FAQ

• The trailer rental fee is $595 minimum (Monday-Wednesday) and $750 minimum (Thursday – Sunday) and includes two (2) hours of service
• Additional hours of service may be purchased for $150 per hour

Our minimum rental fee of $550 – $750 includes:

• Two (2) hour trailer rental
• Pour attendant
• 9oz wine cups

For an additional cost, you may add:

• Photobooth ($500 flat fee)
• Photobooth attendant ($50 per hour)
• Upgraded glass wine flutes (99 cents each) or Bubble Tap-branded disposable flutes (85 cents each)
• Additional hours of service ($150 per hour)

Additional charges to consider include:

• Glassware or Bubble Tap-branded flutes: 99 cents per glass champagne flute or 85 cents per Bubble Tap-branded disposable champagne flute. See all options are here. Basic 9oz wine cups are included at no charge.
• $2 per mile for destinations more than 10 miles outside of Reseda, CA
• A 3% credit card processing fee if you choose to pay by credit card
• $150 per hour for more than two (2) hours of service

The earlier the better! All bookings are offered on a “first-come, first-serve” basis, so availability can change at a moment’s notice. There are times of the year that are busier than usual, but a 50% deposit will secure the trailer for your event.

If we are providing the alcohol, we must abide by California state liquor law which requires a special event catering permit (Don’t worry! It’s only $100 and we take care of securing the permit for you.) All permit applications must be submitted to the ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) a MINIMUM of one month in advance. We can apply inside that time frame, but an approved permit is not guaranteed.

Bar catering is provided by our exclusive bar catering company. We are happy to connect you with a representative to learn more.

Bookings are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. A 50% deposit is required to secure your date. Click here to choose your city and start the process. Submitting an inquiry via our “Request Quote” does not secure your event.

Our state-of-the-art tap system offers the ability to serve BOTH flat and sparkling wine, as well as cocktails on draft! For non-imbibing guests, we can serve kombucha for a non-alcoholic option. We do not serve beer.

Our state-of-the-art tap system allows us to serve both bottles AND pre-kegged wine! If you choose to purchase bottles, we will keg the bottles for you! Our kegs hold 640 ounces of delicious bubbly, wine, or cocktails which equals roughly 110 glasses. If your event will have less than 200 guests attending, we suggest purchasing bottles. You can choose how many bottles/ounces you want to serve. You do not need to fill the keg.

Pre-kegged wine or bubbly comes in the same size keg and also serves about 110 glasses. A Bubble Tap representative can provide you with a list of keg retailers where you can purchase kegs.

One keg contains 5 gallons (640 ounces) of bubbly or roughly 106, 6-ounce glasses of bubbly. Typically, a few glasses of bubbly are lost (we know, tragic) when hooking and/or switching out a new keg. A larger pour will yield fewer glasses.

If you choose to provide us with bottles, you can choose how many bottles (i.e. ounces) of product to serve. You do not need to fill the keg.

The standard catering calculation for alcoholic beverages at an event is one drink per person, per hour. However, certain variables, such as additional beverages being served, will affect how much bubbly you should order. We can tell you we tend to be quite popular at events 🙂 One of our Tap Trailer experts will be happy to help you figure out how many kegs/ ounces of product you need.

The trailer is roughly 13 feet in length, 8 feet in height and 6 feet in width. Maneuvering the trailer into position requires additional space. We recommend an additional 8-10 feet in front of the dispensing area for guests to wait in line and be served.

Important note: The tap (i.e. serving) window is on the DRIVER’S side of the car. When maneuvering the trailer into its serving location, there needs to be enough room for our car to pull in and get out. Alternatively, we can move the trailer into place with a dolly, but there cannot be an incline or rough terrain.

The trailer needs access to a standard 120V outlet within 100 feet of the trailer to run. We bring a 100 foot, 12 gauge outdoor extension cords. If you do not want cords showing, or there is no access to power, a generator will need to be rented.

Yep! If you purchase the alcohol, guests are welcome to serve themselves.

Yep! We include one (1) pour attendant with the trailer rental, which is sufficient 99% of the time. Additional pour attendants can be hired for $50/ hour.

Our bartenders wear the official Bubble Tap uniform consisting of light-colored jeans (no rips or worn areas) with a white button-up or “Pulling taps is the new popping bottles” tee, an apron in the Bubble Tap terracotta color and clean white tennis shoes. Custom uniforms are available for an additional fee.

