Behind the Bar: How We Craft Cocktails Without a Liquor License & Why That’s a Good Thing
When we were dreaming up The Bond Bar, we knew we were building more than a bar. We were crafting a luxury experience — one that ensured we followed all of Arizona’s laws while delivering unforgettable celebrations.
In Arizona, as with much of the country, there’s no such thing as a mobile liquor license. We are not able to purchase and sell liquor as part of our business model, as part of our packages, or as support to our incredible clients.
How do we serve cocktails, you ask? With a model that’s smart, seamless, and completely above board: dry hire.
What Is a Dry Hire Bar?
A dry hire bar is a service where the client — you — provides the alcohol, and we provide everything else.
Together, we’ll design your event bar experience from the ground up — dreaming up every detail so your guests are truly delighted. Once we’ve curated a cocktail menu that reflects your vision, we’ll provide you with a structured shopping list for spirits, wine, beer, or any other beverages you’d like to feature. From there, The Bond Bar takes over: we bring the mixers, garnishes, glassware, ice, tools, and a polished team of professionals to execute it all flawlessly.
This model allows us to bring full-service hospitality to weddings, corporate events, private parties, and more — without violating Arizona liquor laws.
Why This Works in Your Favor
Aside from keeping things legal and compliant, dry hire actually gives you more control and flexibility as a host:
- Cost Transparency: We curate the list based on your menu, you buy the alcohol directly, often saving money compared to per-drink pricing or venue markups.
- Customization: Craving a bourbon-forward menu that sets a moody, elegant tone? Dreaming of a few signature cocktails designed just for you? Or perhaps you’d like to keep it simple with rosé flowing all night? Whatever your vision, you decide what’s poured — we bring it to life.
- Elegance & Ease: You provide the bottles that define your celebration. We transform them into an experience — complete with curated menus, impeccable service, and every detail considered. While you savor the moment, we ensure everything behind the bar is flawless.
For many of our clients, this setup feels like a luxury concierge service — because it is.
We’ll Guide You Every Step of the Way
From the first conversation, we walk alongside you in the planning process. We’ll recommend the right quantities for your guest list, guide you toward quality spirits, and craft a cocktail menu that feels true to your vision. Consider us your partners in creating an elevated bar experience — making the process seamless, thoughtful, and stress-free.
All that’s left for you is to place the order. When we arrive, the bottles are waiting — and we take care of the rest.
Do I Need a Liquor License for My Event?
For private gatherings — weddings, milestone celebrations, corporate events — no special event liquor license is required, provided the alcohol is supplied by the host and never sold to guests.
At The Bond Bar, we operate with complete transparency: we don’t sell or supply alcohol, and we never run cash bars. Instead, we curate and serve from what you provide, ensuring your event is both elevated and fully compliant.
For public or ticketed events, regulations can differ. Should your celebration fall into that category, we’ll guide you through the process and connect you with the right resources to make it seamless.
The Bottom Line: Seamless, Sophisticated, and Designed for You
At The Bond Bar, compliance isn’t an afterthought — it’s the foundation. We honor Arizona’s regulations so our clients can host with confidence, knowing every detail is handled with care. Our dry hire model transforms your selection of spirits into a curated bar experience — fully legal, entirely customizable, and styled with effortless sophistication. The result: a celebration that feels seamless, elevated, and unforgettable.
✨ Ready to begin planning your event?
INQUIRE NOW to reserve your date or follow us on Instagram @the.bond.bar to see where we’re headed next.
