How TABC Certification Simplifies the Process of Serving Alcohol in Texas
Written by Staff Writer
Understanding the TABC certification requirements for bartending in Texas will help you get the training you need to responsibly serve alcoholic beverages in the Lone Star State.
Completing an approved Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission training program may be required by your employer and offers important protection to employees and businesses.
What Is Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) Certification?
This program prepares you for responsible alcohol service in settings that serve beverages for on- or off-premises consumption. It educates you on topics like alcohol laws in Texas, preventing underage sales, identifying over-served customers and more.
Servers that complete the coursework required to obtain this certificate are in high demand. Because this program is highly recommended by the state’s beverage commission, showing proof of your certification can give you an edge in the hiring process and ensure you meet strict employer requirements.
The Role of TABC Certification in Obtaining an Alcohol Server Permit
The TX Alcoholic Beverage Commission highly recommends, but does not currently require, employees who sell or serve alcoholic drinks to customers to complete this education program. However, employers may require you to complete a state-approved program to get the equivalent of a liquor license and meet company bartender certification requirements.
You may need to show proof that you’ve obtained an approved alcohol-serving permit to get a job at a restaurant, bar, gas station, grocery store, liquor store or other establishment that serves or sells drinks. Some employers mandate that you get your certificate before starting work.
In addition to employer-specific rules for seller/server education and permits, the law prohibits you from serving or selling alcoholic drinks if you are under 18 — with some important exceptions.
Exceptions to the 18+ rule include those working in establishments for off-premises consumption that hold a:
- Wine-Only Package Store Permit (minimum age 16)
- Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit (no minimum age)
- Package Store Permit (minimum age 21)
- Retail Dealer’s Off-Premise License (no minimum age).
Review the age requirements for different types of establishments to understand the exceptions and where they apply.
How a Seller/Server Permit Protects You and Your Employer
Completing an approved alcohol server training program not only positions you as a more desirable new hire for employers — it also prepares you to protect fellow Texans by learning how to spot underaged and over-served customers, prevent illegal sales, understand the state’s relevant laws to protect yourself and familiarize yourself with the Safe Harbor law to help protect your employer from liability.
Strict laws regarding alcoholic drink sales to minors or over-served patrons can mean major consequences and civil liabilities for servers and sellers without the right training.
State laws don’t require customers over 21 to present an ID or dictate which forms of ID are “valid” for age verification. However, selling to or serving an underage customer may lead to fines up to $4,000 and up to a year in jail, while sales or service to an intoxicated customer can carry up to $500 in fines and up to a year in jail.
These consequences, along with potential employer liability, make it critical to develop a deep understanding of local rules and regulations through a high-quality alcohol server and seller education program.
Completing Your Alcohol Server Training
Our online TABC Certification course is approved by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and contains all the information you need to meet employer requirements and prepare yourself for responsible drink service and sales.
Program benefits include:
- State-approved and 100% online
- Take at your own pace from any internet-connected device
- Instant certificate download
- Take the course in English or Spanish
Our 100% online program covers material like:
- Laws for serving and selling alcoholic drinks
- Identifying fake IDs and underaged customers
- Recognizing over-served or impaired customers
- Customer service, professionalism and responsible sales/service
Complete the course and grab your certificate all in one day! We instantly notify the state of your achievement. Your certification remains valid for two years.
Get Your TX Bartender Training Online Now
Ready to get your certificate as soon as today? Sign up for our state-approved,100% online TABC Certification course. Instantly download your certificate as soon as you finish — we even submit proof to the state so you can get to work faster.
While you’re at it, bundle your Food Handler Certification course at a discounted price to prepare for a hospitality career built on safety, knowledge and responsibility. Learn more about getting TABC-certified here.