What Is a Dry Hire Bar? Everything You Need to Know
When planning a wedding, birthday, baby shower, or private party, you’ll likely come across the term “dry hire” but what does it actually mean? Simply put, a dry hire bar is when you rent a professional bartending service that includes everything except the alcohol. You provide the booze; your bar team handles the rest — from setup, mixers, and garnishes to service and clean-up. This flexible and budget-friendly approach is becoming one of the most popular options across Northern California events.
Why Dry Hire Works for Weddings & Parties in Vacaville, Fairfield, and Sonoma
1. Cost Control & Customization
Buying your own alcohol allows you to control the budget while tailoring the menu. Whether you’re sourcing wine from a local Sonoma vineyard or picking up tequila from your favorite Sacramento spot — you decide exactly what gets poured.
2. Perfect for DIY & Backyard Venues
Many popular event spaces in Fairfield, Vallejo, and Vacaville are BYOB-friendly or don’t have full liquor licenses. Dry hire bartending fits perfectly into those venues, offering a high-end bar look without the restrictions of traditional caterers.
3. Instagram-Worthy Bar Setups
From barn weddings in Sonoma County to chic birthday parties in Sacramento, a dry hire service can elevate your bar with stylish décor, signature drinks, and full-service flair, without the price tag of a full-service alcohol package.
4. Professional, Licensed Bartenders (Without the Alcohol Markup)
You get an RBS-certified bartending team that handles everything but the bottles. That means no awkward DIY pouring, no stress, and a seamless guest experience.
Why Most Bartending Businesses Can’t Legally Provide Alcohol
If you’ve ever asked, “Why can’t my bartender just bring the alcohol?” — you’re not alone! But the answer comes down to California state law and liquor licensing.
Most mobile bartending companies and dry hire services do not hold a liquor license, which means by law, they cannot buy, sell, or transport alcohol on your behalf. That includes:
Picking up alcohol for your event
Selling drinks directly to your guests
Providing "all-inclusive" bar packages with liquor included
🔍 The Legal Details for California Edition
To legally provide alcohol, a business needs a license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) — and these licenses are expensive, highly regulated, and tied to fixed locations (like restaurants or bars).
Mobile bars and private bartenders are not considered licensed alcohol retailers, so they fall under dry hire where you, the host, purchase and supply the alcohol.
Planning an Event in Northern California? Go Dry Hire.
If you’re hosting an event in Vacaville, Fairfield, Sonoma, Vallejo, Napa, or Sacramento — dry hire bartending is a smart, stylish, and stress-free choice. It's ideal for weddings, backyard celebrations, baby showers, and even corporate events where you want more control over the drink menu and budget.