Click the links for more information on disposables/glassware, menus/signage, and customizing your trailer.

Florals may be added for an additional fee.

We carry a standard $1 million General Liability policy, as well as a $1 million Commercial Auto policy. Additional insurance should be provided by the venue and/or host.

You must ALWAYS have a Special Event Liquor Permit when anyone else, other than the host, is providing the alcohol. If you are selling liquor, you ALWAYS need a Special Event Liquor Permit. Read on for additional details.

When do I need an ABC Liquor License Special Event Permit?

Knowing whether or not you need a California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Liquor License and Event Permit for catering and special events in California can be confusing.

One can be easily misguided regarding the laws regarding liquor licenses, alcohol service and permits for catering and special events. In addition, the ABC has become increasingly strict with the types of events they approve for alcohol service and the enforcement of the law. Not complying and maintaining proper licenses and permits can result in both legal and financial consequences to both the host party and venue.

Common questions we get are: When do I need an ABC permit? Do I need to hire a licensed caterer? Can I hire a licensed bartender? We have put together some commonly asked questions and answers to assist in the professional, compliant and legal service of alcohol for your next event.

Who governs the service of alcohol at events?

The Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is a state-run government agency that oversees the licensing of alcohol service in the State of California for any establishment that serves alcoholic beverages including restaurants, bars, hotels, retail stores, caterers and events.

When must I have an ABC event permit in place?

If any of the following applies to your event, you will need an ABC special event permit:

• The event is open to the public, i.e. there is no private guest list or anyone can walk in uninvited
• There is an admission cost for the event, i.e. ticket price, donation or door charge
• Any other fundraising activities are being held at the event, i.e. silent auction
• Drinks are being sold at the bar, i.e. no-host or “cash” bar
• A licensed caterer is providing alcoholic beverages
• The event venue requires an ABC permit to be in place for the event

When do I not need to have an ABC event permit in place?

An ABC event permit is not required if ALL of the following are true:

• The event is private, i.e a bona fide guest list restricts access to invited guests ONLY
• The host is providing all of the alcohol and the alcohol has been purchased through a retail store
• All drinks are complimentary, i.e. hosted bar
• There is no admission cost for the event, i.e. no ticket price, donation or door charge
• The event venue does not require an ABC permit

Do you need to own a liquor license to cater alcohol at an event?

Yes. The first step to cater alcoholic beverages anywhere in the State of California is to own a Type 47 or 48 (full liquor license) or a Type 41 or 42 (beer & wine only license). These licenses are typically held by a restaurant. With one of these licenses, the licensee must then apply for a 58 License (sometimes referred to as a “Caterer’s Permit”) which then allows the licensee to apply for special event permits (see below) to serve alcohol outside their licensed premises.

What is an ABC event permit?

An ABC event permit (also known as an ABC 218) is required whenever a licensed caterer serves alcohol at a catered event. The ABC license owner files a request and pays a fee to the ABC with the event date, location, event sponsor, hours and guest count for the specific event. Once approved, the permit must be on-site during the catered event.

Who may file for an ABC 218 event permit?

You must be an ABC license owner as described above to file for an ABC 218 permit.

How long does it take to get an ABC event permit?

It is very important to plan ahead. The ABC requires the permit to be filed at least 15 DAYS prior to the event. We see it happen time and time again with frantic last minute requests. People don’t take the ABC requirements seriously or simply don’t think it applies to them. They are then scrambling a day or two before the event to find someone who can permit the event. By that time, unfortunately, it is often too late.

Can I get an event permit for my private party without hiring a licensed caterer?

No. You must either hire an ABC licensed caterer or if your event is a fundraiser and your organization is a registered and certified Non-Profit Organization (501-C3), then you may apply for a 1-day event permit (ABC 221) directly with the ABC. Keep in mind that you still may want to hire a caterer or licensed event staffing company to staff, serve and manage the alcohol service.

Can someone other than the ABC provide permits to serve alcohol at an event?

No. The ABC is the only organization that is authorized to approve alcohol event permits.

How many ABC event permits can be issued at an event venue per calendar year?

The ABC limits the number of event permits that can be issued at a single event location to 24 per calendar year.

Can multiple ABC event permits be obtained for the same event?

No. The ABC only allows one event permit to be issued for an event.

How can I be sure that the caterer I hire is ABC licensed?

Ask your caterer to provide you a copy of their ABC liquor license and 58 Caterer’s Permit.

Is an ABC liquor license transferable for an event?

