How to Get a Bartending License – The Ultimate Guide

Controlling agency information: Alcoholic Beverage Control Board - Act that regulates alcohol training Age to sell and serve: 21 years old for spirits Who has to train: Employees of an establishment that sells or serves alcoholic beverages How often to renew: Annually Key Fact Concerning Alabama: Twenty-four (24) of Alabama’s 67 counties are dry. However, there are 55 wet cities in dry counties. For a full list, please visit the “Wet & Dry Counties” document located at www.nabca.org.

Controlling agency information: Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office

Act that regulates alcohol: Alcohol Statute and Regulations

Age to sell and serve alcoholic beverages: 21 years old

Who has to train:  In Alaska, licensees and their agents and employees must take an alcohol server training course within 30 days of employment, unless local rules require training before beginning employment. The course must be reviewed and approved by the ABC Board. The board will not approve a course unless it covers 16 specific areas of Alaska law. Courses approved in other states may have the same title but are not the same as the course taught in Alaska

How often do you have to renew: N/A

Controlling agency information: Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC)

Act that regulates alcohol: The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC), authorized by Arizona Revised Statutes Title 4

Age to sell and serve: 18 years of age for an on-sale establishment and 18 years of age for an off-sale establishment that sells primarily spirituous liquor. 16 years of age for an off-sale establishment that sells primarily items other than spirituous liquor. [A.R.S. 4-244(10)(11)]

Who has to train: Training is not mandatory

How often do you have to renew: 3 years

Controlling agency information: Alcoholic Beverage Control

Act that regulates alcohol: Arkansas Code Annotated Laws of the State Control Act

Age to sell and serve: 18 for beer and wine, 21 for spirits

Who has to train: N/A. Training is not mandatory in Arkansas but is highly recommended.

Take the Arkansas Alcohol Seller Server Course today!

Controlling agency information: California Alcohol Beverage Control

Act that regulates alcohol: In 1955, an amendment to the State Constitution became effective removing the duty of regulating the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages from the State Board of Equalization and placing it in the new Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Age to sell and serve:  Except as provided in subdivision (c), no licensee that sells or serves alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises shall employ any person under 21 years of age to prepare or serve alcoholic beverages. Every person who employs or uses the services of any person under the age of 21 years in or on that portion of any premises, during business hours, which are primarily designed and used for the sale and service of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Any off-sale licensee who employs or uses the services of any person under the age of 18 years for the sale of alcoholic beverages shall be subject to suspension or revocation of his or her license, except that a person under the age of 18 years may be employed or used for those purposes if that person is under the continuous supervision of a person 21 years of age or older.

Any person between 18 and 21 years of age employed in any bona fide public eating place, as defined in Sections 23038 and 23038.1, which is licensed for the on-sale of alcoholic beverages, may serve alcoholic beverages to consumers only under the following circumstances: such service occurs in an area primarily designed and used for the sale and service of food for consumption on the premises; and the primary duties of the employee shall be the service of meals to guests, with the service of alcoholic beverages being incidental to such duties. For purposes of this subdivision, “serve” or “service” includes the delivery, presentation, opening, or pouring of an alcoholic beverage.

Coming July 1st, 2022

Who has to train: All sellers and servers of alcohol as of July 2022 must take a state-approved course.

How often do you have to renew: Three years from the date of issue

Alcohol Delivery: Delivery of alcohol is allowed, but only the state will be issuing certifications for delivery. Third-party providers of alcohol training will not be allowed to offer certifications.

Get certified with our California Responsible Beverage Service Course today!

Controlling agency information: Colorado Department of Revenue, Liquor and Tobacco Enforcement Division

Act that regulates alcohol: Colorado Liquor Rules 1 CCR 203-2

Age to sell and serve: This is pretty involved, so here is the statute controlling age:

The statutory authority for this regulation is located at subsections 44-3-202(1)(b) and 44-3-202(2)(a)(I)(A), C.R.S. The purpose of this regulation is to define permitted and prohibited roles for a liquor licensee’s employees based on the employee’s age.

A. Nothing within this regulation shall authorize a licensee to permit a person under the age of eighteen (18) to sell, dispense, serve, or participate in the sale, dispensing, or service of alcoholic beverages.
B. Except as otherwise provided by this regulation, a licensee shall not permit a person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age but less than twenty-one (21) years of age to sell, dispense, or serve alcohol beverages unless the employee is supervised by another person who is on the licensed premises and is at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
C. Tavern and lodging and entertainment licensees that do not regularly serve meals.

1. Employees or agents of the licensee who are at least twenty-one (21) years of age may handle and otherwise act concerning malt, vinous, and spirituous liquors in the same manner as that person does with other items sold at retail and may sell such alcohol beverages or check identification of the customers of the retail outlet.

