Open Bar - Batch

If you have a bartender, I’d keep it behind the bar for them to serve. If it’s made ahead of time, it can still save time because they’re just pouring it and serving it, rather than having to mix it.

View Quoted Comment Exactly this. If you want something set out for self serve, let it be a normal kid friendly punch so theres no confusion.

Definitely have the bartender serve all of the alcohol. I would also check with your bartender before doing this, some aren’t willing to serve mixed drinks that they have no way of knowing what’s in it. They may want to do it themselves, which will save you trouble anyway.

Yep - our caterer is providing a bartender, and recommended having them make batched signature cocktails. I think the venue stipulates that we have to have the bartender (or someone with an ABC license) serve them regardless, but it seems to make the most sense anyways.

If you have a bartender, he or she would be the person serving drinks so it shouldn’t be an issue. Although they already should, you can ask them to check IDs to ensure legal age for alcohol if you are worried about under aged guests sneaking booze.