jurisdiction,training_required_on_premises,who_must_have_it,approved_programs,deadline,certificate_life,typical_cost,online_accepted,minimum_age_serve_bartend,incentive_or_notes,legal_basis,source_url,confidence,checked_on
Alabama,Voluntary with incentive (penalty mitigation / limited license protection),"none required by law; if a licensee opts into the ABC Responsible Vendor Program, all servers, sellers and managers must be trained","Alabama ABC Responsible Vendor Program (ABC-approved courses: online, computer-based, classroom or live; 80% pass score)",within 30 days of hire (program participants); new licensees within 90 days before applying,certification runs with the ABC license year (renew annually by Oct 20),$35 non-refundable surcharge per licensee certification/renewal + course ~$10–$20 online,"Yes, approved providers only",serve 18 as server/busser in restaurants or hotels; pour/bartend 21 (Ala. Code §28-1-5(b)-(c)),"certified vendors get limited protection and mitigation in ABC administrative actions, not an absolute shield; off-premises sellers can also certify",Ala. Code §§28-10-1 to 28-10-8 (Responsible Vendor Act); Ala. Admin. Code ch. 20-X-12,https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/chapter/20-X-12,High,2026-10-02
Alaska,"Yes, mandatory statewide","every licensee, agent and employee who sells, serves or checks IDs for alcohol, plus supervisors and security staff (per AMCO)","ABC Board-approved alcohol server education courses: TAP (Alaska CHARR), TIPS (via 360training/Alaska Hospitality Retailers), Rserving Alaska Responsible Serving (online only)",within 30 days of hire or licensing; before the event for permitted events; some local rules require it before starting work,3 years (renew by passing written test; online renewal available),no state fee; TAP class $50–$65 (CHARR); online course prices not published,"Yes, approved providers only","21 to sell, serve or bartend; 18–20 may work in hotels/restaurants but may not sell, serve or deliver alcohol (AS 04.16.049 per AMCO FAQ)","exemptions: breweries/wineries/distilleries without sampling endorsement, wholesalers, direct-shipment licenses; card must be kept on the server's person; Title 4 rewrite (SB 9, eff. Jan 1 2024) kept the rule",AS 04.21.025; 3 AAC 305.700,https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/amco/MandatoryAlcoholServerTraining.aspx,High,2026-10-02
Arizona,"Mandatory for some (only when the DLLC Director requires it, e.g. ordered after violations or as a licensing condition, or when a city/town ordinance requires it; otherwise voluntary but required by most employers)","no blanket statewide duty; A.R.S. §4-112(G)(2) lets the Director require applicants, licensees, managers, managing agents and employees who serve or sell to take approved courses","DLLC-approved Title 4 Basic (on-sale/off-sale) and Management courses from approved trainers (online providers incl. 360training/Learn2Serve, AACEA, LiquorExam, StateFoodSafety)",not stated (when ordered),3 years (A.A.C. R19-1-103),no state fee; ~$16–$35 online,"Yes, approved providers only","18 to sell, serve, pour or handle alcohol on-premises (A.R.S. §4-244(10)-(11)); under-18 may only bus and clean",Basic course is prerequisite for Management; course rules now include security/de-escalation content; DLLC website blocked automated reads so the agency practice page was not read,A.R.S. §4-112(G)(2); A.A.C. R19-1-103,https://www.azleg.gov/ars/4/00112.htm,Medium,2026-10-02
Arkansas,Voluntary with incentive (penalty mitigation),none required by law; permittees that opt into the ABC Responsible Permittee Program must have every employee authorized to sell alcohol complete an ABC-approved course,"Arkansas ABC Responsible Permittee Program (ABC Board-approved courses; online vendors e.g. 360training, Rserving, SureSell advertise approval)",within 30 days of hire (program participants),not stated for employees; permittee certification renewed annually,"$25 annual permittee certification fee; statute says approved programs may not charge permittees extra, but online vendor courses run ~$10–$15",Yes (ABC-approved courses; online common),"19 to sell/serve at a restaurant, private club, hotel or motel licensed for on-premises; 21 at other on-premises outlets; 18 may sell beer/wine at grocery stores (Ark. Code §3-3-204)",ABC Board must consider certification in mitigation of administrative fines/penalties for permittee or employee violations (§3-4-806); not a civil liability shield; employer must keep training records,Ark. Code §§3-4-801 to 3-4-807,https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-3/chapter-4/subchapter-8/section-3-4-805/,High,2026-10-02
California,"Yes, mandatory statewide","every alcohol server (anyone who checks IDs, takes orders, pours or delivers alcohol for on-premises consumption) and every alcohol manager at ABC on-sale licensees","California RBS: ABC-accredited training providers (searchable in RBS Portal; incl. TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, 360training/Learn2Serve, Rserving) + ABC Alcohol Server Certification exam via RBS Portal",within 60 days of first employment (exam within 30 days of completing training),3 years,$3 ABC registration/exam fee + course ~$10–$30,"Yes, approved providers only","serve 18 in a bona fide eating place's food area (not as bartender); bartend 21 (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§25663, 25667)","exemptions: distributors' product training, academic instructors, salons/barbershops serving complimentary drinks, Type 54/55 boat and plane licensees; on-sale licensees only (off-sale not covered); courses in 5 languages, exam in 8",Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§25680–25686; 4 CCR §§160–173,https://www.abc.ca.gov/education/rbs/,High,2026-10-02
Colorado,Voluntary with incentive (penalty mitigation via Responsible Vendor designation),none required by law; to be a Responsible Alcohol Beverage Vendor all employees who sell/serve plus the supervising owner or manager must be trained; some local licensing authorities add training as a license condition (check locally),LED-approved Responsible Vendor trainers only (list on sbg.colorado.gov; classroom or live interactive streaming; 2-hour minimum; 70% pass),within 90 days of hire (for Responsible Vendor status),2 years (recertify; 30-day grace),"no state fee; trainer-set, not published",No (self-paced online not accepted; classroom or live-streamed only),18 to sell/serve/dispense; 18–20 must be supervised by a person 21+ on premises (C.R.S. §44-3-901(6)(p)),Responsible Vendor status is a mandatory mitigating factor when penalizing sales to minors or visibly intoxicated persons (C.R.S. §44-3-601(9)); 2025 liquor rules effective 5/30/2025,C.R.S. §§44-3-1001 to 44-3-1002; §44-3-601(9); 1 CCR 203-2 Reg. 47-605,https://sbg.colorado.gov/sites/sbg/files/documents/47-605.pdf,High,2026-10-02
Connecticut,Voluntary with incentive (DCP may order training in lieu of permit suspension/revocation),"none required by law; the DCP Commissioner may require a permittee's employees to complete training after, or in lieu of, a permit suspension or revocation","DCP-approved alcohol seller and server training programs (TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol and similar; DCP regulations set approval standards)",not stated,not stated (vendor certificates typically 3 years),no state fee; ~$30–$40 online,Yes (approved programs; no state exam),18 to serve or sell alcohol on any permit premises incl. bartending; 16 to work (15 at grocery beer permits) (Conn. Gen. Stat. §30-90a),"training is an enforcement alternative, not a dram-shop defense; no statewide server permit or card",Conn. Gen. Stat. §30-47(b)-(c); DCP seller/server training regulations,https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-30/chapter-545/section-30-47/,High,2026-10-02
