Foreign bartenders cleared to work in Taiwan after rule change

Taipei, Feb. 15 (CNA) Foreign bartenders can now legally work in Taiwan, following a recent regulatory revision by the Ministry of Labor.

The ministry announced on Jan. 24 that it had reclassified bartending as a "specialized or technical occupation" under the Employment Services Act.

The change means foreign bartenders can obtain a work permit provided they have worked for two years at any bar or restaurant or one year at a business officially recognized by organizations such as the Michelin Guide.

The work experience requirements are waived for those who have won prizes in certain international bartending competitions, according to the ministry.

Additionally, foreign bartenders must receive a minimum monthly salary of NT$47,971 (US$1,500), while employers must hold a valid hotel, restaurant, or bar business license to hire them.

Foreign bartenders' job responsibilities must be restricted to mixing alcoholic and nonalcoholic cocktails, providing technical training, designing drink menus, consulting on bar operations and offering customer service for a work permit to be granted, the ministry added.

The new regulations come after several bars were heavily fined for hosting foreign guest bartenders without proper work permits.

In June 2024, Tu Li-ching (涂立青), founder of the PaperPlane bar guide, launched a petition advocating regulatory changes.

The petition gained over 6,000 signatures and led to a public hearing, ultimately pushing the ministry to amend the law to boost Taiwan's international bar scene.