Terms & Conditions

By booking services with the Columbia Bartending Agency, you agree to the following policies and expectations.

1. Bartenders Are Independent Contractors

Bartenders contracted through the Columbia Bartending Agency (“CBA”) are independent contractors. They are not employees of CBA, Columbia University, or Barnard College. Clients understand that once a bartender is assigned, the financial relationship (including payment of hourly wages) is between the client and the bartender, not with the Agency.

2. Payment Expectations

Clients are responsible for paying bartenders directly at the conclusion of the event unless otherwise arranged. Accepted payment methods typically include cash, check, or mobile payment such as Venmo or PayPal. Bartenders do not accept credit card payments.

3. CBA Administrative Fee

All bookings require a non-refundable administrative/processing fee, paid to the Agency to staff and coordinate your event. This fee is separate from bartender wages and is not deducted from the bartender’s payment.

4. Travel, Taxi, and Late-Night Returns

Events ending at or after 10:00 PM require a taxi fee to help cover safe transportation of bartenders back to campus. This fee is assessed per taxi, not per bartender.

Events outside Manhattan or requiring extended travel time may incur additional travel or transportation costs.

5. Client Responsibilities

Clients must provide:

6. Professional Expectations

Bartenders are expected to conduct themselves professionally. Clients agree to treat bartenders with respect and provide a safe working environment. Bartenders reserve the right to refuse service if they believe serving a guest would violate safety standards, state law, or responsible service practices.

7. Cancellations

The administrative fee is non-refundable if you decide to cancel your event. If CBA cannot find any available bartender for your event, the fee will be refunded in full.

8. Liability

CBA does not provide insurance for events, nor does it assume responsibility for alcohol-related incidents. Clients are responsible for ensuring their event complies with state/local laws and venue rules.

9. Modifications

The Columbia Bartending Agency reserves the right to update these terms at any time.