Delaware,"Yes, mandatory statewide","every person who sells, prepares, dispenses, serves or delivers alcohol to patrons, anyone who manages them, and licensees in direct management (employees working 10+ hours/week; on- and off-premises)","Delaware Responsible Alcoholic Beverage Server Training: Commissioner-approved courses (Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement classes plus approved private providers incl. ServSafe Alcohol, TIPS, 360training)",within 30 days of hire (Commissioner Rule 803(e)),2 years (cut from 4 years by HB 195 effective June 10 2026; existing 4-year cards run to expiry),statute caps state course at $15 ($10 renewal) plus up to $15 card; private online courses ~$25–$40,"Yes, approved providers only","18–20 may sell/serve and may pour/mix only under direct supervision of someone 21+; 18–19 still in high school may not pour at all; unsupervised bartending 21 (4 Del. C. §904 as amended by HB 195, 2026)",owner receives the violation if staff serve without or with an expired card; §514 and §525 license types exempt; no under-21 staff at sexually-oriented venues; package stores excluded from the 2026 age change,4 Del. C. §§1201–1208; Commissioner Rule 803; 85 Del. Laws c. 284 (HB 195),https://delcode.delaware.gov/title4/c012/index.html,High,2026-10-02
District of Columbia,"Mandatory for some (ABC Manager licensees only, plus any licensee ordered by the Board)",every ABC Manager license applicant must file a Board-approved alcohol awareness training certificate (dated within 6 months of application) and recertify every 3 years; servers and bartenders are not required by statute,"ABCA-approved Alcohol Awareness Training providers (19 listed incl. TIPS/eTIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, Learn2Serve/360training, TAP Series, ABC Server Training, LIQUORexam)",before applying for the ABC Manager license,3 years (manager license also 3 years),no ABCA training fee; course ~$30–$50; manager license $390 per 3-year term,"Yes, approved providers only",serve/pour 18; bartend 21 (D.C. Code §25-784),statute covers only managers and Board-ordered training (§25-121); no all-server mandate found,"D.C. Code §§25-120, 25-121; 23 DCMR ch. 7",https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/25-120,High,2026-10-02
Florida,Voluntary with incentive (license protection / penalty mitigation),none required by law; vendors seeking Responsible Vendor status must train all employees who serve alcohol and all managers,"Florida Responsible Vendor Act training (content set by Fla. Stat. §561.705; no state-approved list; TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, Rserving, 360training market compliant courses)",within 30 days of hire for servers; 15 days for managers (Responsible Vendor participants),not stated; employees must attend a refresher meeting every 4 months,no state fee; online $10–$25,Yes (statute silent; online widely used),"18 to sell, serve, prepare or bartend; 17-year-olds may work in restaurants only if not involved in alcohol sale/prep/service (Fla. Stat. §562.13)","qualified Responsible Vendors are not suspended/revoked for an employee's sale to a minor or drug violation if the employee was trained and the vendor did not know, unless flagrant/repeated; status is a mitigating factor (§561.706)",Fla. Stat. §§561.701–561.706,https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/0561.705,High,2026-10-02
Georgia,"Mandatory for some (by county/city ordinance: many local governments require an alcohol server/pouring permit with training, e.g. City of Canton, Douglas County; Cobb County and Savannah commonly cited)","none statewide; local permit holders (servers, bartenders, sometimes all employees) where ordinances apply","no state program for on-premises; local ordinances specify TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol or a local police/county class (e.g. Canton: TIPS online within 100 days of permit); Georgia DOR only prescribes a curriculum for alcohol delivery drivers (HB 879)","per ordinance (e.g. Canton: permit before serving, training within 100 days of permit)","per ordinance (e.g. Canton permit 1 year, training certificate 3 years)","local permit ~$15–$50 (Canton $25 new, $15 renewal) + course ~$10–$40 online",per ordinance (TIPS online accepted in Canton),"18 to dispense, serve, sell or take orders for alcohol on-premises; under-18 may sell packaged alcohol at supermarkets, convenience stores, breweries, drugstores (O.C.G.A. §3-3-24)",check the city/county alcohol ordinance for each work site; DOR says to contact the local municipality for server permits; no statewide training defense,O.C.G.A. §3-3-24; local alcohol ordinances (e.g. Canton Code §§6.4–6.153),https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-3/chapter-3/article-2/section-3-3-24/,Medium,2026-10-02
Hawaii,"Mandatory for some (county liquor commissions: managers and bartenders in Honolulu; managers/person-in-charge in Maui, Hawaii and Kauai counties)","Honolulu: managers, assistant managers and bartenders must pass Liquor Commission Server Training before getting a liquor card (other staff at non-restaurant licensees need a gray card with no training); Kauai, Maui and Hawaii County: managers/person-in-charge must pass the county exam/course (blue card); regular servers need only be supervised by a carded manager","county-run training only: Honolulu Liquor Commission Server Training (Zoom class + online test), Maui and Hawaii County manager courses, Kauai manager exam; TIPS/ServSafe not a substitute","before working as manager/bartender (Honolulu, Kauai)",Honolulu liquor card 4 years from last server training; Kauai and Hawaii County cards 5 years; Maui 4 years,Honolulu card $10; Hawaii County card $2; county training free or nominal,Yes (Honolulu Zoom class + online test); vendor online courses not accepted,18–20 may sell/serve where it is part of employment with supervision; under 18 prohibited except approved job-training programs (HRS §281-78(b)(3)-(4)),rules differ by island; Kauai manager cards require age 21; Maui Liquor Control rules reissued 2026; county card must be on the employee at work,HRS ch. 281 (county liquor commission rules); Honolulu Liquor Commission Rules §3-82-38.5; Kauai Rules 7.8 and 10.2,https://www.honolulu.gov/liq/services/get-a-liquor-card/,Medium,2026-10-02
Idaho,No program (voluntary; no state certificate),none; some cities require TIPS-type training by ordinance (check locally),"no state course; Idaho State Police ABC offers free in-person seller/server classes; TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol and online courses used voluntarily",none,n/a (ISP class issues no card),ISP class free; vendor online ~$10–$30,n/a (no state program),"19 to sell, serve, dispense or bartend beer, wine or liquor; 21 to pour at beer/wine tastings (Idaho Code §§23-949, 23-1013, 23-1325C per ISP FAQ)",no statutory incentive or defense; ISP FAQ states Idaho does not require servers to have any formal training or certification,none (Idaho Code Title 23 has no server-training mandate),https://isp.idaho.gov/abc/faq/,High,2026-10-02
Illinois,"Yes, mandatory statewide","Every ""alcohol server"" who sells/serves open containers of alcohol at retail or checks IDs for alcohol purchase/entry (bartenders, servers, security); exempt: distributor samplers, charity-event volunteers, dispensing-system instructors","Illinois BASSET (ILCC-licensed providers, in-person or online; 100+ licensed programs incl. TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, 360training)","Within 120 days of starting employment (statute; phase-in by county completed July 1, 2018)",3 years,No state fee; online BASSET course typically $10–$25 (ILCC card takes 30–45 days to process),"Yes, ILCC-licensed online programs only (must be non-skippable, interactive, with audio and a test)","Serve 18; bartend 18 per ILCC guidance (statute section not verified); many local ordinances stricter, e.g. Chicago Mun. Code 4-60-143: under-21 may serve only in restaurants with ILCC-approved training, not in taverns/late-hour venues","Mandatory; certificate transferable between employers; ILCC bulletin (Feb 2025) notes no 2025 policy changes; monetary penalties enforced since Jan 1, 2016",235 ILCS 5/6-27.1; 11 Ill. Adm. Code 3500,https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-235-liquor/il-st-sect-235-5-6-27-1/ (ILGA site unreachable; cross-checked with ILCC BASSET Bulletin 2.28.2025 PDF at ilcc.illinois.gov),High,2026-10-02