No. Liquor licenses and event permits are not transferable and cannot be “borrowed”. The only staff authorized to serve alcohol under an ABC liquor license and event permit are the employees of the company that owns the license. Always check to make sure the name on the liquor license is the same name as the company you are hiring.

Can I hire my own bartenders?

The only situation where you can hire your own bartenders is when you purchase the alcohol yourself from a retailer, such as a liquor store. If you hire a catering company to provide the alcohol, it is California State Liquor Law that the caterer must provide their staff.

What is a “licensed bartender”?

Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a “licensed bartender”.  Companies are ABC licensed, not bartenders. However, it is always best to hire bartending staff from a licensed caterer or event staffing company. If a bartender says they are licensed, ask to see their ABC liquor license.

What do I do if my event venue asks for proof that I am hiring a licensed caterer?

Once you have secured the services of an ABC licensed caterer, ask them to provide a copy of their ABC liquor license and event permit to the event location.

Do some event venues require a permit even for private events?

Yes. Event venues are becoming increasingly concerned about non-licensed companies serving alcohol at events and the liability associated with this. In order to ensure that a licensed company is serving, a venue may require a permit even if the ABC does not.

Are there any event venues that cannot be permitted for an event?

The ABC will not issue event permits for locations that currently own or are in the application process to obtain a permanent liquor license, such as a restaurant, bar, hotel or banquet facility. In addition, any property that has a history of violations or repeated problems with law enforcement agencies may not be able to be permitted.

My caterer says they can provide liquor, but don’t own a liquor license. Is that okay?

No. You must own an ABC liquor license to cater alcohol for any type of event. Contrary to popular belief, most caterers do not own liquor licenses and cannot legally cater alcoholic beverages. Purchasing alcohol at a retail store and reselling it to you or being “reimbursed by you” is illegal and strictly forbidden by the ABC. If your caterer is providing you alcohol under any circumstances, they must own an ABC liquor license.

If I provide the alcohol for my own event, can my caterer or staffing company serve?

Yes. A non-licensed caterer or event staffing company can serve alcohol provided to them by the host. Make sure that all the criteria for a non-permitted event apply if you are hiring a non-licensed caterer or staffing company (see above). Also, make sure that they provide you a copy of their Liquor Liability insurance policy (not General Liability). This way you know you are protected from any liability resulting from alcohol service.

Will a liquor store license work for my event?

No. A liquor store license, also known as an “off sale” license, is not permitted to cater alcoholic beverages and not able to apply for ABC event permits (see types of licenses required above).

Can a beer and wine only license owner cater full liquor?

No. Only the privileges extended to the license owner under their liquor license can be extended to the event, i.e. Type 41 or 42 licenses can only serve beer and wine at an event, type 47 or 48 licenses can serve Full Liquor at an event. Full Liquor includes the service of spirits, i.e. cocktails and mixed drinks.

If drink tickets instead of cash are used at the bar, do I still need an event permit?

Yes. Tickets are considered the same as cash. Either way, the ABC views it as money changing hands for drinks, so an ABC event permit is required. Also, the old fraternity party trick of “charging for the cup” and giving the alcohol away free is still considered paying for drinks.

Can I be fined for illegally reselling alcoholic beverages?

Yes. The ABC is actively pursuing the illegal service of alcoholic beverages at events, non-licensed caterers, and events operating without proper permits.

What time do you have to stop serving alcohol?

At no time are alcoholic beverages to be served between the hours of 2:00 am and 6:00 am. Furthermore, all drinks must be out of the hands of guests by 2:00 am, therefore, it is recommended to stop alcohol service no later than 1:30 am.

Is it legal to serve alcohol after 2:00 am if it is in a private home?

Though it may be commonplace to consume alcohol in a private home after 2:00 am, it is NOT legal for a hired company (e.g. event staffing or catering company) to serve alcohol after 2:00 am, even in a private home. If they do so, they are breaking the law just like they would be if in a restaurant or bar. If you must have that drink at home after 2:00 am, you will just have to get up and serve it yourself.

Is it illegal to serve someone who is obviously intoxicated?

Yes. It is a misdemeanor to serve alcohol to any person who appears obviously intoxicated and, of course, it is illegal to drink and drive…so don’t do it.

We hope this helps clarify any questions regarding the Alcoholic Beverage Control rules and regulations regarding alcohol service. Please do not hesitate to email [email protected] if you have any additional questions. Here’s to making your next event a smashing success!