Delaware House Advances Bill to Lower Bartending Age
May 13, 2026/
A Delaware bill that would allow 18- to 20-year-olds to work as bartenders, aligning the state with many others, has passed the House. Specifically, this Act changes the minimum bartending age from 21 to 18. It also requires that any bartender aged 18, 19, or 20 be directly supervised by a person aged 21 or older who is working behind the bar with them. This Act, sponsored by State Representative Kimberly Williams, also increases the frequency of statutorily mandated alcoholic beverage server training from every 4 years to every 2 years. The measure also bars anyone under 21 from entering or working in taverns or taprooms offering sexually oriented entertainment, including adult entertainment venues and strip clubs. The bill is now ready for action from the governor.