4 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Mobile Bar

4 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Mobile Bar

Hiring a mobile bar can make an event feel properly put together fast.

But the wrong one? It can create stress, delays, hidden costs, and awkward last-minute problems (power, access, licensing, cleanup… all the boring stuff that suddenly becomes your problem).

If you’re planning a wedding, birthday, corporate event, or private party in Northern Ireland, ask these 4 questions before you book.

It’ll save you money, time, and a lot of “I thought that was included.”

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1) Are You Fully Licensed and Insured for My Type of Event?

This is the first question for a reason.

A mobile bar can look brilliant on Instagram, but if they’re not properly covered for your venue/event setup, you could run into issues with the venue manager or even lose your booking.

Ask:

• Do you hold the relevant alcohol licence(s) for the way you operate?

• Do you have public liability insurance?

• Can you provide copies if the venue asks?

• Have you worked at private homes / halls / wedding venues / marquees before?

Why it matters

Different venues have different rules. Some venues allow an external bar only if paperwork is in place. Others may have restrictions around:

• serving times

• glassware

• staff numbers

• placement location

• access routes

If a supplier answers this clearly and confidently, that’s a good sign.

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2) What’s Included in the Price (and What Costs Extra)?

This is where people get caught.

“Mobile bar hire” can mean very different things depending on the supplier. One quote may include staffing, glassware and setup. Another may just be the bar unit itself.

Ask for a clear breakdown:

• Hire fee (bar unit/setup)

• Staffing (how many staff, how long)

• Travel / delivery costs (especially across NI)

• Glassware / plastic cups

• Ice

• Garnishes / mixers

• Menu printing / signage

• Late finish fees

• Cleaning / waste removal

• Deposit and payment terms

Red flag

If the quote is vague (e.g. “starts from £X”) and they avoid specifics, keep asking.

A good supplier should be able to explain:

• what you’re paying for

• what you need to supply

• what might change the final price

That makes comparing suppliers much easier.

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3) What Do You Need From Me or the Venue on the Day?

A mobile bar isn’t just “turn up and pour drinks.”

It usually needs space, access, and sometimes utilities. If you don’t ask this early, you can end up with a bar that physically doesn’t fit, can’t power equipment, or causes a bottleneck in the room.

Ask about logistics:

• How much space do you need?

• Do you need power? (How many sockets?)

• Do you need water access?

• How long is setup and pack-down?

• Can you handle stairs / uneven ground / marquee access?

• What time do you need access to the venue?

• Do you bring your own tables, back bar, lighting, fridges?

Why this matters

This is especially important for:

• home parties

• village halls

• marquees

• rural venues

• venues with tight loading access

A professional mobile bar supplier will ask you questions too. That’s a good thing — it means they’re planning properly.

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4) Can You Tailor the Drinks Service to My Guests?

The best mobile bars don’t just serve drinks. They match the event.

A wedding crowd, a 40th birthday, and a corporate event all want something different. Ask how flexible they are before you book.

Ask:

• Can you offer a custom menu (cocktails, mocktails, local favourites)?

• Do you cater for non-drinkers and younger guests (where relevant)?

• Can you provide a cash bar, prepaid bar, or limited tab option?

• Can you help estimate quantities based on guest numbers?

• Can you match the look/style of the event?

Bonus question

• What happens if guest numbers change?

This tells you how experienced they are and whether they’re used to real-world events (where numbers and plans often shift).

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Quick Checklist Before You Book a Mobile Bar

Before paying a deposit, make sure you have:

• ✅ Written quote with what’s included

• ✅ Licensing/insurance confirmed

• ✅ Setup requirements confirmed with venue

• ✅ Start/finish times agreed

• ✅ Deposit + cancellation terms in writing

• ✅ Drinks service style agreed (cash/prepaid/tab)

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Find Mobile Bar Supplier in Northern Ireland

If you’re comparing options, use PartySuppliersDirect.com to search local suppliers and check what they offer before you enquire.

You can browse suppliers for weddings, birthdays and private events, then contact them directly.

Planning an event? Start your search on PSD and shortlist a few mobile bar suppliers before making a decision.

Are you a mobile bar supplier in Northern Ireland? Get listed on PSD so local party planners can find you.

Find Mobile Bar Hire in Northern Ireland

If you’re comparing options, use PartySuppliersDirect.com to search local suppliers and check what they offer before you enquire.

👉 Browse PSD listings: https://partysuppliersdirect.com/listings/

Use the filters to narrow by event type, location, and supplier type, then contact suppliers directly.

Planning an event? Start your search on PSD and shortlist a few mobile bar suppliers before making a decision.

Are you a mobile bar supplier in Northern Ireland? Get listed on PSD so local party planners can find you.

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FAQ: Hiring a Mobile Bar Supplier in Northern Ireland

1) Do I need to check if a mobile bar is licensed?

Yes. Always ask the supplier what licensing applies to their setup and whether they can provide the paperwork your venue may request. Venue rules can vary, especially for weddings, marquees, and private venues.

2) What is usually included in mobile bar hire?

It depends on the supplier. Some include the bar unit, staff, glassware, setup and pack-down. Others may charge extra for travel, ice, mixers, garnish, late finishes, or cleaning. Ask for a written breakdown before paying a deposit.

3) Can a mobile bar work at a house, hall, or marquee?

Usually yes — but you need to confirm logistics first. Ask about space needed, power requirements, access, setup time, and whether they can work on uneven ground or in tighter spaces.

4) Can mobile bars offer mocktails or non-alcoholic options?

Most good mobile bar suppliers can offer non-alcoholic drinks, mocktails, and custom menus. This is worth confirming if you have younger guests, non-drinkers, or want a wider drinks choice.

5) What should I get in writing before booking?

Get the quote, what’s included, timings, setup requirements, deposit terms, cancellation policy, and service format (cash bar, prepaid bar, tab, or package) in writing before you commit.

6) Where can I find mobile bar suppliers in Northern Ireland?

You can start with the PartySuppliersDirect.com listings and use filters to compare local suppliers, event types, and locations:
https://partysuppliersdirect.com/listings/