D. Retail liquor store and liquor-licensed drugstore licensees.

1. Retail liquor store and liquor-licensed drugstore licensees may permit a person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age to sell, serve, or participate in the sale or service of malt, vinous, and spirituous liquor.
2. Retail liquor store and liquor-licensed drugstore licensees shall not permit a person who is less than twenty-one (21) years of age to deliver malt, vinous, and spirituous liquor under Regulation 47-426, 1 C.C.R. 203-2.

E. Fermented malt beverage licensees.

1. Fermented malt beverage licensees may permit a person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age to sell, serve, or participate in the sale or service of fermented malt beverages. CODE OF COLORADO REGULATIONS 1 CCR 203-2 Liquor Enforcement Division 77
2. Fermented malt beverage licensees for sales for consumption off the licensed premises shall not permit a person who is less than twenty-one (21) years of age to deliver fermented malt beverages under Regulation 47-426, 1 C.C.R. 203-2.

F. Special event permit holders:

1. No person under eighteen (18) years of age may sell, serve, dispense, or handle alcoholic beverages.
2. Malt, vinous, and spirituous liquors special event permittees may permit a person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age but less than twenty-one (21) years of age to sell, serve, dispense, or handle alcoholic beverages when said person is under the direct supervision of a person who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
3. Fermented malt beverage special event permittees may permit a person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age to sell, serve, dispense, or handle fermented malt beverages.

G. Wholesalers and manufacturers licensed under article 3, of title 44, C.R.S.

1. Employees or agents of the licensee who are at least twenty-one (21) years of age may handle and otherwise act concerning alcoholic beverages in the same manner as that person does with other items sold at wholesale and may sell and/or deliver such alcoholic beverages to retail outlets.
2. Employees or agents of the licensee who are at least eighteen (18) years of age may handle and otherwise act concerning alcoholic beverages in the same manner as such person would with other items sold at wholesale, as long as they are under the direct supervision of a person who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age. However, persons under the age of twenty-one (21) shall not sell malt, vinous, or spirituous liquors or check the identification of the customers of the permitted sales room.

Who has to train: All sellers of alcoholic beverages. They have 90 days from the date of hire to have completed the training.

How often do you have to renew: Recertification must occur every 3 years.

Controlling agency information: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection in conjunction with the Liquor Control Division

Act or entity that regulates alcohol: The Liquor Control Commission is a three-member regulatory body within the Department of Consumer Protection. The Commission oversees provisional permits and holds formal administrative hearings and informal hearings (compliance meetings) regarding allegations which include, but are not limited to: suitability of applicants and permit premises; obtaining liquor permits by fraud; sales to minors; sale to intoxicated persons; and unlawful activity occurring on permit premises.

The Commission also acts on matters delegated by the Commissioner, which include but are not limited to review and approval of final liquor permits; substitute permittee applications; patio requests and additional consumer bars; and other matters that come before the Commission for consideration and adjudication.

Take our Connecticut Bartending License course today.

Controlling agency information: Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement

Act that regulates alcohol: Officers of the Division are primarily tasked with the enforcement of Title 4 - The Liquor Control Act and the Administrative Rules of the Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner. The Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement is also tasked with checking all establishments that sell tobacco for compliance in regards to youth access to tobacco laws. In July of 1991, Delaware passed House Bill #65 which mandated that all servers must be trained prior to serving alcohol. At that time the Division began to administer The Alcoholic Beverage Server program.

Age to sell and serve: 16 and 17 year olds must have a work permit from the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner. b) 16 and 17 year olds may only handle alcohol when they clear it from the table. They CAN NOT solicit drink orders. c) 18, 19 and 20 year olds may solicit orders for alcohol and may serve the alcohol but they are NOT PERMITTED to open, mix or pour an alcoholic beverage.

Who has to train: All servers of alcoholic beverages. (The Server Training card must be obtained within 30 days of date of hire).

How often do you have to renew: Certification is good for 4 years. (Commissioner Rule 803, page 13)

Link to relevant dramshop article: Delaware does not currently have Dram Shop but it does have Civil/Tort Statues that may hold the server responsible. Servers must realize that failing to uphold their responsibility to abide by the laws and rules of the State of Delaware may not be just a matter of a criminal court hearing and a fine. It could escalate into a serious civil hearing with the possible repercussions of a judgment with substantial punitive damages.

Controlling agency information: Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Alcohol Beverages and Tobacco

Act that regulates alcohol: Title XXIV

Age to sell and serve: 18 to sell and serve

Who has to train: Training is not required but highly recommended to abide by the state's act - Florida Responsible Vendor Program

How often do you have to renew: N/A

For staff members, take our Florida Responsible Vendor Alcohol course. For managers, take both the Florida course and our Responsible Alcohol Manager course to meet the Florida Responsible Vendor Program guidelines.

Controlling agency information: Department of Revenue, Alcohol & Tobacco

Act that regulates alcohol: Title 560 - Georgia Department of Revenue

Local conditions: Georgia does not require a seller-server license but it’s highly recommended.

However, if you deliver alcohol for off-service, meaning you're bringing alcohol to someone, you MUST have completed a Georgia state-certified course such as this one.

