer

Travel within 40 driving miles of Scottsdale Civic Center (3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251) is included. Venues beyond 40 miles are charged $2 per additional one-way mile, and events more than 75 miles from that reference point require a custom travel quote. Parking, tolls, lodging and extraordinary access costs, when applicable, are quoted separately. The address is a mileage reference point only, not an office or mailing address, and distance is measured on the shortest practical driving route when your quote is prepared.

Question 12

How much setup space is required?

Accepted Answer

A standard single-bartender station generally works well in roughly an 8-by-6-foot footprint with room to work behind the bar, plus nearby space for coolers and ice. We confirm the exact footprint for your venue during planning.

Question 13

What does the venue need to provide?

Accepted Answer

We walk through load-in access, the bar or table surface, water access, power if needed, refrigeration or ice storage, shade or weather protection for outdoor events, trash handling, and breakdown timing on the Venue Bar-Access Checklist.

Question 14

Do you carry insurance and provide a certificate of insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We carry an active general liability policy and can provide a certificate of insurance on request. If your venue requires a COI — or needs to be named on it — tell us in your inquiry and we'll get it over to you before you book.

Question 15

Are your bartenders Title 4 certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every bartender staffed on your event holds current Arizona Title 4 certification. That covers ID verification, pacing, last call, and declining service when that's the right call — handled discreetly, without making a scene at your event.

Question 16

Can you create signature cocktails or mocktails?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We build a practical signature menu around your guest count, service length, and equipment — mocktail-forward options included — so drinks stay consistent and lines stay short. Two well-chosen signatures usually beat six complicated ones.

Question 17

When is the retainer due?

Accepted Answer

A 50% nonrefundable retainer reserves your date, and the remaining balance is due 30 days before the event. Taxes are applied where required.

Question 18

What happens after I submit an inquiry?

Accepted Answer

Your inquiry goes straight to Storm. We look at your date, venue, and guest count, then reply with a few questions and a written service outline. You don't need every detail nailed down first. Submitting the form is an inquiry — it does not reserve a date or set a final price.

Straight answers before you inquire

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