How to Get a Bartending License in Pennsylvania

To obtain a bartending license in Pennsylvania, you must complete the Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP) certification, which involves four prerequisites. Additionally, you must complete the Licensee New Employee Orientation (NEO) form within 30 days of hire. You can also enroll in a professional bartenders' training program at the Main Line Center for Bartending. Finally, you need to apply for a license through the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB).

1. Complete RAMP Certification

• Purpose: The RAMP certification is a mandatory requirement for bartenders in Pennsylvania. It ensures that bartenders are trained in responsible alcohol management.
• Estimated Cost: There is no fee for applying for certification or recertification.
• Instructions: The RAMP certification process involves four prerequisites:
• Owner/Manager Training: At least one owner or the PLCB-approved manager must complete this training. The first time an individual enrolls in owner/manager training, it must be in a classroom setting. Subsequent training can be completed in a classroom, virtually, or online. You can register for a RAMP Owner/Manager training by following these instructions.
• Server/Seller Training: At least 50 percent of the licensee's alcohol service staff must be trained before certification can be granted. This training is available online, in scheduled classroom sessions, or by scheduling with approved instructors.
• New Employee Orientation: All alcohol service personnel must complete a Licensee New Employee Orientation Form within 30 days of being hired.
• Signage: At least two signs must be posted at the licensed establishment regarding responsible alcohol service.
• After completing these prerequisites, you must file an application for RAMP certification in PLCB+ by following these instructions.

2. Complete Licensee New Employee Orientation (NEO) Form

• Purpose: The NEO form is a requirement for anyone who serves alcohol or checks identification, including owners and managers.
• Instructions: The NEO form must be completed within 30 days of hire. It must be completed in its entirety, signed and dated by both the owner/manager and employee, and maintained as part of the licensee’s operating records for two years.

3. Enroll in a Professional Bartenders' Training Program

• Purpose: This is an optional step that can enhance your bartending skills and increase your employability.
• Instructions: You can enroll in a professional bartenders' training program at the Main Line Center for Bartending, a state-licensed school located in Manayunk, Philadelphia. The school offers day, evening, or weekend classes, allowing you to become a certified bartender in 1 or 2 weeks. For more information, you can visit the school's website.

4. Apply for a License through the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB)

• Purpose: To legally serve alcohol in Pennsylvania, you need to obtain a license from the PLCB.
• Instructions: There are four ways to obtain a license: through the issuing of a new license, the approval of a person-to-person transfer, the approval of a place-to-place transfer, or the approval of a double transfer. You can find more information and apply for a license on the PLCB website.

FAQs

• How long is the RAMP certification valid for? The RAMP certification is valid for 2 years.
• What happens if I fail to accurately maintain the records required for the NEO form? Failure to accurately maintain these records may void your current RAMP certification.
• Can I complete the RAMP certification online? Yes, the Server/Seller Training and subsequent Owner/Manager Training can be completed online. However, the first time an individual enrolls in owner/manager training, it must be in a classroom setting.

Useful Information Source Links

• RAMP Certification
• Licensee New Employee Orientation Form
• PLCB Licensing
• Main Line Center for Bartending

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