How to Get a Bartending License in Virginia

To get a bartending license in the state of Virginia, you need to complete a training program through the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC), create an account on the Virginia ABC Learning Center, and complete the required courses. You can also have your own alcohol server training course approved by Virginia ABC. Once you have received your state licensing, you need to contact your local authority to obtain your local ABC license.

1. Register for Virginia ABC’s Licensee Training

• Purpose: The Virginia ABC offers three licensee responsibility courses: Managers’ Alcohol Responsibility Training (MART), Responsible Alcohol Delivery Driver (RADD), and Responsible Sellers & Servers: Virginia’s Program (RSVP). These courses are designed to assist businesses in maintaining a safe and regulated operation, which includes preventing underage sales and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• Estimated Cost: The training is free.
• Instructions: You can register for these courses online or in-person. For MART and RSVP, you can sign up for the online or in-person option. For RADD, you can sign up online here.

2. Create an Account on the Virginia ABC Learning Center

• Purpose: To access the training programs and receive your certificate of completion.
• Instructions: Visit the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority Learning Center website and select “Sign Up”. Fill in the required fields to create a Login ID and password. The password must be a minimum of 14 characters composed of uppercase and lowercase letters, a number, and a special character. Be sure to type your first name and last name correctly, as the name entered during the registration process will appear on your Virginia ABC training certificate of completion.

3. Complete the Training Program

• Purpose: To gain the knowledge and tools needed to be successful and compliant in the bartending industry.
• Instructions: Once you've created an account, you can access the site using the login ID and password you entered during the registration process each time. Complete the training and then you can view and print your certificate from the “Completed Training” console on the homepage of the VABCALC. Provide the certificate of completion to your employer.

4. Obtain Local ABC License

• Purpose: To legally serve alcohol in your local area.
• Instructions: Once you have received your state licensing, you need to contact your local authority to obtain your local ABC license. For example, in the City of Martinsville, you would contact the City of Martinsville Commissioner of the Revenue.

FAQs

• What are the different courses offered by Virginia ABC? The Virginia ABC offers three licensee responsibility courses: Managers’ Alcohol Responsibility Training (MART), Responsible Alcohol Delivery Driver (RADD), and Responsible Sellers & Servers: Virginia’s Program (RSVP).
• How can I access the training programs? You can access the training programs by creating an account on the Virginia ABC Learning Center website.
• What do I do after completing the training program? After completing the training program, you can view and print your certificate from the “Completed Training” console on the homepage of the VABCALC. Provide the certificate of completion to your employer.
• How do I obtain a local ABC license? Once you have received your state licensing, you need to contact your local authority to obtain your local ABC license.

Useful Information Source Links

• Virginia ABC’s Licensee Training
• Virginia ABC Learning Center
• Seller/Server Training Approval Program (STAP)
• Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation website

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