How Old do I Have to be to Work as a Barback?

The legal age to work as a barback varies by state, as it is determined by both federal and state labor laws.

A barback typically works in a bar setting, assisting bartenders by restocking supplies, cleaning, and performing other tasks.

How Old Do I Need to Be to Work as a Barback?

Because this role often involves being in a place where alcohol is served, the age requirements can be different depending on the state. Below is a breakdown of the minimum age required to work as a barback in each state:

Alabama

• Minimum Age: 19

Alaska

• Minimum Age: 21

Arizona

• Minimum Age: 19

Arkansas

• Minimum Age: 19

California

• Minimum Age: 18

Colorado

• Minimum Age: 18

Connecticut

• Minimum Age: 18

Delaware

• Minimum Age: 18

Florida

• Minimum Age: 18

Georgia

• Minimum Age: 18

Hawaii

• Minimum Age: 18

Idaho

• Minimum Age: 19

Illinois

• Minimum Age: 18

Indiana

• Minimum Age: 19

Iowa

• Minimum Age: 18

Kansas

• Minimum Age: 18

Kentucky

• Minimum Age: 20

Louisiana

• Minimum Age: 18

Maine

• Minimum Age: 17

Maryland

• Minimum Age: 18

Massachusetts

• Minimum Age: 18

Michigan

• Minimum Age: 18

Minnesota

• Minimum Age: 18

Mississippi

• Minimum Age: 18

Missouri

• Minimum Age: 18

Montana

• Minimum Age: 18

Nebraska

• Minimum Age: 19

Nevada

• Minimum Age: 21

New Hampshire

• Minimum Age: 18

New Jersey

• Minimum Age: 18

New Mexico

• Minimum Age: 19

New York

• Minimum Age: 18

North Carolina

• Minimum Age: 18

North Dakota

• Minimum Age: 19

Ohio

• Minimum Age: 19

Oklahoma

• Minimum Age: 18

Oregon

• Minimum Age: 18

Pennsylvania

• Minimum Age: 18

Rhode Island

• Minimum Age: 18

South Carolina

• Minimum Age: 18

South Dakota

• Minimum Age: 18

Tennessee

• Minimum Age: 18

Texas

• Minimum Age: 18

Utah

• Minimum Age: 21

Vermont

• Minimum Age: 18

Virginia

• Minimum Age: 18

Washington

• Minimum Age: 18

West Virginia

• Minimum Age: 18

Wisconsin

• Minimum Age: 18

Wyoming

• Minimum Age: 18

Note: While these ages are the general minimums for working as a barback, specific establishments may have their own policies requiring a higher minimum age. Additionally, local laws or ordinances may impose different age requirements.