Mobile bars
Commercial mobile bar planning guide
What to confirm before hiring or purchasing a mobile beer-dispensing bar.
Define the event duty
Start with products, expected volume, service duration and peak demand. A small private function and a stadium activation may both use a mobile bar but require very different cooling and gas arrangements.
Confirm whether the bar supplements a fixed venue or carries the full event demand. This determines the acceptable level of redundancy and storage.
Confirm product and keg location
The distance between kegs and bar affects line length, cooling and balance. Decide whether kegs sit within, beside or remote from the bar.
Protect kegs from sun and heat. Product that arrives warm or sits in an uncontrolled service area places extra load on the dispensing system.
Check site services
Document power type, circuit capacity, water, drainage, access, floor condition and delivery route. Outdoor events also need weather protection and secure equipment placement.
Do not assume a general power outlet is available or suitable. Confirm it with the venue or event electrician before delivery.
Allow setup and test time
The bar must be positioned, connected, cooled, balanced and tested before service. Product may need time to settle after transport.
Schedule access early enough to correct a missing service or damaged connection without delaying opening.
Allocate operating responsibility
Nominate who changes kegs, monitors gas, manages waste and contacts service support. Provide staff with a short system briefing.
Uncontrolled adjustments by event staff can quickly create foam and product loss. Mark approved settings and isolation points.
Plan pack-down and loss control
Agree responsibility for disconnection, remaining product, cleaning, equipment security and collection timing. Photograph condition at delivery and collection for hired equipment.
A clear scope prevents disputes and ensures the system is returned clean, complete and ready for its next use.
Need the system assessed?
Beer Works services commercial beer, glycol and related refrigeration systems across South East Queensland. Call (07) 3204 0607 or email info@beerworks.au.