Preston Rideout

Preston Rideout is the CEO of Rideout Hospitality and a nightlife consultant with global credentials. He has conducted over 250 bar operations assessments, implemented risk mitigation strategies, and supported legal teams in hospitality litigation. His expertise spans nightclub safety, staff training, intoxication management, and operational recovery following claims or shutdowns.

Practice Areas

Bar Operations
Nightclub Management
Liquor Liability

Education & Certifications

University of Mississippi
B.S. Hospitality Management
Certified Dram Shop Expert

Location

708 Poplar St, Greenwood, MS

Preston Rideout is a nationally recognized nightlife operations expert and hospitality consultant with over two decades of experience in bar management, training, and compliance. He has worked with more than 250 hospitality venues across the United States, offering actionable guidance to improve safety, reduce liability, and enhance operational efficiency.

He is the CEO of Rideout Hospitality and Founder of The Dram Shop Experts, a firm specializing in alcohol service training, liquor liability mitigation, and expert witness testimony. His work includes expert consulting for law firms, insurance companies, and state licensing boards, demonstrating his diverse contributions to the hospitality and legal fields.

Preston has been instrumental in shaping bar and nightclub safety standards. His credentials include extensive courtroom testimony in alcohol-related litigation and hands-on training for restaurant and bar staff nationwide. With a career spanning corporate consulting, licensing compliance, and dram shop liability defense, Preston Rideout brings an unmatched depth of field knowledge to The Bar Experts.

For over two decades, Preston Rideout has led bar operations across premier casinos, national restaurant groups, and nightlife venues nationwide. He’s trained thousands of professionals in responsible alcohol service, risk management, and bar management strategy.

Led bar and nightlife management for MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and Wynn Las Vegas
Provided responsible alcohol service and operations training for 250+ venues across 38 states
Served as expert witness in over 100 legal cases involving liquor liability, intoxication, and policy failure
Developed and delivered bar operations protocols for Caesars Entertainment and multiple hospitality groups
Designed comprehensive risk mitigation training programs adopted by restaurants, casinos, and music festivals

With deep operational insight and regulatory expertise, Preston brings invaluable courtroom and consulting experience to clients of The Bar Experts. Preston’s ability to evaluate bartending practices, alcohol policies, and service environments allows him to guide litigation support, reduce liability exposure, and strengthen on-premise operations. His expert witness experience spans both plaintiff and defense cases nationwide.

Recognized nationally for his extensive contributions to bar operations and nightlife consulting, Preston Rideout has been a key figure in advancing industry standards. His hands-on leadership and courtroom testimony have earned the trust of venues, attorneys, and insurance carriers alike. He is frequently acknowledged for his commitment to safety, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance across the hospitality sector.

Certified Expert Witness in Dram Shop, Liquor Liability, and Responsible Alcohol Service
Chief Executive Officer, Rideout Hospitality and Bar Experts Management
Featured Speaker, Responsible Beverage Service at National Hospitality Conferences
Industry Advisor, Best Practices in Alcohol Policy and Risk Mitigation
Recognized Trainer, Responsible Vendor Programs and Bar Compliance Protocols
Subject Matter Expert, Casino Nightlife Operations and Beverage Security
Instructor, Liquor Liability Education for Hospitality Legal Teams