Indiana,"Yes, mandatory statewide","Every person who serves/sells/pours alcohol at retail (bartender, waiter/waitress, manager, package-store clerk) must hold an ATC Employee Permit AND complete ATC-certified server training; owners/sole proprietors/partners exempt from the permit","Indiana ATC Certified Server Training (free ATC online course via MyLicense portal, or ATC-certified third-party trainers incl. TIPS, ServSafe, 360training, Learn2Serve)",Training within 120 days of starting employment (IC 7.1-3-1.5-13(b)); may work 30 days while permit application pending,Employee permit 3 years (restricted/volunteer permits 2 years); training-certificate expiry not stated in statute (ATC treats it as tied to permit),"$45 employee permit (3 yr; $30 restricted 18–20 permit, $15 volunteer) + training free (ATC online) or ~$10–$20 third-party",Yes (ATC's own online course; approved online third-party courses; IC 7.1-3-1.6 governs online/self-study courses),"Serve 18 (Restricted Employee Permit: dining room/family area/banquet only, trained + supervised by trained person; cannot bartend, mix, draw beer or serve in bar areas); bartend 21 (IC 7.1-3-18-9; ATC Restricted Employee Permit Laws page; ATC FAQ still says 19 but current Form 43 R23/8-24 and ISEP page say 18)","Mandatory; Class B infraction and permit fines/suspension for violations (IC 7.1-3-1.5-10, -12); permittee must ensure each server trained within 120 days (IC 7.1-3-1.5-13)","IC 7.1-3-18-9 (employee permits); IC 7.1-3-1.5 (server training, esp. §13); IC 7.1-3-1.6 (online courses)",https://secure.in.gov/atc/alcohol-permit-resources/alcohol-permit-information/server-training-classes ; https://forms.in.gov/download.aspx?id=4591 ; https://www.in.gov/atc/isep/rules-and-laws/restricted-employee-permit-laws/,High,2026-10-02
Iowa,Voluntary with incentive (civil-penalty affirmative defense),None required; I-PACT offered free to employees/prospective employees of licensees,"Iowa Program for Alcohol Compliance Training (I-PACT, Iowa Dept. of Revenue, free online at i-pact.com) or a Director-approved third-party responsible alcohol service program (list on revenue.iowa.gov; TIPS/ServSafe-type)",None (voluntary),2 years (I-PACT certificate; void on conviction of selling to a minor),Free (I-PACT); third-party programs ~$10–$30,Yes (I-PACT is online; approved third-party programs),Serve 18 and bartend 18 (Iowa Code §123.49(2)(f)); 16–17-year-olds may serve in restaurants (not bars) with written parental permission and two 18+ staff present,Incentive: licensee not assessed civil penalty for an employee's sale to an 18–20-year-old if employee held a valid I-PACT/approved certificate — usable once per 4-year period per location; does not apply to sales to under-18 (Iowa Code §123.50(5)),Iowa Code §123.50A (program); §123.50(5) (defense); §123.49(2)(f) (age),https://revenue.iowa.gov/education-outreach/alcohol-tobacco/iowa-program-alcohol-compliance-training-i-pact/third-party-responsible-alcohol-service-program ; https://law.justia.com/codes/iowa/title-iv/chapter-123/section-123-50/,High,2026-10-02
Kansas,"No program (voluntary; no statewide course, certificate or statutory incentive found)",None,"No state course; Kansas ABC offers free educational visits by ABC agents to licensees (ID checking, compliance, underage laws); vendors sell generic TIPS/online ""Kansas seller-server"" courses",None,Not stated,Free ABC agent visit; online vendor courses ~$8–$40,Not applicable (no state standard),"Serve 18 (18–20 must be supervised by someone 21+); mix/dispense (bartend) 21 — K.S.A. 41-2610(a),(f),(g); K.A.R. 14-21-9(b)",No statutory incentive found; licensee responsible for employee qualifications (K.S.A. 41-2610; K.A.R. 14-21-9); off-premises: no training requirement either,K.S.A. 41-2610; K.A.R. 14-21-9,https://www.ksrevenue.gov/abchbdrinkingest.html ; https://www.ksrevenue.gov/abclicenseetraining.html,Medium,2026-10-02
Kentucky,Voluntary (state STAR program; no statutory mandate or incentive verified); some local governments require training by ordinance,None statewide,Kentucky ABC S.T.A.R. (Server Training in Alcohol Regulations) — online via abcportal.ky.gov/StarTraining; TIPS/ServSafe also marketed but not state-certified,None,3 years (STAR),$40 STAR fee (+2.75% card fee or $0.35 ACH); ~3-hour online course,Yes (STAR is online),Sell/serve 20; 18–19 may sell/serve only under supervision of someone 20+ and may NOT bartend (KRS 244.090),"No statutory mitigation/defense found; ABC page cites protection from third-party liability suits generally; local ABC administrators (e.g., Danville, London) impose their own training requirements — verify locally",KRS 244.090 (age); STAR is an administrative ABC program (no statute/KAR citation located),https://abc.ky.gov/newstatic_Info.aspx?static_ID=265 ; https://abcportal.ky.gov/StarTraining/ ; https://law.justia.com/codes/kentucky/chapter-244/section-244-090/,Medium,2026-10-02
Louisiana,"Yes, mandatory statewide","Every employee of a retail vendor authorized to sell or serve alcohol (and tobacco/vape) — bartenders, servers, managers, security personnel","Louisiana Responsible Vendor (RV) Program — ATC-approved providers (classroom or online); ATC issues the RV server permit (""bar card"")",Within 45 days of commencing employment,4 years (expires last day of the month of completion),Course ~$9–$35 online via ATC-approved providers; vendor pays $50/yr RV certification fee per licensed establishment,"Yes, ATC-approved providers only",Serve 18 and bartend 18 in bars/restaurants (ATC RV Handbook); under-18 may only handle alcohol in package stores under direct supervision with paperwork (statute section on minors not separately verified),Mandatory; server permit can be suspended/revoked and server fined for violations (R.S. 26:935); first violation within 12 months may not revoke; handbook (2021 ed.) is the current ATC reference; no 2025–26 change found,"La. R.S. 26:931–935 (esp. 26:934 training/permit, 26:935 penalties)",https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=84869 ; https://atc.louisiana.gov/media/gywp32vv/rv-handbook-2021_a11y.pdf,High,2026-10-02
Maine,"Voluntary (statewide); mandatory by municipal ordinance in some cities (e.g., Portland, Bangor per NABCA summary — not verified on city sites)",None statewide,"Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages & Lottery Operations (BABLO) ""certified seller/server training programs"" list — B.A.S.I.C., ServSafe Alcohol, TIPS, Rserving, 360training, etc.",None statewide,Not stated by state (programs typically 3 years),~$10–$28 (B.A.S.I.C. $28/attendee 4-hr class; online vendors ~$10),Yes (several Bureau-certified programs are online),"Serve/sell 17 only in the presence of a supervising employee 21+; 21 to serve unsupervised; no separate bartending age (28-A M.R.S. §§704, 1202; BABLO Licensee Liquor Law Guide Spring 2025)","No statutory incentive located; Bureau ""certifies"" programs but state guide does not mention a training mandate; municipal licensing may require certification","28-A M.R.S. §§704, 1202 (age); no training statute located",https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bablo/liquor-licensing/certified-training-programs ; https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bablo/sites/maine.gov.dafs.bablo/files/inline-files/Licensee-Liquor-Law-Guide-Spring-2025.pdf ; https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/28-a/title28-Asec704.html,Medium,2026-10-02
Maryland,"Mandatory for some (statewide: the licensee OR one designated employee per retail license must be alcohol-awareness certified; county boards may require more, e.g. certified person on duty / all servers in Montgomery and other counties — verify with local board)",Holder of any retail (on- or off-premises) license or an employee designated by the holder; county rules may extend to managers/all servers,"Comptroller (Executive Director)-approved ""alcohol awareness programs"" (3-hr minimum): TIPS, TAM, ServSafe Alcohol and other certified providers; county programs (e.g., Montgomery County ABS)",Not stated in statute (must hold certificate; retrain every 4 years),4 years,~$25–$45 per course (TIPS/TAM/ServSafe); no state fee,"Yes — classroom, individual or electronic format allowed, with electronic testing certified by the Executive Director (COMAR 14.23.01.15)","Set county-by-county in Alc. Bev. Art. Div. II (e.g., Harford §22-1902); commonly 18 to serve beer/wine and 21 to bartend/serve spirits — statewide rule not verified","Exemptions: temporary licenses, Class E/F/G (vessel/railroad/airplane) licenses; penalty $100 first offense, up to $500 or suspension/revocation thereafter; violation not admissible in civil/criminal cases (§4-505(i)); off-premises stores covered by same rule","Md. Code, Alcoholic Beverages Art. §4-505; COMAR 14.23.01.15",https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gab&section=4-505&enactments=false ; https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/14.23.01.15,High,2026-10-02
