Roaming Buffalo Barkeep is a dry-hire bartending service, serving Buffalo, NY and the surrounding greater Niagara region. We provide professional, experienced, certified, and insured mixologists for your events, weddings, parties, and more!

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What is a Dry-Hire Bartending Service?

 

A dry-hire bartending service means that we provide the bartending expertise, equipment, and staff, while you provide the alcohol. This approach allows you to control your budget and choose exactly what beverages you’d like to offer your guests.

 

Why Choose a Dry-Hire Service?

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• Cost-Effective: You only pay for our service, not for marked-up alcohol prices. The difference here often equates to a near 200% saving over booking a caterer for your bar.

• Flexibility: You have complete control over the types and brands of alcohol served.

• Customizable: We work with you to craft a personalized menu and provide guidance on the exact types and amounts of alcohol to purchase.

•  Affordable Booking: Only 20% down payment required to secure your date.

•  You are responsible for buying and transporting the alcohol to the venue. However, we make this easy by giving you a detailed shopping list.

 

How Does It Work?

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1. Initial Consultation: Contact us to discuss your event details, including the date, venue, number of guests, and your drink preferences.

2. Booking: Secure your date with a 20% deposit.

3. Menu Planning: We help you create a customized drink menu and provide a list of the exact types and amounts of alcohol needed.

4. Preparation: We coordinate with your venue to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of your event.

5. Event Day: Our professional bartenders arrive early to set up. We handle all the bartending, including serving non-alcoholic drinks, so you can relax and enjoy your event.

 

What Do We Supply?

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• Professionally trained bartenders

• The bar itself, if necessary

• Bar tools (shakers, strainers, jiggers, etc.)

• Glassware or plasticware (varies based on event type)

• Setup and cleanup of the bar area

• Garnishes/Fruits

• Ice and coolers (as required)

• Optional add-ons such as a champagne wall, professional speaker system, etc.

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What Do You Supply?

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• Alcohol & Mixers

• Non-alcoholic drinks

• The guests

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Licensing and Insurance:

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• Our bartenders are certified and insured, ensuring compliance with all local regulations, with many currently working as full-time mixologists at local venues.

• We meet the requirements of most venues and can provide proof of insurance as needed.

 

Alcohol Service Regulations:

 

• We adhere to all local laws regarding the serving of alcohol, including checking IDs and refusing service to intoxicated guests.

• How is it legal if there isn't a liquor license?

  • ​Think of it like hosting a backyard BBQ and serving alcohol: it’s legal as long as it’s private property and a private event. Because we are only providing the service and not the alcohol, your event is completely legal. The NYSLA requires a liquor license or temporary permit for any public property or event that is serving alcohol or any selling of alcohol.

  • For events that don’t meet these criteria, please speak with us about options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What types of events do you cater to?

A: We cater to weddings, corporate events, private parties, and more. Any event that requires professional bartending service, we’re there!

 

Q: What equipment do you provide?

A: We bring all the necessary bar tools, glassware/plasticware, and setup equipment. You just provide the drinks!

 

Q: Can you help me decide how much alcohol to buy?

A: Absolutely! We provide detailed recommendations based on your guest count and drink preferences, ensuring you have enough without overspending.

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Q: How early do you arrive before the event?

A: Our team typically arrives 1-2 hours before the event starts to set up and ensure everything is ready to go when your guests arrive.

 

Q: What if my event is on public property or is open to the public/a ticketed event?

A: There may still be options for us to work together. There are procurable licenses that do allow us to work these types of venues and events, but they are a bit more limited. Contact us to see what's possible!

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Q: How soon do I need to book?

A: As with any service professionals, our books can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so the short answer is "As soon as you can!" We only charge 20% down to book your date, so the sooner, the better. We typically a require a minimum lead time of 4 weeks and at least 6-8 weeks for events where we may need to procure additional licenses.

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Q: What if there are leftover drinks?

A: Any leftover alcohol is yours to keep, providing a cost-effective way to manage your bar budget. Many (though we can't speak for them!) liquor stores will also accept unopened bottles as returns.

 

Your guests will enjoy a seamless, professional bar experience, and you’ll enjoy the savings. If you have any more questions or are ready to book, please contact us today!