Age to sell and serve: 18 years old

Please note some sources indicate there is no minimum age requirement. However, per the Georgia Department of Labor, minors are not allowed to sell alcohol unless it’s for off-sale such as a supermarket or convenience store. The age listed is per state law, but local law can be more restrictive. Check with your local city or county to ensure you are not in violation of their regulations.

Who has to train: Server training is highly recommended for anyone selling or serving alcoholic beverages in the state of Georgia. Some counties have their requirements in the state of Georgia.

How often do you have to renew: N/A

Delivery: Certification is mandatory for the delivery of alcoholic beverages. If you will be delivering alcoholic beverages. This alcohol beverage delivery course is certified by the state of Georgia.

To deliver alcohol legally, take our Georgia Alcohol Delivery Certificate course. For sellers and servers, take our Georgia Bartending License course today.

Controlling agency information:

• Honolulu: Liquor Commission City and County of Honolulu
• Hawaii: Department of Liquor Control County of Hawaii
• Kauai: Department of Liquor Control County of Kauai
• Maui: Department of Liquor Control

Hawaii has the responsibility of liquor laws at the county and not state level. Please check with your local county regarding laws that regulate the sale and service of alcoholic beverages.

Controlling agency information: Idaho State Liquor Dispensary (handles pricing, distribution, selection, and location of packaged liquor stores)

Alcohol Beverage Control Bureau (enforces distilled spirits laws)

Local conditions - City of Boise

Controlling agency information: Illinois Liquor Control Commission

Local conditions - City of Chicago

Act that regulates alcohol: Illinois Liquor Control Act of 1934

Age to sell and serve:

At a minimum, the seller/server must be at least 18 years of age. A minor is not allowed to sell/serve alcoholic liquor. Illinois Liquor Control Commission Rules & Regulations (Section 100.10) define a "minor" as a person under 18 years of age (per an Illinois Attorney General opinion in 1973). However, the Illinois Liquor Control Act (235 ILCS 5/6-16, 235 ILCS 5/6-16.2, and ILCS 5/4-1) allows local jurisdictional control over this matter as well as the age allowed to enter a bar/tavern (restaurants that serve alcohol are exempt from this law). In Chicago, for example, you must be 21 to sell/serve alcohol and those under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to enter a bar/tavern. Some other local jurisdictions allow all ages to enter, regardless of whether they are with a parent or legal guardian. Other municipalities have ordinances specifying different ages for the selling, serving, pouring, drawing, and/or opening of alcoholic beverages. You can view various ordinances for most local jurisdictions.

Who has to train: As of July 1, 2018, all on-premise alcohol servers (and those required to check identification for alcohol service) are mandated to take BASSET.

How often do you have to renew: Three years

You must take either an Off-Premise or On-Premise course.

Take our Illinois BASSET Certification On-Premise here!

Take our Illinois BASSET Certification Off-Premise here!

Controlling agency information: Alcohol and Tobacco Commission

Act that regulates alcohol: The Indiana Alcoholic Beverage Commission was created by an Act of the Indiana General Assembly in 1933, following the repeal of Prohibition. Effective July 1, 2001, the name was changed to the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.

Age to sell and serve: Must be 19 years of age

Who has to train: Indiana state law requires completion of a certified server training program for persons holding an Employee Permit to dispense alcoholic beverages. The certification must be obtained no later than 120 days from the date of hire at an alcohol establishment.

How often do you have to renew: Three years

Controlling agency information: Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division

Act that regulates alcohol: Alcoholic Beverage Control, Chapter 123

Ages to Sell, Serve and Deliver: A licensee's employees and agents must be at least:

16 to sell liquor, wine, or beer in original unopened containers for off-premises consumption (grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, etc.).

18 to sell and dispense liquor, wine, or beer for on-premises consumption (restaurants, bars, clubs, etc.).

21 to deliver liquor, wine, or beer in original unopened containers to a home or other designated location for personal use (licensees and permittees authorized to sell liquor, wine, or beer for off-premises consumption).

Note: Age requirements apply to the licensee’s family members as well as non-family employees. If there is a local ordinance governing minors in licensed establishments, the ordinance applies.

Delivery:

Home Delivery

Licensees and permittees authorized to sell alcoholic liquor, wine, beer, or mixed drinks or cocktails for off-premises consumption may deliver alcoholic liquor, wine, or beer to a home.

Licensees and permittees may contract with a third party to deliver the alcoholic beverages provided that the licensee or permittee has entered into a written agreement with the third party that authorizes the third party to act as an agent of the licensee or permittee for the purpose of delivering the alcoholic beverages.

Deliveries of alcoholic liquor, wine, beer, or mixed drinks or cocktails are subject to the following restrictions:

Deliveries shall be limited to alcoholic beverages authorized by the licensee’s or permittee’s license or permit.

Licensees and permittees authorized to sell wine, beer, or mixed drinks or cocktails for consumption off the licensed premises in a container other than the original container may deliver the wine, beer, or mixed drinks or cocktails to a home only if the container other than the original container has been sold and securely sealed in compliance with Iowa Code chapter 123 or the rules of the division.