Massachusetts,"Mandatory for some (no statewide mandate; local licensing authorities condition licenses on TIPS/ServSafe — e.g., Springfield requires all managers before appointment and all bartenders/wait staff/clerks before serving, recert every 3 years; Boston and many towns similar)",Varies by city/town license condition (typically managers; often all servers/bartenders),"TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol ""or equivalent"" as specified by the local licensing board; no ABCC-run course",Per local rule (Springfield: before serving),Per local rule (typically 3 years),~$40 TIPS online / $30 ServSafe Alcohol; no state fee,"Yes, where local board accepts online (most accept TIPS/ServSafe online)","Serve 18 and bartend 18 — licensee may employ 18+ for direct handling, selling, mixing or serving (M.G.L. c.138 §34; ABCC FAQ)","ABCC does not require or certify training; dram-shop exposure (c.138 §69, c.231 §85T) and local conditions drive near-universal TIPS use; check each municipality","M.G.L. c.138 §§12, 34 (local licensing authority conditions; employment age); 204 CMR 2.00; local licensing-board rules",https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-retail-licenses-spring-2018 ; https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter138/Section34 ; https://www.springfield-ma.gov/cos/fileadmin/law/License_Commission/License_Commission_Rules_and_Regulations_updated_6-24-21.pdf,Medium,2026-10-02
Michigan,Mandatory for some (on-premises licensees licensed or >50%-transferred since the mandatory program began (Dec 1996) must have trained SUPERVISORY personnel on every shift; not every server),At least one server-trained supervisory person on duty every shift during all hours alcohol is served (on-premises retailers and manufacturers with tasting rooms); 17-year-old servers must personally be trained,"MLCC-approved server training programs (19 listed: TAM, TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, Learn2Serve, Michigan Alcohol Server Training, etc.; must cover Michigan content)",New licensees/transferees: file certification within 180 days of license issuance (form LC-1866); then continuously staffed,"Not stated in statute (program cards carry own expiry, typically 3 years)",~$9–$15 online approved programs; TIPS/ServSafe ~$30–$40; no state fee,"Yes, MLCC-approved online programs",Serve 18 (17 allowed on-premises if the 17-year-old completed approved server training and an 18+ trained supervisor is on shift); bartend 18 (MCL 436.1707(6)–(8)),Penalty: suspension/revocation/sanction under §903; off-premises licensees not covered by §906 (18 minimum to sell); copies of unexpired cards must be kept on premises,MCL 436.1906; MCL 436.1707; Mich. Admin. Code R 436.1501 et seq.,https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-436-1906 ; https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/lcc/faq/server-training-requirements ; https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-436-1707,High,2026-10-02
Minnesota,No program (no state training requirement or state course; some cities impose training as a license condition),None statewide,None state-run; TIPS/ServSafe/online vendor courses used where cities require,None,Not stated,~$8–$40 online vendor courses,Not applicable,Serve 18 and bartend 18 — no person under 18 may serve or sell intoxicating liquor in a retail liquor establishment (Minn. Stat. §340A.412 subd. 10),"No statutory incentive; dram-shop liability (Minn. Stat. §340A.801); local licensing conditions (e.g., Minneapolis policy guidance asks whether staff are trained but no ordinance mandate confirmed on city site)",Minn. Stat. §340A.412 subd. 10 (age); no training statute,https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/340A.412 ; https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/age,Medium,2026-10-02
Mississippi,No program (voluntary; free ABC agent training sessions on request),"None (employee ID cards abolished March 3, 1999; only owners/managers keep ID cards)",None state-certified; ABC Enforcement offers free customized staff sessions; TIPS/online vendor courses marketed,None,Not stated,Free (ABC sessions); online vendors ~$9–$40,Not applicable,"Serve (wait tables/deliver drinks) 18; bartend or manage 21 on ABC-permitted premises (Miss. Admin. Code Title 35, Part II, Rule 2.8; DOR ABC FAQ); beer-only premises: any legally employed age may sell/handle beer; package stores: 21 to sell",No statutory incentive; dram-shop statute Miss. Code §67-3-73; off-premises package stores: 21 to make sales,"Miss. Admin. Code Title 35, Part II, Ch. 2, Rule 2.8 (age); Miss. Code Title 67",https://www.dor.ms.gov/abc/abc-frequently-asked-questions ; https://www.dor.ms.gov/sites/default/files/abc/Guidebook%20For%20Owners%202021.pdf,Medium,2026-10-02
Missouri,Voluntary (no statutory incentive; ATC strongly encourages; insurance discounts possible),None,"SMART (State of Missouri Alcohol Responsibility Training — free online, Univ. of Missouri/ATC) or in-person ATC server training sessions; ATC also certifies third-party trainers (2-yr trainer certification)",None,Not stated (SMART certificate has no statutory term),"Free (SMART, ATC sessions); vendor courses ~$10–$25",Yes (SMART online),Serve 18 as waiter/waitress in places with ≥50% food sales; 21 to mix or serve across the bar (RSMo §311.300.5),"No dram-shop/penalty mitigation found; ATC page cites §311.722 RSMo / 11 CSR 70-2.280, which actually govern use of minors in compliance checks, not a mandate",RSMo §311.300 (age); no training statute; ATC trainer-certification program is administrative,https://atc.dps.mo.gov/enforcement/alcohol/server_training.php ; https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=311.300,Medium,2026-10-02
Montana,"Yes, mandatory statewide","Every employee authorized to sell, serve or deliver alcohol plus their immediate supervisors (on- and off-premises licensees)","MT Dept of Revenue (CARD) Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service (RASS): state-certified in-person trainers or 10 DOR-approved online providers (360training/TIPS, National Restaurant Association/ServSafe Alcohol, StateFoodSafety, Rserving, A+ Server Education, Serving Alcohol Inc, ProServe, Diversys, Team W, Montana RASS Training)",within 60 days of hire (existing staff of a newly licensed business: within 60 days of licensure),3 years,no state fee; in-person state-certified classes free or low cost; approved online ~$10–$30 (state does not publish prices),"Yes, approved providers only",serve 18; bartend 18 (MCA 39-2-306 bars anyone under 18 as bartender/waiter serving alcohol),HB 157 (eff. Jan 1 2026) splits RASS into a 2-hour on-premises program and a 1-hour off-premises program; HB 196 (eff. Oct 1 2025) adds digital-ID content; licensee must keep employment records proving completion; DOR 2026 page now pushes in-person classes but online providers remain approved,MCA 16-4-1001 to 16-4-1010 (esp. 16-4-1005 and 16-4-1006); MCA 39-2-306,https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0160/chapter_0040/part_0100/section_0050/0160-0040-0100-0050.html ; https://revenue.mt.gov/ResponsibilityMatters/responsible-alcohol-sales-and-service-training-resources ; https://svc.mt.gov/dor/liquorserver/public/providertraining.aspx,High,2026-10-02
