How to Get a Bartending License in New Jersey

Written by Staff Writer

Unlike some states that require alcohol service training throughout the whole state, the Garden State allows for alcohol server certification on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis. This style of alcoholic beverage awareness education is often called a bartending license or bartender certification.

There are no statewide requirements for a bartending license in NJ. However, it is highly suggested that all bartenders and other beverage workers complete alcohol seller-server training. Employers may even require a bartending license before hiring a potential alcohol server.

This article will help you understand the importance of proper training and help you find a convenient New Jersey bartender education course.

A Case for Responsible Beverage Service

A 1987 law, the New Jersey Licensed Alcoholic Beverage Server Fair Liability Act, is a “dram shop law.” The act allows injured parties to sue a business or business owner for damages caused by an intoxicated patron who was illegally served alcohol at their establishment.

A plaintiff must prove that the defendant:

  • Served a visibly intoxicated person or a minor
  • Knew that the person was intoxicated or a minor

In addition to civil damages, business owners face steep legal penalties if one of their employees illegally provides alcohol to an intoxicated patron or a minor.

For serving a minor, for example, a licensed alcoholic beverage establishment may face:

  • A suspension of a liquor license for 15 days for each person served
  • A second suspension of 30 days per underaged person served
  • A 45-day suspension for each person served on the third offense
  • License revocation after four or more violations

Additionally, criminal charges can be leveled against clerks, bartenders, servers and other frontline workers. Penalties for knowingly serving a minor include arrest, a fine of up to $1,000 and other monetary consequences according to the New Jersey Alcoholic Beverage Control Handbook and N.J.S.A. 2C:33-17.

Because of this, most employers require their employees to get alcohol awareness training. An educated worker is less likely to violate New Jersey alcohol laws and, by extension, put the business at risk.

What Responsible Beverage Service Training Teaches

A thorough seller-server training course covers the major aspects of working with alcohol, which is a regulated substance. You will learn both practical skills and legal basics that apply to a wide range of jobs in the hospitality industry. Topics include:

  • How to know if someone is intoxicated, including how to estimate blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
  • Signs that someone could potentially be a minor
  • Responsible serving of alcohol and off-premise sales
  • What your legal responsibilities are as a server and how dram shop laws apply
  • The short- and long-term effects of alcoholic beverages on the human body

Armed with the above knowledge, you will be in a better position to serve alcoholic beverages responsibly on the job. It only takes a couple of hours to finish the coursework and earn your certificate.

Bartending school is not required to protect you or your potential employers. Especially if you complete an online New Jersey alcohol server course.

Earn Your Certificate Today

If you're thinking about earning a bartending license in the Garden State, consider training online through Seller Server Online. We offer convenient online alcohol awareness training that will help you protect your community, shield you from legal liability and satisfy local or employer training requirements.

You can download and print your New Jersey bartending license as soon as you finish all lessons and pass the final exam. Your certificate is valid for three years.

Our online seller-server course isn't just designed for bartenders. It isn't even just for waiters, barbacks, bouncers and cocktail servers. You should also enroll in this course if you are a:

  • Convenience or liquor store cashier
  • Catering professional
  • Hospitality worker
  • Barista
  • Bar or restaurant manager
  • Liquor store employee
  • And more

Our training is available 100% online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can start and stop at any time. Study and train in the comfort of your own home. Enroll now to complete your New Jersey alcohol seller-server training.