Payment for the alcoholic beverages shall be received by the licensee or permittee at the time of order.

Orders for delivery may be taken at any time Monday – Saturday and on Sunday as long as the licensee or permittee holds a Sunday Sales privilege.

Alcoholic beverages delivered to a person shall be for personal use and not for resale.

Deliveries shall only be made to persons in this state who are twenty-one years of age or older.

Deliveries shall not be made to a person who is intoxicated or is simulating intoxication.

Deliveries shall occur between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

Deliveries shall be made by the licensee or permittee, or the licensee’s or permittee’s employee, or a third party, provided the licensee or permittee has entered into a written agreement with the third party that authorizes the third party to act as an agent of the licensee or permittee for the purpose of delivering alcoholic beverages. Each licensee or permittee shall submit to the division electronically, or in a manner prescribed by the administrator, a list of names and addresses of all third parties it has authorized to act as its agent for the purpose of delivering alcoholic beverages. The licensee or permittee shall provide the division with amendments to the list as necessary to ensure the division possesses an accurate, current list. The link to the form can be found using the following link: Third-Party Delivery Form

Delivery personnel shall be twenty-one years of age or older.

Valid proof of the recipient’s identity and age shall be obtained at the time of delivery, and the signature of a person twenty-one years of age or older shall be obtained as a condition of delivery.

Licensees and permittees shall maintain records of deliveries which include the quantity delivered, the recipient’s name and address, and the signature of the recipient of the alcoholic beverages. The records shall be maintained on the licensed premises for a period of three years.

A violation of this section or any other provision of this chapter shall subject the licensee or permittee to the penalty provisions of section 123.39. If the licensee or permittee, an employee of the licensee or permittee, or a person delivering alcoholic liquor, wine, beer, or mixed drinks or cocktails for a third party acting on behalf of the licensee or permittee pursuant to a written agreement violates this section, the licensee or permittee shall not be assessed a penalty under section 123.39 if the licensee or permittee establishes all of the following:

The violation was committed off of the licensee’s or permittee’s premises after the liquor, wine, beer, or mixed drinks or cocktails was removed from the licensee’s or permittee’s premises in fulfillment of a delivery order.

If the person who committed the violation is an employee of the licensee or permittee, that no other violation of this section was committed by any employee of the licensee or permittee within the two year period immediately preceding the date of violation.

If the person who committed the violation is a person delivering for a third party acting on behalf of the licensee or permittee, that no other violation of this section was committed by any person delivering for the same third party while the third party was acting on behalf of the licensee or permittee within the two year period immediately preceding the date of violation.

Who has to train: Recommended that all employees who sell or serve alcoholic beverages receive training. It is not mandatory.

How often do you have to renew: N/A

Take our Iowa Responsible Alcohol Seller Server Course today!

Controlling agency information: Kansas Department of Revenue Alcohol Beverage Control

Act that regulates alcohol: In 1948, Kansas voters amended the state constitution and the 1949 Legislature enacted the Kansas Liquor Control Act, which provided for the regulation of all phases of manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, and traffic of alcoholic liquor and manufacture of beer, except 3.2 percent and less. In 1972, the Legislature converted the Office of the Director of Alcoholic Beverage Control from an independent agency to a division within the Department of Revenue.

The Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control oversees licensing, regulatory, legal, and enforcement of the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages. Anyone and all organizations involved in the sale of alcoholic beverages, including retailers, suppliers, distributors, drinking establishments, farm wineries, microbreweries, manufacturers, caterers, special order shipping, temporary permit holders, and private clubs, must obtain licenses or permits. It also enforces all applicable liquor laws.

Age to sell and serve:

Bring drinks to tables: 18 years of age

To mix, open or pour alcoholic beverages: 21 years of age

To work in a retail liquor store: 21 years of age

Who has to train: Training is highly recommended, but not mandatory.

How often do you have to renew: N/A

Get certified with our Kansas Alcohol Seller Server Training Course today!

Controlling agency information: Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Control Department

Age to sell and serve: A person must be at least twenty (20) years old to sell, serve, or accept payment for distilled spirits, wine, or malt beverages. KRS 244.090.

Who has to train: Training is highly recommended, but not mandatory for anyone who sells or serves alcoholic beverages.

How often do you have to renew: N/A

Take our Kentucky Alcohol Server Training course today.

Controlling agency information: Louisiana Department of Revenue Alcohol and Tobacco Control Office

Act that regulates alcohol: TITLE 26 LIQUORS-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE

Age to sell and serve: The minimum age to prepare, sell, or serve alcoholic beverages in a bar or restaurant is 18 years.