Nebraska,Mandatory for some (statewide voluntary; City of Lincoln requires a Responsible Beverage Server/Seller Permit for anyone selling or serving at retail plus licensee/manager training; NLCC may order training as a licensing or disciplinary condition),Statewide: none; Lincoln: every person who sells or serves alcohol at retail plus the licensee or manager,"NLCC-approved certified server-seller training courses (PDF list on lcc.nebraska.gov; includes online vendors such as TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, Rserving, 360training); Lincoln: City-Council-approved Responsible Beverage Server/Seller course (Lincoln-Lancaster Health Dept permit)",statewide not stated; Lincoln: permit before selling/serving (application acted on within 30 days),statewide not stated (statute only caps fees); Lincoln permit 3 years,$20 NLCC fee to upload a certificate to POSSE when the Commission requires training; statute caps provider enrollment fee at $30 and certification fee at $20; online courses ~$9–$20,"Yes, approved providers only",serve 19; bartend 19 (Neb. Rev. Stat. 53-168.06(9); 16+ may handle containers and ring up sales without serving),"Voluntary statewide with no statutory defense; NLCC can impose training as a condition after violations; Lincoln Municipal Code 5.04.035 (manager/licensee course, 3 yrs) and 5.04.124-125 (server/seller permit, 3 yrs) make it mandatory in Lincoln",Neb. Rev. Stat. 53-117.03; 53-168.06; Lincoln Mun. Code 5.04.035 and 5.04.124-125,https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=53-117.03 ; https://lcc.nebraska.gov/index.php/legal-enforcement/training-and-education ; https://lcc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/licensing/Local%20Ordinances/Lincoln.pdf,High,2026-10-02
Nevada,"Mandatory for some (jurisdictions in counties of 100,000+ population = Clark and Washoe, plus any smaller-county jurisdiction whose governing body opts in)","In covered jurisdictions: every person hired to sell or serve alcohol or work as a security guard at an establishment selling alcohol by the drink (and off-premises package stores in a county of 700,000+ = Clark); private clubs and wholesalers excluded","Nevada Alcohol Education Card from an alcoholic beverage awareness program certified by the Commission on Postsecondary Education (CPE list: TAM of Nevada, Alcohol Awareness Card of Southern Nevada, AATNV, Nevada Restaurant Association, Smart Choices, Ace Bartending Academy, BST, nvabc.com etc.)",before hire or within 30 days of hire,4 years (card is non-renewable; retake a certified program),statute caps program cost at $40; typical $25–$40; no separate state fee,"Yes, with proctored exam (online coursework allowed; all testing must be proctored in person at a CPE-approved location)",serve 21; bartend 21 (not in a single state statute; set by county/city codes e.g. Clark County Code 8.20 and NRS 202.030 bar rules; 16+ may handle sealed containers at retail per NRS 244.351) — age not fully verified,"Owner/operator civil fine $500 first, $1,000 second, $5,000 third violation within 24 months; NRS 369.635 preempts other local training rules inside covered jurisdictions; outside Clark/Washoe no requirement unless the local body opts in",NRS 369.600–369.635 (esp. 369.625 and 369.630),https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-369.html ; https://www.cpe.nv.gov/siteassets/content/home/Alcohol_Awareness_Training_Providers_2023-08.pdf,High,2026-10-02
New Hampshire,Mandatory for some (licensee or designated manager must complete the NHLC Management Training Seminar for each newly issued license; server-level training is not regulated),Licensee or manager designee (Form L-003) for every initially issued on- or off-premises license; one-day licensees before the event; servers: none,NHLC Division of Enforcement Management Training Seminar (MTS licensee basic training); for servers voluntary TIPS / ServSafe Alcohol / online courses (NHLC keeps no approved list),"MTS at initial license issuance (NHLC and vendors cite within 45 days; rule itself not explicit); one-day licenses: before the effective date, once per 12 months",not stated in rule; NHLC recommends annual staff refreshers,"MTS: NHLC class, reported free (not verified); voluntary online server courses ~$15–$40",not stated (MTS is a live NHLC seminar; voluntary server courses available online),serve 18; bartend 18 (RSA 179:23 II; 14+ may bus and stock; off-premises sealed sales 15+ with 16+ cashier),Documented staff training can be presented in mitigation at NHLC enforcement hearings; no dram-shop statutory defense; NHLC enforcement site blocked automated access (403) so rule text read via Justia/Cornell mirrors,N.H. Admin. Code Liq 702.11–702.12; RSA 178:2; RSA 179:23,https://regulations.justia.com/states/new-hampshire/liq/chapter-liq-700/part-liq-702/section-liq-702-12 ; https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-hampshire/N-H-Admin-Code-SS-Liq-702.11 ; https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XIII/179/179-23.htm,Medium,2026-10-02
New Jersey,No program (voluntary; no state-approved course list or state incentive),none,No state program; TIPS / ServSafe Alcohol / online courses used by employers and sometimes required by municipal issuing authorities as a license condition,not stated,not stated (vendor certificates typically 3 years),not published; TIPS/ServSafe online ~$30–$40,not stated,"serve 18; bartend 18 (N.J.S.A. 33:1-26 — persons under 18 may work in hotels/restaurants only if they do not serve, sell, solicit or mix alcohol)",No state mandate and no statutory training defense; Licensed Beverage Server Fair Liability Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:22A-1 et seq.) imposes dram-shop liability for service to visibly intoxicated persons or minors so training is evidence of reasonable practice; some municipalities impose training via ordinance or license conditions — check the local ABC board; NJ ABC FAQ page unreachable (404) so voluntary status confirmed via TEAM Coalition state law sheet,N.J.S.A. 33:1-26; N.J.S.A. 2A:22A-5; no server-training statute or N.J.A.C. 13:2 rule,https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-33/section-33-1-26/ ; https://teamcoalition.org/documents/2021/03/state-law-sheet-new-jersey.pdf/,Medium,2026-10-02
New Mexico,"Yes, mandatory statewide","Every server (bartenders, waitstaff, managers, store clerks, resident agents) and every licensee or lessee directly involved in sale, delivery or service — on- and off-premises",New Mexico Alcohol Server Permit: NM-specific course from an RLD/ABC-approved provider (minimum 4.5 classroom hours or online equivalent; generic national TIPS/ServSafe courses are NOT accepted) then permit issued by RLD Alcoholic Beverage Control Division,within 30 days of hire (temporary permit valid 120 days while permanent card issues),3 years from class date (renew before expiry via an approved class),no state permit fee stated (duplicate card $10 money order); approved provider course ~$20–$40,"Yes, approved providers only (NM-specific online courses with anti-skip and test-security controls)","serve 18 (dispenser, restaurant and club licensees may employ 18+ to sell/serve); bartend 21 (NMSA 60-7B-11 — no one under 21 as bartender or deliverer)",Permit must be carried on duty (ABC policy 4/25/2017); provider certification $350 plus $100 per instructor; no exemptions for on-premises servers; no 2025–2026 change found (2025 HB 443 only addressed 18+ delivery/stocking of packaged alcohol),NMSA 1978 §60-6E-1 to 60-6E-8 (Alcohol Server Education); 15.11.31 NMAC; NMSA 60-7B-11,https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title15/15.011.0031.html ; https://www.rld.nm.gov/abc/server-permit-renew-or-request-duplicate-copy/server-permit-or-duplicate/ ; https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-60/article-7b/section-60-7b-11/,High,2026-10-02
New York,Voluntary with incentive (penalty mitigation),none required; SLA strongly recommends all licensees and employees who sell or serve,"ATAP (Alcohol Training Awareness Program) from SLA-certified schools, classroom or online (list at sla.ny.gov/training; includes TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, 360training/Learn2Serve, etc.)",not stated,3 years (ATAP certificate),"no state fee; online ~$15–$30 (e.g., $19.99)","Yes, approved providers only","serve 18; bartend 18 (ABC Law §100(2-a): retailer may not employ anyone under 18 to sell, dispense or handle alcohol; under-18 may bus/dish under supervision)","Proof that staff completed ATAP ""may reduce the penalty"" the SLA imposes for sale-to-minor or intoxicated-person violations (SLA Retail Licensee Handbook p.21); vendors cite a 25% reduction and affirmative-defense treatment if proof is filed within 90 days — not verified in statute; no dram-shop training defense","ABC Law §17(12) (SLA authority for ATAP); 9 NYCRR Part 106 (ATAP rules, not read); ABC Law §100(2-a)",https://sla.ny.gov/training ; https://sla.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2025/08/stateliquorauthority-retaillicenseeshandbookrevised7-31-2025.pdf ; https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ABC/100,Medium,2026-10-02
