Bill to Lower Age for Bartending Passes in DE State House

Legislation has passed in the State House that will change the age at which a person can bartend – from 21 years old to 18. House Bill 195 requires that a bartender who is 18, 19 or 20 years old must be directly supervised by a person who is 21 years old or older and who is working behind the bar with the 18 to 20 year old.

The measure also increases the frequency of statutorily mandated alcoholic beverage server training from every 4 years to every 2 years. 18 to 20 year olds however are prohibited from entering into or working in any capacity in a tavern or taproom that offers sexually oriented entertainment.

By reducing the legal bartending age to 18, this Act will help Delaware’s food service industry remain competitive with the many other states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, in which 18–20 year olds can bartend.

HB 195 is awaiting consideration in the Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee.