How to Become a Licensed Bartender in Indiana
Written by Staff Writer
Are you interested in becoming a licensed bartender in Indiana? This article will help you understand alcohol server training requirements in the Hoosier State.
Do You Need to Go to Bartending School?
You do not need to go to bartending school to get your Indiana alcohol service permit. However, you must complete a certified training program approved by the Indiana State Excise Police (ISEP), the law enforcement branch of the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC), before applying for an employee service permit.
The ATC requires anyone serving alcoholic beverages in the state to be at least 19 (restricted) or 21 years old (unrestricted). You must complete an ATC-certified training program and provide proof of completion before applying for a permit.
How to Get a Liquor License in Indiana for Bartending
The ATC employee service permit is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a “liquor license." That term actually refers to the license an establishment must obtain to legally sell liquor on- or off-premises. To tend bar or serve alcoholic drinks, individuals must complete mandatory seller-server training and obtain an employee service permit.
Take an ATC-Certified Course
To get or renew your bartending credentials, you must complete an ATC Certified Server Training program. While many providers offer alcohol awareness training, not all providers are certified by the ATC.
The required curriculum gives an overview of the following:
- State laws for beverage workers
- Criminal and civil liabilities for alcoholic drink and tobacco sales
- Recognizing fake and altered IDs
- Refusing to serve drunk or underaged patrons
- Workplace safety
To serve alcoholic beverages, either on- or off-premises, you must finish your education within 120 days of being hired.
Apply on IN.gov
After you take and pass your certification course and print your Certificate of Completion, you will be eligible to apply for your official credentials.
Visit the online application page on IN.gov to enter your certification completion information and apply. You will have to pay a small fee, too.
Your license is valid for three years. You can work as a bartender, bouncer or other beverage worker as long as your papers are valid.
Renew Every Three Years
You must renew your credentials every three years. For best results, start your renewal before the expiration date. If you allow it to expire for more than 120 days, you will need to apply for reinstatement if you plan to continue working.
You may retake the certification course up to 90 days before expiration.
Choosing Classroom vs. Online Courses
The Hoosier State allows aspiring bartenders to complete the mandatory education either on-site in a classroom setting or online. In-person classes have limited seats, require you to attend a scheduled class and may cost more than completing your education online.
Online alcohol server training allows you to learn at your own pace, finishing it as quickly as you want or spacing lessons out to fit your schedule.
Seller Server Online isn't an ATC-certified provider, but our partner site, StateFoodSafety, is. The StateFoodSafety Indiana Alcohol Server Certification course is approved by ISEP for all beverage workers in the Hoosier State. You can find StateFoodSafety on the list of approved providers here.
This 100% online program is 120 minutes long, but you can start and stop learning at any time. Access lessons from any device as long as you have an internet connection.
You're allowed two test attempts and must obtain a score of at least 70% to pass the test and print your Certificate of Completion.
Complete Your Server Training Now
The StateFoodSafety Indiana Alcohol Server Certification course will prepare you to start tending bar or serving drinks with an employee service permit. By the time you complete the course, you'll know everything you need to be successful in the industry and to protect the patrons and customers in your community.
If you need beverage worker, food handler or food manager training in another state, check out Seller Server Online's many courses. You'll find state-approved programs for sales and service, food handling and food management in states across the nation, from California to New York.