Delaware lawmakers are considering legislation that would lower the minimum age for bartending from 21 to 18 years old, potentially bringing the state in line with neighboring Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Under the proposed changes outlined in HB 195, individuals aged 18, 19, or 20 would be permitted to serve alcoholic beverages only while under direct supervision of someone at least 21 years old working alongside them behind the bar.
The bill also includes provisions to strengthen alcohol service training requirements, mandating that all beverage servers complete training every two years instead of the current four-year cycle.
To address safety concerns for younger workers, the legislation would ban anyone under 21 from employment at establishments featuring adult-oriented entertainment. This restriction covers venues licensed as adult entertainment facilities, locations offering sexually explicit performances, and businesses marketed as strip clubs, adult entertainment venues, or gentlemen’s clubs.
According to the bill’s language, Delaware currently stands among a minority of states that require bartenders to be 21 years old. Supporters argue that reducing this age requirement would help the state’s restaurant and hospitality sector compete more effectively with other states where younger adults can work behind the bar.
The proposed changes would specifically help Delaware businesses compete with establishments in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where 18-to-20-year-olds are already eligible for bartending positions.
