Licensed Service
Licensed Mobile Bar Service in Washington
Rikki's Mobile Bar holds a Washington liquor license, which lets our team purchase and serve alcohol directly for qualifying private events — one of the clearest differences between us and a typical BYOB bartender-for-hire.
What the license changes for you
With a BYOB service, the host typically purchases the beverages. For qualifying events, Rikki's handles alcohol purchasing as part of the agreed bar package. We confirm the service arrangement with you and your venue before booking. In plain terms, that means:
- •You don't make a liquor store run, guess at quantities, or manage leftover bottles.
- •We plan the drink menu and quantities with you, then purchase to match your guest count and bar tier.
- •Alcohol purchasing, bartending, and service are handled by one team instead of split across you and a vendor.
- •It's one less thing to coordinate the week of your event.
Licensed service vs. BYOB bartending
| Rikki's Mobile Bar | Typical BYOB bartender | |
|---|---|---|
| Buys the alcohol | Included | Host's responsibility |
| Transports & manages leftovers | Included | Host's responsibility |
| Provides bar structure & setup | Included (vintage Club Wagon bar) | Varies by vendor |
| Pours & serves at your event | Included | Included |
This comparison describes typical BYOB bartending arrangements in the region and is intended as general planning guidance, not a legal statement about any specific vendor.
FAQ
Common questions
What does 'licensed mobile bar' mean?
It means Rikki's Mobile Bar holds a Washington state liquor license that allows our team to purchase alcohol on your behalf and serve it at your private event, rather than requiring you to buy alcohol yourself and hand it to a bartender.
How is this different from a BYOB bartender?
A BYOB bartender-for-hire can pour and serve, but you're responsible for purchasing, transporting, and often returning unused alcohol. With a licensed mobile bar, we handle sourcing and purchasing as part of your bar package.
Do you handle the alcohol purchasing for every event?
Alcohol purchasing is built into our standard bar packages for qualifying private events. We finalize the exact drink menu and quantities with you before the event based on your guest count and chosen bar tier.
Are there events or situations where licensing doesn't apply?
Licensing requirements can vary by event type, venue, and local rules. We'll flag anything venue- or event-specific during your booking so there are no surprises before your event date.
Does the license cover beer, wine, and spirits?
Our bar packages are built around beer, wine, and mixed cocktails using standard spirits. Tell us your event style when requesting a quote and we'll confirm what's included in your tier.