How to Get a Bartending License in Indiana

To obtain a bartending license in Indiana, you must apply for an Employee Permit through the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC). This permit is required for bartenders, waiters, waitresses, and sales clerks involved in the sale or service of alcoholic beverages. The application process can be completed online or through a paper application, and it may take up to 90 days for the permit to be issued once a completed application is submitted. Additionally, all permit holders and applicants for restricted employee permits must complete a Certified Server Training approved by the ATC within 120 days of being hired.

1. Apply for an Employee Permit

• Purpose: The Employee Permit is necessary for anyone involved in the sale or service of alcoholic beverages in Indiana. This includes bartenders, waiters, waitresses, and sales clerks.
• Estimated Cost: 
• Instructions: You can apply for an Employee Permit online through the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission's website. If you prefer, you can also submit a paper application, which can be downloaded here. If you are renewing an existing permit, you can do so 90 days prior to expiration and up to 120 days after expiration. If your permit has been expired for more than 120 days, you can apply for reinstatement.

2. Complete a Certified Server Training

• Purpose: This training is required for all Employee Permit holders and applicants for restricted employee permits in Indiana. It ensures that servers are knowledgeable about responsible alcohol service.
• Estimated Cost: The cost of the training varies. The “Complete” class option offered by Hoosier Hospitality Consulting costs $40.00, while the “Basic” class option costs $30.00.
• Instructions: The Certified Server Training must be completed within 120 days of being hired by an establishment. The Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission offers an online Certified Server Training program which is free of charge and can be accessed here. Alternatively, you can attend a “live” class offered by Hoosier Hospitality Consulting. For more information, contact Erin Vita at 317-447-4761 or by email at erin@hoosierhospitalityconsulting.com.

FAQs

• What is the Employee Permit? The Employee Permit is a license required for anyone involved in the sale or service of alcoholic beverages in Indiana. This includes bartenders, waiters, waitresses, and sales clerks.
• How can I apply for an Employee Permit? You can apply for an Employee Permit online through the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission's website or by submitting a paper application.
• What is Certified Server Training? The Certified Server Training is a course that must be completed by all Employee Permit holders and applicants for restricted employee permits in Indiana. It ensures that servers are knowledgeable about responsible alcohol service.
• How can I complete the Certified Server Training? The Certified Server Training can be completed online through the Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission's free program, or by attending a “live” class offered by Hoosier Hospitality Consulting.
• How long does it take to get a bartending license in Indiana? Once a completed application has been submitted, it may take up to 90 days for the permit to be issued.

Useful Information Source Links

• Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission
• ATC Online Services
• Hoosier Hospitality Consulting

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