Persons under the age of 18 years are allowed to sell or serve alcoholic beverages, under immediate supervision, in a package store (where the sale or handling of alcoholic beverages does not constitute the main business). However, the employer must fill out an “Application to Employ Minors Under 18” form and return it to the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

Who has to train:

Any employee of an alcoholic beverage or tobacco dealer who is authorized to sell or serve alcoholic beverages or tobacco products or who deals with customers who purchase or consume alcoholic beverages or tobacco products must obtain a responsible vendor permit within 45 days of employment.

How often do you have to renew:

Responsible vendor permits expire every 4 years on the last day of the month in which you took the responsible vendor course

Controlling agency information:

Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations

Controlling agency information: 

Maryland Field Enforcement Division

Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services

MD – Worcester County Liquor Control Board

Controlling agency information: Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission

Act that regulates alcohol: Chapter 138 Alcoholic Liquors

Age to sell and serve: 18 years of age

Who has to train: Highly recommended but not mandatory for anyone who sells or serves alcoholic beverages.

How often do you have to renew: The Massachusetts certification is valid for 3 years.

Enroll for our Massachusetts Alcohol Server Seller Course today!

Controlling agency information: Michigan Liquor Control Commission

Who has to train:  Managers, at a minimum (At a minimum, server-trained supervisory personnel must be employed during all hours alcoholic beverages are served as outlined in MCL 436.1501(1).

Act that regulates alcohol: Michigan Liquor Control Code of 1998 Act 58

Age to sell and serve: 18 years of age or older

How often do you have to renew: 3 years

Enroll in our Michigan Alcohol Seller-Server Course today!

Controlling agency information: Minnesota Department of Public Safety Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division

Act that regulates alcohol: Minnesota Liquor Control Act

Age to sell and serve: Minimum age to sell or serve alcoholic beverages is 18

Who has to train: Highly recommended but not mandatory for anyone who sells or serves alcoholic beverages. (Some cities may require training, check your local ordinances).

How often do you have to renew: N/A

Minnesota Statutes section 340A.801 sets out the state's liability laws.

Sign up for our Minnesota Responsible Alcohol Certification today!

Controlling agency information: Alcoholic Beverage Control Office

Act that regulates alcohol: State law requires that localities opt in for the sale of alcoholic beverages and never ratify the 21st amendment and is a dry state by default. Mississippi has several wet and dry counties because of this approach. Know your county’s regulations. This is a link to the state’s information on wet and dry county locations.

Age to sell and serve: 18 for beer-only licensed premises, anyone who is legally employed may sell or otherwise handle beer, regardless of age. The minor employee is prohibited from consuming, purchasing, or otherwise personally coming into possession of beer.

For ABC or alcohol-licensed premises, employment to persons under 21 is generally prohibited. However, someone at least 18 years of age may wait tables, take orders and deliver alcohol products to the table IF that is in the normal scope of his/her employment. This exception does not allow someone to serve as a bartender or manager of the premises.

At an ABC-licensed premises, someone under 21 years of age may unload sealed cartons, boxes or similar shipping packages of alcohol products provided the package remains sealed at all times. Someone under 21 years of age may work as an entertainer at ABC licensed premises.​

Who has to train: Highly recommended but not mandatory for anyone who sells or serves alcoholic beverages.

Take our Mississippi Alcohol Seller Server Training today!

Controlling agency information: Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control

Act that regulates alcohol: Title XX

Age to sell and serve: Persons 18 years of age or older may sell or handle intoxicating liquor, when. 1. Except as provided in this section, no person under the age of 21 years shall sell or assist in the sale or dispensing of intoxicating liquor. 2. In any place of business licensed in accordance with section 311.200, persons at least 18 years of age may stock, arrange displays, operate the cash register or scanner connected to a cash register and accept payment for, and sack for carryout, intoxicating liquor. Delivery of intoxicating liquor away from the licensed business premises cannot be performed by anyone under the age of 21 years. Any licensee who employs any person under the age of 21 years, as authorized by this subsection, shall, when at least 50% of the licensee's gross sales does not consist of nonalcoholic sales, have an employee 21 years of age or older on the licensed premises during all hours of operation.

Who has to train: Highly recommended but not mandatory for anyone who sells or serves alcoholic beverages.

How often do you have to renew: N/A

Controlling agency information: Montana Alcoholic Beverage Control Division

Act that regulates alcohol: Title XVI

Age to sell and serve: Minimum of 18 years of age

Who has to train: All licensees will be required, as of January 1, 2012, to ensure that all persons who serve or sell alcoholic beverages, their immediate supervisors, and all licensees or owners of licensees who personally serve or sell alcoholic beverages on behalf of the licensee, have completed a responsible alcohol sales and service training class.

(2)  Individuals trained within the three-year time period prior to January 1, 2012, by any training provider, will be in compliance with the training requirement provided that the individual has valid proof of training within that period.  Such individuals must be retrained within three years from their date of training.

(3)  On or after January 1, 2012, employees who do not have current valid proof of training must obtain training from a training provider preapproved by the department.  Any training received from a nonapproved training provider does not satisfy the server training requirements of Title 16, ch. 4, part 10, MCA, or these rules.