North Carolina,Mandatory for some (every applicant for a retail ABC permit — the owner/applicant — must file proof of Commission-approved seller/server training before the permit issues; employee training is voluntary),Retail permit applicant (licensee); employees: none required (NC ABC recommends all who sell or serve),"NC ABC Commission Responsible Alcohol Seller/Server Program (RASP) — free online at abc.nc.gov — or any Commission-approved course/provider meeting 14B NCAC 15B .0113(c) (TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, 360training, Rserving, in-house permittee programs)",applicant: before the ABC permit (even temporary) is issued; employees: not stated,not stated for individuals (course approvals valid 3 years; vendor certificates typically 3 years),RASP free; third-party online ~$8–$20,Yes (RASP is online; approved providers),"serve 18 (14B NCAC 15B .0203(d)-(e) defers to Wage and Hour Act G.S. 95-25.5(j), which bars under-18 from serving or dispensing alcohol); bartend/mix drinks containing spirituous liquor 21 (14B NCAC 15B .0203(c))","Employee training voluntary; training evidence is commonly offered in mitigation of Commission penalties (not verified in rule); mixed-beverage/brownbagging/special-occasion permittees must have a 21+ employee in charge at all times, beer/wine permittees an 18+ person in charge; requirement for applicants effective July 1 2018",14B NCAC 15B .0113; 14B NCAC 15B .0203; G.S. 18B-302(h); G.S. 18B-900 and 18B-902,http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2014b%20-%20public%20safety/chapter%2015%20-%20alcoholic%20beverage%20control%20commission/subchapter%20b/subchapter%20b%20rules.html ; https://www.abc.nc.gov/education/quick-guide-retail-permittees/open ; https://www.abc.nc.gov/permits/proof-alcohol-seller-server-training/open,High,2026-10-02
North Dakota,"Mandatory for some (statewide voluntary with statutory mitigation; city ordinances in Fargo, West Fargo, Grand Forks, Dickinson, Williston and Watford City require it)","Statewide: none; in those cities: all managers and employees who dispense, serve or sell alcohol (Grand Forks also anyone who checks IDs)","No state program; course approved by the licensing authority (city police-department-approved classes; TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol and online vendors commonly accepted; ND HHS Responsible Beverage Service Training resources)","statewide not stated; Fargo, West Fargo, Williston and Dickinson within 90 days of hire; Grand Forks within 60 days; Watford City 6 months",statewide not stated; city certificates 3 years (transferable between employers),not published; online ~$9–$25; some city police classes free or low cost,Yes (city-approved online courses accepted — verify with the local licensing authority),"serve 18 (restaurants only: 18–20 may serve and collect money under direct supervision of a 21+ employee, no mixing or dispensing); bartend 21 (NDCC 5-02-06)","NDCC 5-02-10.1: for a licensee's first serving violation the licensing authority MUST accept approved server training as a mitigating factor; cities set their own penalties for untrained staff (minimum test scores e.g. Dickinson 72%, Grand Forks 75%)","NDCC 5-02-06; NDCC 5-02-10.1; municipal ordinances (Fargo, West Fargo, Grand Forks, Dickinson, Williston, Watford City — section numbers not verified)",https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t05c02.pdf ; https://www.hhs.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/BH/North%20Dakota%20Server%20Training.pdf,High,2026-10-02
Ohio,Voluntary with incentive (penalty mitigation),none,"Ohio Investigative Unit ""ASK"" (Alcohol Server Knowledge) program — free, run by OIU with the Division of Liquor Control (online at oiu.ohio.gov and in person); TIPS / ServSafe Alcohol accepted by employers",not stated,not stated,ASK free; TIPS/ServSafe online ~$30–$40,Yes (ASK online or in person; no approved-provider list),"serve 18 (handle, serve or sell beer or intoxicating liquor to tables); sell beer across a bar 19; sell wine, mixed beverages or spirits across a bar 21 (ORC 4301.22(A)(3); under-age staff may stock sealed containers and clear glasses per (A)(4))",No statutory mandate; Liquor Control Commission considers whether permit holder and staff completed training when deciding suspension/revocation versus forfeiture (per OIU state guidance; no rule located); dram-shop liability under ORC 4399.18 with no training defense; Division page does not state voluntary status explicitly,ORC 4301.22(A)(3)-(4); no server-training mandate in ORC 4301/4303 or OAC 4301:1-1,https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4301.22 ; https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/liquor-control/social-responsibility-and-alcohol-abuse-prevention/alcohol-server-knowledge-program,Medium,2026-10-02
Oklahoma,"Yes, mandatory statewide","Every employee who sells, serves, mixes or handles alcohol at a licensed establishment (bars, restaurants, liquor, grocery and convenience stores) plus managers of mixed-beverage, public-event and bottle-club licensees; separate Event Bartender license for event work","ABLE Commission Alcohol Beverage Employee License plus ABLE-approved responsible server training (ABLE's own class, or approved online/in-person providers e.g. 360training/Learn2Serve, A+ Server Education, ACE, TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol)",employee license before working (apply through ABLE online portal); training certificate must be uploaded within 14 days of license issuance,3 years (employee license; per ABLE/vendor guidance — statutory term section not read),$30 employee license + $3.50 convenience fee (renewal same); approved course ~$10–$30; Event Bartender license $50 + $3.50,"Yes, approved providers only",serve 18 (may open and pour beer and wine and serve cocktails pre-mixed in a shaker by a 21+ employee); bartend/mix or sell spirits 21; grocery/convenience clerks 16 (37A O.S. §2-121),"Exempt: special-event caterer staff, airline and railroad beverage employees, beer-distributor employees selling only to licensees; ABLE will stop offering its own in-person classes after Dec 2026 (private providers continue); 2025 change: new Event Bartender (EVB) license created by HB 2369",37A O.S. §2-121; ABLE Commission fee schedule (37A O.S. §2-121 and HB 2369),https://law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/title-37a/section-37a-2-121/ ; https://oklahoma.gov/able-commission/licensing/employee-license-and-server-training.html ; https://oklahoma.gov/able-commission/licensing/license-fees.html,High,2026-10-02
Oregon,"Yes, mandatory statewide","Everyone who mixes, serves or sells alcohol for on-premises consumption (bartenders, servers, managers who supervise them, off-premises staff filling growlers); not required for kitchen staff, bussers, hosts who take no drink orders or payments, door checkers, bouncers, janitors","OLCC Alcohol Service Permit: OLCC-approved Alcohol Server Education course (classroom or online providers listed by OLCC; Spanish and Chinese available) + OLCC-proctored test, then the permit","before serving — since Mar 31 2025 (HB 4138, 2024) a temporary permit issues only after application, fee, course completion and a passing test (the old 45-day work-while-pending grace period is gone); course must be within 2 years of application",5 years (renew up to 6 months before expiry),$23 OLCC permit fee (non-refundable) + provider course ~$15–$30,"Yes, approved providers only","serve 18 (Minor Service Permit: 18–20 may serve or pour only in areas where food is primary and minors are allowed, no bartending or mixing); bartend 21 (ORS 471.482; OAR 845-009)",Minor service permit restrictions lift at the 21st birthday; special-event volunteers may be exempt (OLCC Special Events); 2025 change via HB 4138 as above,"ORS 471.360, 471.375, 471.482; OAR 845-009-0100 et seq.; HB 4138 (2024)",https://www.oregon.gov/olcc/pages/alcohol-service-permits.aspx,High,2026-10-02
