Which States Require Alcohol Server Training? A Complete Guide (2025)

Operating a business that serves alcohol involves more than just providing great drinks—it also requires compliance with state-specific training regulations. Many states mandate that alcohol servers complete a recognized alcohol server training program to ensure responsible service, reduce liability, and maintain public safety.

This guide outlines the states where alcohol server training is legally required as of 2025 and details the specific training programs approved for compliance.

Why Alcohol Server Training Matters

Alcohol server training equips employees with crucial knowledge and skills, including:

• Understanding local alcohol laws
• Recognizing and managing intoxicated customers
• Preventing underage drinking
• Reducing alcohol-related incidents

States Where Alcohol Server Training is Mandatory

Below is a comprehensive list of states where completing an alcohol server training course is required by law:

1. California
   • Training Required: Responsible Beverage Service (RBS)
   • Certification: ABC-approved RBS Training
2. Washington
   • Training Required: Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST)
   • Certification: WSLCB-approved MAST Permit
3. Illinois
   • Training Required: Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training (BASSET)
   • Certification: Illinois Liquor Control Commission approved
4. Texas
   • Training Required: Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) Certification
   • Certification: TABC-approved training
5. Arizona
   • Training Required: Title 4 Alcohol Server Training
   • Certification: Arizona DLLC-approved programs
6. Indiana
   • Training Required: Alcohol Server Certification
   • Certification: Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission approved
7. Tennessee
   • Training Required: Responsible Beer Vendor Program, TABC training
   • Certification: RLPS-approved training
8. Oregon
   • Training Required: Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) Permit
   • Certification: OLCC-approved training
9. Alaska
   • Training Required: Alcohol Server Education
   • Certification: AMCO-approved certification
10. Louisiana

• Training Required: Responsible Vendor Training
• Certification: Louisiana ATC-approved certification

11. New Mexico

• Training Required: Alcohol Server Permit
• Certification: New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department approved

12. Nevada

• Training Required: Alcohol Awareness Certification
• Certification: Local jurisdiction-approved programs

13. Wisconsin

• Training Required: Responsible Beverage Server Training
• Certification: Wisconsin Department of Revenue-approved

States with Local or County Requirements

Some states, such as Colorado, Florida, and Georgia, have counties or municipalities requiring alcohol server training, even if not mandated statewide. Always check local regulations for specific compliance obligations.

States Without Mandatory Training (Recommended Training)

Even in states without legal mandates, completing alcohol server training is highly recommended to protect your business from liability and maintain responsible service practices. Such states include:

• New York
• Massachusetts
• Pennsylvania
• Ohio

Choosing the Right Training Provider

Selecting an approved, reputable training provider like ABC Server Training ensures your business meets all compliance standards effectively. ABC Server Training offers state-specific online courses that are:

• State-approved and legally compliant
• User-friendly with instant certification
• Cost-effective, including bulk discounts for larger teams

Get Compliant Today

Navigating varying state regulations can be complex. ABC Server Training simplifies this process by offering comprehensive, easy-to-follow courses tailored specifically for each state’s requirements.

Ready to get your team trained and compliant?

Visit ABC Server Training and ensure your business stays compliant, responsible, and successful.