(4)  Employees must receive training within 60 days of hire and every three years thereafter.  Licensees or owners of licenses must receive training within 60 days of department approval of their ownership interest if they personally serve alcoholic beverages, or 60 days of when they begin personally serving alcoholic beverages, and every three years thereafter.

(5)  Licensees shall maintain proof of training for each employee.  If, as a result of a routine check for compliance with 16-3-301, 16-6-304, or 16-6-305, MCA, and 16-4-1005, MCA, the department believes the licensee may be out of compliance, the department may make an examination of the licensee's training or employee records.  After reviewing the records, if the department has reasonable cause to believe the licensee is not in compliance with Title 15, ch. 4, part 10, MCA, the department will impose a penalty as provided by law.

(6)  Title 16, ch. 4, part 10, MCA, is silent as to whether the licensee or the employee is responsible for the cost of the training.  This is to be determined by agreement between the licensee and employee.

How often do you have to renew: Every 3 years

Sign up for our Montana Alcohol Server Seller Course today!

Controlling agency information: Nebraska Liquor Control Commission

Act that regulates alcohol: Nebraska Liquor Control Act

Age to sell and serve: Minimum age is 19

Who has to train: Highly recommended but not required by the state, certain cities do require seller server training. Check with your local municipality.

How often do you have to renew: 3 years is the maximum length of time

Take our Nebraska Responsible Beverage Service Training (RBST) today!

Controlling agency information: Nevada Department of Taxation

Act that regulates alcohol: Chapter 369 - Intoxicating Liquor

Age to sell and serve: 21. Unless it’s a retail food store, then 16.

Who has to train: Not mandatory at the state level, but can be mandatory at the local level. Please check with your local city and county to see if the training is required.

How often do you have to renew:  Controlled at the local level.

Controlling agency information: New Hampshire State Liquor Commission

Act that regulates alcohol: Title XXXIII

Age to sell and serve:

How old must an employee be to sell alcohol?  To act as a cashier in a selling capacity the employee shall be 16 years old.

How old must an employee be to serve alcohol?  In order to serve or handle alcohol as a waiter, waitress, or bartender the employee shall be 18 years old.

Who has to train: Highly recommended but not mandatory for anyone who sells or serves alcoholic beverages.

How often you have to renew: N/A

Controlling agency information: New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control

Act that regulates alcohol: New Jersey Alcoholic Beverage Act Title 33

Age to sell and serve:

HOW OLD TO OWN A LICENSE? The lawful age to own a license and to purchase alcoholic beverage products for resale under a license privilege is 18 years of age. (N.J.S.A. 9:17B-1.) HOW OLD TO BE EMPLOYED BY A LICENSEE? For all on-premise consumption licenses, no person under 18 years of age may be employed to work on the licensed premises (this includes entertainers, etc.) except you may employ someone 16 years of age or older as: (1) a pin setter or lane attendant at a public bowling alley or (2) a busboy (or someone who does not prepare, sell or serve alcoholic beverages) in a restaurant, bowling alley, hotel, motel or guest house. 3 Any on-premise consumption licensee may employ any person 14 years of age or older who will be exclusively used to perform duties as a golf caddy and/or pool attendant. For all off-premise consumption licensees, no person under 18 years of age may be employed to work on the licensed premises except you may employ someone 15 years of age or older to act as a stock clerk or in a similar position that does not involve the sale of alcoholic beverages to customers. Alcoholic Beverage Control Regulations require all retail licensees, except those operating in conjunction with a bona fide hotel or public restaurant, to obtain an Employment Permit from the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control for any employee who is less than 18 years of age. Such permit must be obtained no later than 10 days from the commencement of employment. The Alcoholic Beverage Control will issue a Blanket Permit to licensees that will cover the employment of more than one person under the age of 18. Inquiries should be made to the Divisions Licensing Bureau.

Who has to train: Highly recommended but not mandatory for anyone who sells or serves alcoholic beverages.

How often do you have to renew: N/A

Take our New Jersey Alcohol Server Course today!

Controlling agency information: New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department

Act that regulates alcohol: New Mexico Liquor Control Act

Age to sell and serve:

Only individuals over 21 years of age may sell or serve alcohol in bars, lounges convenience, grocery, and package stores.

18 to 20-year-olds may obtain a permit to sell or serve alcohol in a full-service restaurant with meals, but may not be a bartender.

Who has to train:

Anyone who serves and sells alcoholic beverages and packaged liquor.

This includes owners and leaseholders of alcohol licenses; owners of beer and wine licenses; bartenders, bouncers, waiters, waitresses, convenience and grocery store clerks; and resident agents.

How often do you have to renew: The permits are valid for 3 years from the date of the class and must be renewed before expiration.

Controlling agency information: New York State Liquor Authority Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control

Act that regulates alcohol: Alcohol Beverage Control Law (Chapter 478)

Age to sell and serve: Minimum age to sell alcoholic beverages is 18

Who has to train: Highly recommended but not mandatory for anyone who sells or serves alcoholic beverages.