Pennsylvania,"Yes, mandatory statewide (server/seller training for all alcohol service personnel hired on or after Aug 8 2016 under Act 39 of 2016, plus owner/manager training for every PLCB-approved manager; full RAMP certification itself is voluntary unless ordered)","All alcohol service personnel (bartenders, servers, distributor salespeople, ID-checking door staff, owners/managers who serve) hired since Aug 8 2016; the PLCB-approved manager of every licensee; RAMP certification additionally requires 50% of staff trained and 30-day new-hire orientation","PLCB RAMP: Owner/Manager Training (PLCB-run; first course in a classroom) and Server/Seller Training (PLCB classes, PLCB-approved classroom instructors, or PLCB-approved online providers incl. 360training/TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, Rserving)",server/seller within 6 months of hire (or completed within 2 years before hire); manager within 180 days of PLCB approval of appointment; RAMP-certified premises: orientation within 30 days of hire; off-premises catered functions: all staff trained before the event,2 years (both components),PLCB owner/manager training and PLCB-run server classes free (not verified); approved online server/seller ~$9–$20; classroom instructors ~$15–$40,"Yes, approved providers only (owner/manager: first course classroom only, renewals may be online)",serve 18; bartend 18 (47 P.S. §4-493(13); 16–17 may serve food and clear tables but not dispense alcohol; a 17-year-old HS graduate may be treated as 18 under 40 Pa. Code §5.14),Full RAMP certification earns reduced fines/penalties for sales to minors or visibly intoxicated persons and may be ordered after a citation or in a conditional licensing agreement; licensees must keep training records (checklists 2 years after separation); regulations rewritten Aug 28 2021 (51 Pa.B. 5374),47 P.S. §4-471.1 (esp. (g) and (h)); 40 Pa. Code §§5.201–5.207 (Subchapter I); 47 P.S. §4-493(13),https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/040/chapter5/subchapItoc.html&d=reduce ; https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/lcb/documents/legal/documents/legal_faqs_minors_on_the_licensed_premises.pdf,High,2026-10-02
Rhode Island,"Yes, mandatory statewide","All persons who sell or serve alcohol at Class B, C, D, J, N and P (on-premises) licensees; anyone supervising them; anyone whose job includes checking IDs; valet parking staff","DBR-certified programs only (DBR list: TIPS/360training, ServSafe Alcohol, Rserving/PSCC, STOP Inc., LIQUORexam, ABC Server Training, A+ Server Education, TEAM Coalition, ServeSmart, TAP Series, USERVE, Responsible Alcohol Service); Learn2Serve says it is NOT valid in RI",Within 60 days of hire (Pawtucket and Smithfield may require pre-employment),3 years (recertify),No state fee; ~$15-$40 online (TIPS $38; Rserving ~$9-$15),"Yes, approved providers only (web programs must verify trainee identity/knowledge)",Bartend 18 (R.I. Gen. Laws §3-8-2: no one under 18 may bartend at Class B/C/D/F/G/J/K premises); serve 18 (waitstaff floor not separately verified),Penalties: 1st and 2nd violation written warning; 3rd fine up to $250; then suspension; out-of-state cards accepted if DBR-approved; off-premises Class A not covered by §3-7-6.1,R.I. Gen. Laws §3-7-6.1; 230-RICR-30-10-1,https://law.justia.com/codes/rhode-island/title-3/chapter-3-7/section-3-7-6-1/ ; https://dbr.ri.gov/real-estate-and-commercial-licensing/liquor,High,2026-10-02
South Carolina,"Yes, mandatory statewide (NEW: effective Jan 1, 2026)","Every ""alcohol server"" employed at least 10 hours/week serving alcohol for on-premises consumption at a permitted/licensed premises, plus managers who direct or control alcohol sale/service; temporary-event staff and distributors exempt","SCDOR-recognized programs (11 online courses: ServSafe Alcohol, 360training, Rserving, A+ Server Education, Serving Alcohol Inc., LIQUORexam/ProServe, Dash Authority, LemonTree, National Course Portal, CertReady, LBK Education); SCDOR then issues the alcohol server certificate","Within 30 calendar days of hire; existing staff deadline March 2, 2026 (SCDOR delayed enforcement from Jan 1, 2026 to March 2, 2026)",3 years,SCDOR certificate free; provider course capped at $50 by statute (typical ~$15-$35),"Yes, approved providers only (online course at least 4 hours, English and Spanish)","Serve 18; bartend 21 (S.C. Code §§61-4-90, 61-6-4070, 61-6-4075; SCDOR Rev. Ruling 95-4); off-premises liquor store staff must be 21","Licensee penalty $100 per server without a certificate; additional ""penalty mitigation"" training counts for reduced suspensions on underage-sale violations (§61-4-580); H.3430 signed May 8, 2025","S.C. Code §§61-3-100 to 61-3-140 (2025 Act, H.3430)",https://dor.sc.gov/alcohol-beverage-licensing-abl-alcohol-server-training-compliance ; https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t61c003.php,High,2026-10-02
South Dakota,Mandatory for some (18-20-year-old bartenders/pourers must be certified; otherwise voluntary with penalty mitigation),"Any person 18-20 who tends bar or draws, pours or mixes alcohol must be certified by a nationally recognized alcohol management program; all other servers voluntary","DOR-approved nationally recognized programs: TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, TAM, SureSell, Rserving (PSCC), Ready Training Online, Skillsoft (DOR notes not every variation is approved)",Before tending bar/pouring if 18-20; otherwise not stated,"Not stated (program's own term, typically 3 years)",No state fee; ~$8-$40 online,Yes (DOR lists online programs),"Serve 18 and bartend 18 only if under 50% of gross business is alcohol OR a 21+ licensee/employee is on premises (and 18-20 bartenders certified); otherwise 21 (SDCL 35-4-79, 35-4-79.4)","SDCL 35-2-10.1: underage-sale civil penalty $500/$1,000 (1st/2nd) if employee was certified vs $1,000/$2,000 if not; license not revoked/suspended if no more than 2 violations in 24 months",SDCL 35-2-10.1; 35-4-79.4 (amended 2022),https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/35-4-79.4 ; https://dor.sd.gov/businesses/taxes/alcohol/,High,2026-10-02
Tennessee,"Yes, mandatory statewide (on-premises liquor-by-the-drink licensees)","Every person who serves, sells or dispenses liquor, wine or high-gravity beer at a TABC On-Premise Consumption (LBD) licensee (servers and bartenders); beer-only permits (local beer boards) not covered","TABC server permit via RLPS after completing a TABC-certified alcohol awareness program (approved trainer list incl. TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, A+ Server Education, ABC Server Training, etc.)",Within 61 days of hire (course must be completed within 1 year before permit application),"2 years for permits issued on/after Jan 1, 2025 (5 years if issued before)",$20 TABC permit fee + ~$25-$40 course (TIPS $38 + $15 filing fee),"Yes, approved providers only",Serve/dispense/bartend 18 (TABC Rule 0100-01-.03; permit applicants must be 18),"Criminal-history disqualifiers (felonies, alcohol-sales crimes, controlled substances, sex crimes within 8 years); 2025 change cut permit term from 5 to 2 years but TABC fees page still lists ""Server (5 years) $20""",Tenn. Code Ann. §57-3-704; Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0100-08,https://www.tn.gov/abc/permitting/server.html,High,2026-10-02
Texas,"Voluntary with incentive (employer ""safe harbor"" defense; most employers require it)",None required by law; employer claiming safe harbor must have every employee certified within 30 days of hire,"TABC seller-server certification from TABC-approved schools (incl. TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, 360training/Learn2Serve, many $9-$15 online schools)",Not required; within 30 days of hire for safe harbor,2 years,No TABC fee; $9-$15 online typical,"Yes, approved providers only","Serve/bartend 18 (Tex. Alco. Bev. Code §106.09: no one under 18 may sell, prepare, serve or handle liquor; exceptions: wine-only retailers 16+, under-18 cashiers where an 18+ employee serves)","Safe harbor (§106.14): no administrative action against the licensee for an employee's illegal sale if the employee is certified, certified within 30 days of hire, written responsible-service policies exist, fewer than 3 violations in 12 months, and no encouragement of violations; insurance discounts",Tex. Alco. Bev. Code §106.14; 16 TAC ch. 50,https://tabc.texas.gov/faqs/tabc-certification-faqs/,High,2026-10-02
