What Is Off-Premise BASSET Training?
Off-premise Illinois BASSET training is designed for workers and managers at establishments that sell alcohol to be consumed off-site, such as a liquor or grocery store. The state of Illinois highly recommends off-premise BASSET certification for every alcohol seller. This training may be required by your employer or a local ordinance.
BASSET certification training helps off-premise alcohol sellers create safer communities. It helps prevent drunk driving fatalities and illegal sales to underage and intoxicated customers. Visit the Illinois Liquor Control Commission website to learn more about BASSET requirements.
The Illinois Off-Premise BASSET Certification course is three hours long, which is the minimum length required by the state. Throughout the course, you will learn about:
- Alcohol and Its Properties
- Illinois State Statutes, Local Ordinances and DUI Laws
- Preventing Intoxication and Assuring Customer Safety
- Laws About Minors and Alcohol
- Practicing the Refusing of Sale/Service to a Minor
- DUI Penalties
- Proper Identification Techniques
- Dram Shop Laws
You can complete your training 100% online using any device that is compatible with the internet. You are free to log on and off as needed, enabling you to take the course at a time and pace convenient to you.
Who Needs Off-Premise BASSET Certification?
Off-premise BASSET certification is designed for workers and managers who sell alcohol at off-premise retail establishments in Illinois. Examples of off-premise businesses include liquor, grocery and convenience stores.
Employees who need off-premise BASSET certification may include:
- Cashiers
- Store Managers
- Store Owners
- Gas Station Employees
- Stock Replenishers
- Sales Associates
- Warehouse Employees
Local ordinances or employers may require off-premise alcohol workers to earn a BASSET card. Always check with your employer about training requirements for your job.
As of July 1, 2018, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission and the state of Illinois require all employees at on-premise establishments to complete an Illinois On-Premise BASSET course and renew their certification every three years. This includes employees who check ID for alcohol service. If you serve alcohol at a business where customers consume beverages on-site, Illinois requires you to be BASSET certified.
Designed for employees at establishments where patrons purchase alcoholic beverages that must be consumed off-site, off-premise BASSET certification helps workers protect themselves and their communities.
This training program helps employees prevent service to underage or intoxicated patrons, comply with state alcohol laws and avoid fines or other legal consequences resulting from violations of the Illinois Liquor Control Act.
Testing Requirements
The course begins with a brief pre-test to assess your initial knowledge of responsible alcohol service. The pre-test includes 10 questions, and there is no penalty for choosing a wrong answer.
Each course module ends with a short quiz to help you review what you've learned. You must score at least 70% to pass each quiz, and you have an unlimited number of attempts to pass.
The Illinois Liquor Control Commission requires you to complete a 20-question final exam at the end of the course. You must score at least 70% to earn your off-premise BASSET certification. You have an unlimited number of attempts at the final exam, so you are guaranteed to pass.
Course Overview
In this off-premise BASSET course, you will learn how to create a safe and responsible environment for alcohol sales. The course includes a pre-test, five learning modules and a final exam.
Course modules include:
Module 1: Physical Properties of Alcohol, Drugs and Alcoholism
Topics covered in this module include:
- Alcohol and Its Properties
- Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
- Driving Under the Influence
- Body Weight and Type
- Medication and Alcohol
- The Four Stages of Alcoholism
Module 2: Preventing and Intervention Techniques
Topics covered in this module include:
- Knowing Your Customers
- Signs of Intoxication
- Alcohol Poisoning
- How and When to Deny Service
- Assuring Customer Safety
Module 3: Illinois State Statutes, Local Ordinances and DUI Laws
Topics covered in this module include:
- Laws Regarding Minors and Alcohol
- Codes and Rules
- The Keys to Saying “No”
- Responsible Selling and Serving
- Sale to Intoxicated Persons
- Criminal vs. Civil Charges
- DUI Penalties
Module 4: Proper Identification Techniques, Police Policies and Expectations
Topics covered in this module include:
- Identifying Characteristics of Minors
- When to Ask for ID
- Out-of-State ID Examples
- Illinois Driver's License and Identification Cards
- Checking Identification
- Fake Driver's Licenses and IDs
Module 5: Dram Shop Liabilities, Insurance and Victims' Rights
Topics covered in this module include:
- Dram Shop Laws
- Dram Shop Liability and Penalties
- State Insurance Requirements
Once you have successfully completed the course, you can instantly download and print a temporary certificate to show your employer (valid for 30 days). We will submit your information to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, and within 30 days of course completion, you can download and print your official BASSET card at https://mytax.illinois.gov/?Link=Basset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course approved by the state of Illinois?
Yes. Our off-premise BASSET course is approved by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, which oversees the Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training (BASSET) program.
What is the difference between on-premise and off-premise BASSET certification?
Off-premise BASSET certification is designed for employees and owners of establishments where alcohol is sold to be consumed off-site. Examples of off-premise locations include liquor, grocery and convenience stores.
On-premise certification is for employees and owners of establishments where alcohol is consumed on-site. Examples of on-premise locations include bars, restaurants and catered events.
Is off-premise BASSET certification required in Illinois?
Your employer or local jurisdiction may require off-premise BASSET certification. The Illinois BASSET law, also known as Public Act 098-0939, mandates that all on-premise alcohol servers in the state must earn a BASSET certification. The state highly recommends off-premise training for all retail employees who sell alcohol.
How long does off-premise BASSET certification training take to complete?
You can complete our off-premise BASSET certification course in about three hours. We automatically save your progress whenever you log off, so you can complete the training at your pace.
How long is off-premise Illinois BASSET certification good for?
Your Off-Premise Illinois BASSET card will be valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you will need to renew your training before your BASSET card expires.
How do I renew my off-premise Illinois BASSET certification?
Before your off-premise Illinois BASSET card expires, you will need to retake the three-hour training course to renew your certification. The state will then issue you a new BASSET card with an updated expiration date.
What are the benefits of off-premise BASSET certification?
This 100% course fulfills Illinois BASSET off-premise training requirements and provides you with an official BASSET card. You can train at your own pace and download a certificate of completion immediately after you finish the course.
Graduates of this state-approved training program will have a deeper understanding of the effects of alcohol and the importance of safe and responsible service.
BASSET-certified employees help keep their communities safe by preventing sales to intoxicated and underage customers. They also understand how to protect themselves and the business from liabilities related to illegal alcohol sales.
How will I get my BASSET card once I complete the course?
Once you complete the course, your certificate of completion will be available for instant download. The certificate can be used as a temporary BASSET card for up to 30 days. Our team will submit your information to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, and within 30 days of course completion, you can download and print your official BASSET card by visiting https://mytax.illinois.gov/?Link=Basset. Be sure to print your permanent BASSET card before your temporary certificate expires.
Additional Links and Resources
Browse additional resources to learn more about Illinois alcohol regulations and responsible alcohol service.