How often do you have to renew: 3 years

Sign up for our New York ATAP Alcohol Certification today!

Controlling agency information: North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission

Act that regulates alcohol: Alcohol Beverage Control Act of 1937

Age to sell and serve:

An establishment holding mixed beverage, brown bagging, or special occasion permits must have an employee at least 21 years of age in charge of the licensed premises at all times. Bartenders must be 21 years of age to mix drinks containing spirits. Waiters and waitresses in on-premise establishments who serve or sell alcoholic beverages must be 18 years of age. Minors 16 and 17 may be employed if they do not prepare, sell, serve, or deliver alcoholic beverages at on-premise establishments. Malt beverage, fortified, and unfortified wine permittees shall have an employee who is 18 years of age in charge. Minors may work at off-premise establishments (beer and/or wine) in any capacity, subject to the rules set by the North Carolina Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division.

Who has to train: Required for business owners. If you have the permit to operate the business to sell or serve alcohol, then training is required.

How often do you have to renew: 3 years

Controlling agency information: North Dakota Office of the State Tax Commissioner

Act that regulates alcohol: Title 5

Age to sell and serve:  In North Dakota, the minimum legal age to serve alcohol is 21, except in restaurants where 18 to 20-year-olds may serve and collect money for alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, or spirits) if under the direct supervision of an individual (manager or supervisor) who is of legal drinking age (N.D.C.C. § 5-02-06, 2013).

Who has to train: Highly recommended but not mandatory for anyone who sells or serves alcoholic beverages.

How often do you have to renew: N/A

Take our North Dakota Alcohol Seller Server Training today.

Controlling agency information: Ohio Department of Commerce - Division Of Liquor Control

Act that regulates alcohol: State Liquor Control Act: Chapter 4301 Liquor Control Law

Age to sell and serve: You must be at least 19 years old to legally serve alcohol for on-site consumption but if the alcohol in question is wine or spirits, then you will need to be at least 21 years old.

Who has to train: Highly recommended but not mandatory for anyone who sells or serves alcoholic beverages.

How often do you have to renew: N/A

Enroll in our Ohio Alcohol Seller Server Course today!

Controlling agency information: Alcoholic Beverage Law Enforcement Commission (ABLE)

Controlling agency information: Oregon Liquor Control Commission

Act that regulates alcohol: Oregon State Liquor Control Act (ORS 471.030)

Age to sell and serve: Minimum age of 18

Who has to train: Service permits are required for servers (i.e., wait staff or bartenders) who work for a business that allows customers to drink alcohol on the premises; managers who directly supervise servers who mix, serve, or sell alcohol to customers for drinking on their premises; owners who mix, serve, or sell alcohol, or manage services at that business; and any person who fills growlers.

How often do you have to renew: 5 years

Controlling Agency Information: Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board

Age to sell and serve: Generally, to be employed as a bartender or to serve or dispense alcohol in a licensed retail establishment, a person must be at least 18 years of age. 47 P.S. § 4- 493(13). 16  and 17 year-olds may be employed on retail licensed premises to serve food, clear tables, and perform other similar duties–including the carrying of empty or partially full alcoholic beverages remaining on the table being cleared. They are not permitted to dispense or serve alcoholic beverages. Minors under 16 years of age cannot be employed on retail licensed premises, except under a narrow exception involving licenses located at ski resorts, golf courses, amusement parks, and continuing care facilities. Id. Be advised that there is a provision in the PLCB’s Regulations that a 17 year-old minor can be treated as though he or she is 18 years old for purposes of employment if he or she is a high school graduate, or if he or she has been declared to have attained his or her academic potential by the chief administrator of the school district where the minor resides. 40 Pa. Code § 5.14. In that case, the licensee must have in its possession on the licensed premises, to be produced on demand, a certified copy of the diploma or certificate of graduation or a letter on the official stationery of the minor’s school district and over the signature of the chief administrator of the school district, declaring that the minor has attained his or her academic potential. Id. Since employment of minors is primarily regulated by the state’s Department of Labor and Industry, you may wish to contact that agency as well at (717) 787-5279.

Who has to train: RAMP Server/Seller Training of 50% of the staff members of a licensee in the state of Pennsylvania to maintain PLCB certification.

How often do you have to renew: 2 years

Enroll in our Pennsylvania RAMP Seller/Server Training today!

Controlling agency information: Division of Commercial Licensing and Regulation Liquor Enforcement and Compliance - Rhode Island Agencies List

Act that regulates alcohol: Rhode Island Title 3

Age to sell and serve: 18 years of age or older

Who has to train: Required of those who serve alcoholic beverages

How often do you have to renew: Every three years

Controlling agency information: South Carolina Department of Revenue & Taxation

Act that regulates alcohol: The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act Title 61

Age to sell and serve: To work as a bartender in any facility that sells open containers of beer or wine, a person must be at least 21 years of age. To work as a server, waiter, or waitress and serve open containers of beer or wine a person must be at least 18 years of age.

