How to Get a Bartending License in Alabama

To obtain a bartending license in Alabama, you need to go through a series of steps, including applying for an ABC license, undergoing Server, Seller or Manager Training, and applying for certification through the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board's Responsible Vendor Program. The process also involves applying for course approval and ensuring all employees involved in alcoholic beverage sales at your establishment are successfully trained and tested.

1. Apply for an ABC License

• Purpose: This is the initial step in obtaining a bartending license in Alabama. The ABC license is a prerequisite for selling alcoholic beverages.
• Estimated Cost: The state fee for relevant licenses such as Lounge Retail Liquor - Class I, Lounge Retail Liquor - Class II - Package, and Restaurant Retail Liquor is $300.00 each.
• Instructions: Contact the licensing division office for your county to get information on how to apply for an ABC license. Complete the pre-application packet. You can renew your ABC Board license online.

2. Undergo Server, Seller or Manager Training

• Purpose: This training is required for all employees involved in the management, sale, and/or service of alcoholic beverages. It includes Alabama alcoholic beverage laws, legal age determination, civil and criminal penalties, and risk reducing techniques.
• Instructions: All employees must be successfully trained and tested within 30 days of the initial hire date. The training report, or an approved alternate format, must be submitted to the Alabama ABC Board's Responsible Vendor Program following the successful training and testing of employees.

3. Apply for Certification through the Responsible Vendor Program

• Purpose: This certification ensures that all employees involved in alcoholic beverage sales at your establishment are successfully trained and tested.
• Estimated Cost: The application must be submitted with a thirty-five dollar ($35.00) surcharge per license.
• Instructions: Complete the Report of Server, Seller, or Manager Training and/or attach a separate training form. Submit the application along with the surcharge to the Alabama ABC Board’s Responsible Vendor Program.

4. Apply for Course Approval

• Purpose: This approval is required for each course such as on-premises server and manager, off-premises seller, and manager.
• Instructions: Submit the application along with all course components, examinations, and any audio-visual components to the Alabama ABC Board’s Responsible Vendor Program. The course provider must sign the application and it must be notarized.

FAQs

• What is the Responsible Vendor Program? The Responsible Vendor Program is a voluntary program offered by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board for licensees to become certified. It requires the licensee to train all employees who are involved in the management, sale, and/or service of alcoholic beverages.
• What is the cost of applying for certification through the Responsible Vendor Program? The application must be submitted with a thirty-five dollar ($35.00) surcharge per license.
• What is the cost of applying for an ABC license? The state fee for relevant licenses such as Lounge Retail Liquor - Class I, Lounge Retail Liquor - Class II - Package, and Restaurant Retail Liquor is $300.00 each.
• What is the process for course approval? You must submit the application along with all course components, examinations, and any audio-visual components to the Alabama ABC Board’s Responsible Vendor Program. The course provider must sign the application and it must be notarized.

Useful Information Source Links

• Alabama Responsible Vendor Act
• Approved Private Course Providers (Download)
• Application for Certification
• Change of Course Provider/Custodian of Record
• Report of Servers/Seller/Manager Training
• Application for Course & Examination Approval
• Licensing Division Office
• Pre-Application Packet
• License Renewal

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