When we first approach a venue or caterer about doing an event with them, the first response we almost always get is: “But we have our own bar—and we hold the liquor license.” It’s an understandable first response — but it actually doesn’t mean we can’t work together!

We Are Built to Work With Licensed Venues & Caterers

We’re a dry hire mobile bar, which means we don’t have our own liquor license, and we don’t buy or sell alcohol. Think of us as a fully-insured mobile bartending service with a REALLY cool bar.

Put simply: We don’t provide the alcohol—we build an experience around it.

We can tap anything from beer and wine to cold brew to cocktails and mocktails. Beer and wine are easy — the venue or caterer supplies it, we tap it. For mixed drinks, we can work a couple of different ways. We can provide recipes, mixers, garnishes and a “shopping list” for the alcohol. Or, we can take full batched cocktails created by someone else, and pour them from our draft system.

So why Bring in The Getaway Bar?

Most venues and caterers already run a great bar. We’re not here to replace that—we’re here to enhance it. What we bring is a different kind of bar experience:

  • A visual centerpiece. Our tap truck creates a focal point that guests naturally gather around.
  • Bar service anywhere. We can bring a fully functional bar setup to areas where there isn’t one—outdoors, secondary spaces, or locations far from the main bar.
  • Speed + consistency. Draft cocktails and streamlined service mean shorter lines and a better flow, especially for larger events.
  • Something guests remember. It’s not just a bar—it becomes part of the overall experience.

For clients, it’s a way to elevate the celebration. For venues and caterers, it’s an added layer that enhances what you already do well.

Service That Fits the Venue’s Rules

Our team is made up of TiPS-certified bartenders who understand responsible service and the realities of working within different venue requirements.

Some venues are happy to have us handle full bar service—from pouring to guest interaction—which is our preferred setup. It’s where everything really comes together: pacing, presentation, and the full guest experience.

That said, we know not every venue allows outside vendors to serve alcohol—and we’re built for that too.

When permitted by the venue or caterer, our team can handle service. In other cases, their staff will be the ones to pour, while we stay focused on everything else—setup, batching, flow, and making sure the bar runs exactly how it should. Guests won’t feel the difference, but everything stays aligned with the venue’s service model.

Flexible Partnerships

One of the biggest advantages of our model is how easy it is to plug into different types of events. We can be hired directly by clients, or brought in by venues and caterers as an add-on or pass-through service. However it’s structured, we adapt to fit.

Not Just Alcohol

While a lot of what we do centers around cocktails, beer, and wine, that’s not the whole story. We also offer a full range of non-alcoholic options—mocktails, dirty sodas, nitro cold brew—that feel just as intentional and well-executed as anything behind the bar.

It’s a great way to round out the experience and make sure every guest has something that feels like it was made for them.

The Bottom Line

Our dry hire model isn’t a workaround—it’s what makes The Getaway Bar so adaptable. We’re here to work with venues and caterers—not around them—to create a bar experience that feels seamless, elevated, and memorable from start to finish.

If you’re curious how this could fit into your space or your events, we’re always happy to talk it through. Give us a shout at cheers@thegetawaybar.co