Who has to train: Not required but highly recommended

How often do you have to renew: N/A

Take our state-approved South Carolina Alcohol Serving License course today.

Controlling agency information: South Dakota Department of Revenue - Division of Special Taxes

Act that regulates alcohol: Title 35

Age to sell and serve: 

Selling or serving alcoholic beverages does not include tending to a bar or drawing, pouring, or mixing alcoholic beverages.

An individual 18 years old or older may sell or serve if:

• The business has an on-sale or off-sale license, and
• 50% or less of the gross business transacted at the establishment is from the sale of alcoholic beverages; or
• The licensee or an employee who is at least 21 years old is on the premises when the alcoholic beverage is sold or served.

An individual 21 years old or older may:

• Sell or serve alcohol; and
• Tend bar to include drawing, pouring, or mixing alcoholic beverages.

Who has to train: Not required but highly recommended

How often do you have to renew: N/A

Controlling agency information: Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission

Act that regulates alcohol: Tennessee Code Title 57

Age to sell and serve: Minimum of 18 years of age

Who has to train: A Server Permit (On-Premise Permit) is required to serve liquor, wine, and high-gravity beer at an establishment that holds an On-Premise Consumption License (Liquor-by-the-Drink License).

How often do you have to renew: 5 years

Take our state-approved Tennessee TABC Server & Seller Training course today.

Controlling agency information: Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

Act that regulates alcohol: Alcoholic Beverage Code

Age to sell and serve: Minimum age of 18 years of age

Who has to train: Highly recommended but not required

How often do you have to renew: 2 years

Take our state-approved Texas TABC Alcohol Certification course today.

Controlling agency information: Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

Act that regulates alcohol: The Utah Alcoholic Beverage Control Act Title 32B

Age to sell and serve: 21 years of age or older

Who has to train: Every individual who is employed to sell or furnish alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, and those who manage or supervise the service of alcoholic beverages must:

• Complete and pass an approved Utah alcohol server training every 3 years.
• Complete the training within 30 days of beginning employment.

How often do you have to renew: Every 3 years

Controlling agency information: Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery

Act that regulates alcohol: Vermont Division of Liquor Control

Age to sell and serve: Minimum age of 18 years of age

Who has to train: All sellers and servers of alcohol and tobacco must be trained before they start working and then must be re-trained every 2 years thereafter.

How often do you have to renew: Every 2 years

Controlling agency information: Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority

Act that regulates alcohol: Title 4.1 Alcoholic Beverage Control Act

Age to sell and serve: No person licensed to sell alcoholic beverages at retail shall permit any employee under the age of 18 years to sell, serve or dispense in any manner any alcoholic beverage in his licensed establishment for on-premises consumption, nor shall such person permit any employee under the age of 21 years to prepare or mix alcoholic beverages in the capacity of a bartender. "Bartender" is defined as a person who sells, serves or dispenses alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption at a counter, as defined in 3VAC5-50-110, and does not include a person employed to serve food and drink to patrons at tables as defined in that section. However, a person who is 18 years of age or older may sell or serve beer for on-premises consumption at a counter in an establishment that sells beer only, or may sell or serve wine for on-premises consumption in an establishment that sells wine only.

Who has to train: Not required, but highly recommended

How often do you have to renew: N/A

Controlling agency information: Washington Business License Services - Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board

Act that regulates alcohol: The Steele Liquor Act

Age to sell and serve: Employees 18, 19, and 20 years old may sell, stock, and handle alcohol on retail premises, as long as there is a supervisor 21 or older on store premises. WAC 314-11-040 There must be at least one 21 or older employee on-site at a Grocery Store (selling beer and wine) and at least two employees 21 or older on-site at a Spirits Retailer.

If in a bartending capacity, then the minimum age is 21.

Is training mandatory: MAST is required by law for persons who serve, mix, sell, or supervise the sale of alcohol for on-premises consumption and for those conducting alcohol tasting in authorized locations. For further detail regarding MAST requirements, please see Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 314-17

How often do you have to renew: 5 years

Controlling agency information: West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration

Act that regulates alcohol: West Virginia Liquor Control and Nonitoxicating Beer Act

Age to sell and serve: Minimum age of eighteen years of age

Who has to train: Highly recommended but not required

How often do you have to renew: N/A

Take our West Virginia Alcohol Seller Server Course today.

Controlling agency information: Wisconsin Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement -  Department of Revenue

Act that regulates alcohol: Publication 302

Age to sell and serve: Eighteen years of age or older

Who has to train: Mandatory training for all who sell or serve alcoholic beverages

How often do you have to renew: 2 years

Take our #1 employer-preferred Wisconsin Bartending License course today.

Controlling agency information: Wyoming Liquor Commission

Act that regulates alcohol: Title XII Alcoholic Beverages

Age to sell and serve: 18 years of age or older, 21 to bartend.

Who has to train: Highly recommended but not required by the state

How often do you have to renew: N/A