What Texas Bartenders Need to Know About Alcohol & Beverage Commission Rules

Written by Tanya Gonzalez

Female bartender preparing cocktails and pouring drinks into different size glasses at a bar.

Working as a bartender in Texas involves much more than just mixing drinks and chatting with patrons. It carries significant legal responsibilities.

That’s where the TX Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) comes in. The commission oversees the sale and service of alcohol across the state, enforcing rules that every server must follow.

Bartenders must thoroughly understand alcohol regulations, which dictate everything from licensing to service practices. Staying compliant protects both employees and employers from serious legal issues. Here’s an overview of what bartenders should know to serve alcohol responsibly and legally in the Lone Star State.

Who Regulates Alcohol Sales and Consumption?

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission regulates the distribution, sales and service of spirits. Its main role is to enforce local liquor laws, ensuring that these beverages are sold responsibly. The commission also prevents underage drinking, public intoxication and other alcohol-related incidents.

For bartenders and anyone else charged with serving beer, wine or liquor, this means following TABC rules to keep customers safe. Doing so avoids legal complications for both servers and their employers. 

Some key areas the agency oversees include:

  • Who can serve alcohol: Bartenders, servers and cashiers must meet state requirements.
  • Checking IDs: Alcohol can only be sold to individuals 21 and older and bartenders verify IDs to prevent sales to minors.
  • Recognizing intoxication: It’s illegal to serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated.
  • Sale times: Service and sales are restricted to certain hours, which vary depending on the type of establishment, county and day of the week.

Alcohol Certification: Do You Need It?

In Texas, bartenders don’t legally need a specific bartending license. However, most employers in cities like Dallas strongly prefer candidates who hold a certification. Many establishments, including bars, restaurants, nightclubs and liquor stores, may require this certification to ensure staff understand responsible alcohol service. 

Jobs that typically prefer certification include:

  • Pub workers
  • Restaurant staff
  • Food truck operators
  • Nightclub employees
  • Liquor retailers
  • Grocery and convenience store clerks
  • Alcohol distributors
  • Owners of establishments holding a liquor license

Certification Courses and Training for Bartenders and Alcohol Servers in Texas

To obtain certification, bartenders and alcohol servers must complete a state-approved TABC training course. These programs are available online and in-person, covering essential topics such as:

  • State liquor laws and regulations
  • How to check IDs and recognize fake ones
  • Preventing sales to minors and intoxicated customers
  • Liability laws and legal responsibilities

Once the course is completed and the final exam is passed, participants receive their certificate, which is valid for two years.

Combo Certification 

Many Texas bartenders also need a food handler permit to work in a restaurant or serve meals alongside alcoholic beverages. Some training providers offer combination packages that include both TABC and food handler certification, saving aspiring workers time and money.

If you’re looking for a convenient way to meet both requirements, check out this bundled course option.

Avoiding Violations

Even with the certification, bartenders need to stay aware to avoid legal trouble. Here are a few key regulations every bartender should know:

1. No Serving Minors

Selling or serving alcohol to someone under 21 is unlawful. Bartenders can check IDs to verify that customers meet the legal drinking age and protect themselves from legal liability. 

Acceptable forms of ID in Texas include:

  • A driver’s license or state-issued ID
  • A military ID
  • A passport

Failing to check a customer’s identification — or knowingly serving alcohol to a minor — can result in fines, job loss and even criminal charges.

2. No Serving Intoxicated Guests

Bartenders must refuse service to customers who appear visibly drunk. Texas law holds bartenders responsible if they continue serving an inebriated person who later causes harm to themselves or others. This is known as "Dram Shop Liability," which means a bar or restaurant can be held accountable for damages caused by an over-served patron.

3. No Sales Outside Approved Time Ranges

The state limits when alcohol can be served or purchased for off-site consumption. These hours vary by county and the type of establishment. For example, grocery and convenience stores can sell earlier in the day. 

In general, drinks can be sold:

  • Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to midnight
  • Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. (if food service is included) or noon (if not) to midnight

Local jurisdictions may impose additional restrictions. Bartenders should always check with their employers for specific guidelines.

4. No Deviating from Proper Handling Protocols

Bartenders must follow all legal procedures for handling and serving alcohol, including:

  • Avoiding over-pouring or giving away free drinks (special exceptions may apply).
  • Only allowing customers to take alcohol to-go if it's legally allowed (such as for sealed wine bottles at restaurants).
  • Not consuming alcohol while on duty (unless explicitly permitted by the establishment).

Final Thoughts

Whether you're new to the industry or looking to refresh your knowledge, having a firm grasp on local liquor laws and getting your alcohol service card ensures a safer environment for patrons and workers.

For more information about the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and its regulations, including certification and licensing requirements or to start your training, visit TABC Certification Program.