Utah,"Yes, mandatory statewide","All ""retail staff"" (anyone who serves an alcoholic product at a DABS retail-licensed premises) and ""retail managers""; off-premise beer sellers and managers separately (E.A.S.Y.)",DABS Alcohol Training and Education Seminar through DABS-approved private trainers (on-premise; TIPS etc.); E.A.S.Y. online for off-premise; separate DABS online manager training,"Before beginning work (2025 HB 361, eff. May 7, 2025; previously within 30 days of hire); managers within 30 days of hire or before license issuance",3 years,"Trainer-set fees, ~$20-$40 (TIPS Utah $38); DABS charges a cost-recovery fee for its own manager course","Yes, approved providers only","21 to sell, serve or dispense (Utah Code §32B-5-308: licensees may not employ a ""minor"" i.e. under 21 to sell/furnish/dispense; 16+ may ring sales or bus tables)","Commission/local authority may suspend, revoke or deny renewal for untrained staff (§32B-1-702); 2025 HB 361 moved the seminar statute to §26B-5-205, requires completion before first shift and adds opioid-overdose content",Utah Code §32B-1-701 to -704; §32B-5-403; §32B-5-308; §26B-5-205 (as amended by 2025 HB 361),https://abs.utah.gov/licenses-permits/training/ ; https://le.utah.gov/Session/2025/bills/enrolled/HB0361.pdf,High,2026-10-02
Vermont,"Yes, mandatory statewide","Every employee involved in the delivery, sale or serving of alcohol, plus the licensee (first-, second-, third-, fourth-class and manufacturer licensees)",Division of Liquor Control (DLL) seminar (online or in-person) or in-house training by a Train-the-Trainer-certified employee using DLL-approved materials,"Before the employee begins delivering, serving or selling",2 years (at least every 24 months),$25 DLL online 1st-class server seminar ($25 2nd-class seller); in-house training free,Yes (DLL online seminar),Serve 18; bartend 18 (7 V.S.A. §221(e) and §223(e): no one under 18 employed as bartender or as waiter/waitress serving alcohol),Licensee penalty for noncompliance: suspension of at least 1 day or fine up to $100 or both; licensee must keep signed training records; tasting-event servers must be 18 and trained (§259),7 V.S.A. §213,https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/07/009/00213,High,2026-10-02
Virginia,Voluntary with incentive (penalty mitigation),None,"Virginia ABC MART (managers/owners) and RSVP (sellers/servers), free, online or in-person; STAP-approved third-party courses (TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, etc.)",Not required (training within the 12 months before a violation counts for mitigation),Not stated (ABC looks at training in prior 12 months),ABC MART/RSVP free; STAP courses ~$10-$30,Yes,Serve 18; bartend 21 (Va. Code §4.1-307),"Va. Code §4.1-227: reduced suspension and civil penalty when the licensee trained employees within 12 months before the violation (e.g., 1st underage sale 25 days/$2,500 reduced to 5 days/$1,500); RADD training is mandatory annually for delivery drivers",Va. Code §4.1-227(E); §4.1-307,https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/training,High,2026-10-02
Washington,"Yes, mandatory statewide","Every employee whose duties include compounding, sale, service or handling of liquor at an on-premises licensee: Class 12 for managers, bartenders who sell/mix, delivery and tasting staff; Class 13 for those who only serve","MAST permit (Class 12 or Class 13) from LCB-certified private providers (online or classroom, minimum 3-hour course)",Within 60 days of hire (no grace period for sampling/tasting staff),5 years,"Provider-set, ~$15-$30 online (e.g., $19.50); no LCB fee","Yes, approved providers only","Serve 18 (Class 13); bartend 21 (Class 12: pouring spirits, mixing cocktails, drawing beer/wine from tap) per RCW 66.44.318, WAC 314-17-015 and WAC 314-11-040; 18-20 need a 21+ supervisor on duty and cannot work in bar-only premises (RCW 66.44.316)",Grocery stores exempt except tasting staff; employee penalty criminal citation up to $500 and 90 days; licensee fines/suspension; permits mailed only (no temporary permit); SSN collected,RCW 66.20.300-.350 (esp. 66.20.310); WAC 314-17,https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=66.20.310 ; https://lcb.wa.gov/mastrvp/mast_faqs,High,2026-10-02
West Virginia,Mandatory for some (private caterer licensees' serving staff only; no general statewide program),"Private caterer employees, contractors or volunteers who sell or serve must have certified training in ID verification and signs of intoxication (§60-7-2); all other servers/bartenders: none","No state course; certified training (TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, etc.) accepted for caterer staff",Not stated (before serving for caterer staff),Not stated,Not published; TIPS/online ~$10-$40,Not stated,"16 to serve or sell beer, wine or liquor at private clubs if 16-20-year-olds are directly supervised by a person 21 or over (W. Va. Code §60-7-12(a)(10))","NABCA/state profile: ""no beverage service training law""; no ABCA server program page located; caterer training rule is the only statutory hook",W. Va. Code §60-7-2 (private caterer); §60-7-12(a)(10),https://code.wvlegislature.gov/60-7-2/ ; https://code.wvlegislature.gov/60-7-12/,Medium,2026-10-02
Wisconsin,Mandatory for some (operator/bartender licensees and new retail licensees/agents; unlicensed 18+ staff may serve under immediate supervision),"Applicants for a municipal operator's (bartender) license and for Class A/B/C retail licenses (sole proprietors, partners, LLC/corporate agents); a licensee, agent or licensed operator responsible for all servers must be on premises; other employees 18+ may serve under their immediate supervision without training","Responsible Beverage Server course from a technical college or DOR/DSPS-approved provider (approved online: TIPS eTIPS On-Premise, ServSafe Alcohol, Rserving, Learn2Serve, LIQUORexam, Serving Alcohol Inc., EduClasses, etc.)",Before operator license issuance (provisional license available while enrolled),Course counts for 2 years for licensing; operator license 1-2 years (expires June 30; Dec 31 in Milwaukee); exempt on renewal or if any WI alcohol license held within past 2 years,"~$10-$35 online (Rserving $9.95) + municipal operator license fee set locally (e.g., Madison $80, provisional +$15)","Yes, approved providers only (computer-based training and testing allowed)",Serve 18 (Wis. Stat. §125.32(2) and §125.68(2): 18+ may serve under immediate supervision); operator license 18+; bartend 18,Operator license is municipal and valid only in the issuing municipality (no state bartender card); 2023 Act 73 moved state alcohol regulation to DOR's Division of Alcohol Beverages,Wis. Stat. §125.04(5)(a)5; §125.17(6); §125.32(2); §125.68(2),https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/125/I/17 ; https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/ise-atlicns.aspx,High,2026-10-02
Wyoming,"Voluntary (no statewide requirement or statutory incentive found); some cities require it by ordinance (Casper 2019; vendors cite Cheyenne, Gillette, Laramie)",None statewide,TIPS classes offered free by the Wyoming State Liquor Association with Wyoming Liquor Division funding; online TIPS/other providers,Not required,Not stated (TIPS 3 years),Free WSLA/Liquor Division classes; ~$8-$40 online (TIPS $38),Yes (no state approval regime),"Serve 18 in licensed restaurants (W.S. §12-6-101(a): ""serving"" excludes mixing or dispensing); bartend/dispense 21",No official Liquor Division page reached; program details from WSLA/vendor pages; check local ordinances before placement,W.S. §12-6-101; no server-training statute in Title 12,"https://law.justia.com/codes/wyoming/title-12/chapter-6/section-12-6-101/ ; https://wyoliquor.org/tips-training/1286-2/ (association, not state)",Medium,2026-10-02