FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you put out tip jars?
Unless the Client allows us to, we do not put out tip jars at events. If you enjoyed great service and would like to tip your bartenders, you may do so here!
DOES LIQUID CATERING PROVIDE THE ALCOHOL?
Per SC State Law, caterers are not allowed to provide the alcohol for an event at an unlicensed venue. While Liquid Catering does not provide the alcohol for your event, we are happy to offer hassle-free options for alcohol procurement. Once a package is selected, clients may choose between one of the two options below:
Option 1: This is the easiest option! Clients may work with our sales team to order their alcohol through our authorized retail partner. We'll coach you on what's needed and place your order for you. You will receive a separate online invoice to pay in advance. Leftover alcohol may be returned to our retail partner for a refund as long as it is unopened and in resalable condition with an intact label. You may also elect to keep the leftover alcohol.
Option 2: Clients may purchase their own alcohol according to our Purchasing Guidelines. We do recommend purchasing from a store that will let you make returns. Not all stores do, so check in advance.
Click here to see an estimate on how much your alcohol will cost. If your event is charging admission, you want a cash bar, or you are accepting donations, you will need to get a Temporary Special Event License and purchase your alcohol through a wholesaler. We are happy to provide more details on this.
Option 1: This is the easiest option! Clients may work with our sales team to order their alcohol through our authorized retail partner. We'll coach you on what's needed and place your order for you. You will receive a separate online invoice to pay in advance. Leftover alcohol may be returned to our retail partner for a refund as long as it is unopened and in resalable condition with an intact label. You may also elect to keep the leftover alcohol.
Option 2: Clients may purchase their own alcohol according to our Purchasing Guidelines. We do recommend purchasing from a store that will let you make returns. Not all stores do, so check in advance.
Click here to see an estimate on how much your alcohol will cost. If your event is charging admission, you want a cash bar, or you are accepting donations, you will need to get a Temporary Special Event License and purchase your alcohol through a wholesaler. We are happy to provide more details on this.
what do i have to do to book liquid catering?
Booking us is very easy. First either call us or contact us for a quote. Once we have all your event details, we'll send you a proposal that you'll review. If everything looks good, we just need a 25-50% down payment and a contract that you can sign electronically to reserve your date. It's that easy!
What methods of payment do you take?
We take cash, checks, electronic checks, and credit cards. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 465, Greenville SC, 29602. If you would like to pay by electronic check or credit card, please email our Bookkeeper and she will send you an invoice with a pay link.
Is Liquid CATERING INSURED?
Yes, Liquid Catering is insured with a $1,000,000/$2,000,000 aggregate general liability and liquor liability insurance. Our employees are also covered under our worker’s compensation insurance. We are happy to add your venue as an Additional Insured when requested. Since SC is a very litigious state when it comes to Dram Shop cases, we recommend that our Clients purchase their own event insurance policy with a host liquor liability policy added on. We recommend Eventhelper.com or Vensura.com
what kind of alcohol service policies do you have?
We have multiple safety policies in place to ensure your guests have a great time but don't get intoxicated to a dangerous level. The following policies are included in our contract. By signing a contract with Liquid Catering, you are agreeing to uphold them:
- We do not serve shots.
- We DO NOT serve minors, even in private homes. All guests must be able to present a valid, legal photo ID in order to consume alcohol. We are happy to accept a Driver's License, Passport (US or foreign) , State ID, or a Military ID from your guests. We do not accept Birth Certificates, Student IDs, Facebook photos, or Voter Registration cards as a valid form of ID. According to South Carolina state law, photos of your ID are not acceptable forms of identification.
- We will only serve one guest up to two drinks at a time. If they order additional drinks, we will assist them with getting the drinks back to their table and distributed to other guests. At Last Call, we will only serve one drink per person.
- We do not hand out sealed bottles or alcohol "to-go."
- We do not allow guests to bring in their own alcohol, including mini bottles or flasks.
- We will discontinue service to a guest if our bartenders (at their sole discretion) determine they are intoxicated. Our bartenders are TIPS certified, and trained to identify signs of overconsumption.
- After the event, any unused product may be packed into a vehicle with a responsible individual. We will not leave alcohol unpacked where it's accessible to general guests.
my FAVORITE BAR MAKES A COCKTAIL I LOVE, CAN YOU REPLICATE IT?
Yes! We love to help you customize specialty cocktails. We are happy to craft a recipe for you or use your own recipe. You can even name your cocktail yourself!
Can you cater our food?
Liquid Catering specializes in providing a top-shelf bar experience, therefore we like to focus on the drinks and let a food catering company handle the meal. We know some amazing caterers in the area, you can view our list of favorites here.
Do we get to keep the leftover alcohol?
Yes! Since you purchase the alcohol from a retail store (not us), you are entitled to any leftover product! In some instances, alcohol that is unopened and resalable can be returned.
Will you run out of alcohol?
Based on your guest count and the length of your bar service, we will calculate how much alcohol is necessary for your event and provide you with a recommendation so you can make an informed purchase decision. There is always a chance you may run out of something, but it's rare!
can you provide additional event staffing?
Yes! Aside from bartenders, Liquid Catering can provide cocktail servers, bar backs, coat checks, greeters, caterers, event managers, and any other staffing needs you may have. We also have a sister company, Bravo1 Protection, that can book your security guards!
My catering company also provides bar service, why should i use you?
Liquid Catering specializes in event bartending services, and we're great at what we do! Your caterer is the food expert, but we are long-time leaders in the bar and beverage catering industry. All of our bartenders are T.I.P.s certified, and we have years of experience providing the friendliest, most professional, and safest service around. Plus, our team is trained from day one to go above and beyond to meet any unexpected event needs that may pop up on your big day!
What time will you arrive to set-up?
Depending on the size of the event, we will arrive 45 minutes-2 hours prior to the event start time. Plan on 30-90 minutes for clean-up time.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE WILL I NEED TO CONFIRM MY GUEST COUNT?
In order to calculate the right amount of alcohol for your event, we will need a firm headcount at least seven days in advance. Every guest over 21, regardless of whether or not they plan to consume alcohol, will be included in your package pricing. You will be charged the soda service price for guests under 21 so we can provide them with non-alcoholic drinks.
What will your staff wear?
Our standard uniform is all-black. You may choose between a black button-down dress shirt and a black polo, depending on how formal your event will be. However, if you have a special request, we will try to make it work. We love to match themes whenever possible!
how far do you travel?
We love to travel! We are happy to provide services in SC, NC, and GA. Keep in mind the Client will need to provide the alcohol in a manner that is legal in their jurisdiction. Travel fees do apply.
What equipment do you provide?
The short answer here is EVERYTHING! From ice buckets & ice scoops, to jiggers & pourers, we bring everything we need to make your bar pretty and efficient. We include a linen-draped portable bar for free with every package, or we can use your venue's bar. We are also happy to rent custom bars if you like. We also supply all the glassware and plastic cups.