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TN ABC Server Permit
If you wish to work in the hospitality industry in Tennessee – or legally serve alcohol in any capacity – you need to know the rules and requirements of the TN ABC Server Permit and Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). This guide will walk you through the processes needed to obtain your permit or license, obtain your training, and comply with all state laws.
What Is a TN ABC Server Permit?
The TN ABC Server Permit is a required credential for any person serving or selling alcohol in Tennessee. It is issued by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), which also requires that all alcohol servers be properly trained in responsible beverage service. Bartenders, servers, and anyone serving and handling or delivering alcoholic beverages in licensed establishments fall under the mandate. The following must occur to obtain a TN ABC Server Permit:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Complete a Tennessee approved alcohol awareness program
- Pass an exam Apply and pay a fee on the TABC’s website.
Tennessee Responsible Vendor Program
The Tennessee Responsible Vendor Program (RVP) is a voluntary program overseen by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) designed to enhance responsible alcohol sales and reduce underage drinking. Vendors that participate demonstrate their commitment to responsible alcohol service by implementing an ID check policy for all alcohol sales, requiring that all clerks complete a TABC approved training program within 61 days of their hire, and by posting responsible vendor signage. In exchange for certification, vendors receive some legal protections against penalties for violations. This commitment to responsible alcohol service helps improve public safety and enforce employee accountability.
Tennessee Food Handlers Permit
If you are employed in the food service industry, you should consider earning a Tennessee Food Handlers Permit in order to demonstrate your knowledge of safe food handling practices. While a statewide mandatory food handler‘s permit does not exist in Tennessee, many counties and employers require certification in order to comply with a particular county‘s health codes. Obtain your Tennessee Food Handlers Permit by completing an accredited food safety training course covering important topics like personal hygiene, cross-contamination, controlling time and temperature of food, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, etc. On an aside, earning a permit protects public health, increases safety in the workplace, and enhances your chances of employment in restaurants, cafeterias, and food service establishments.
Understanding the TN ABC License: Who Needs It and Why
A TN ABC License is the license that a business needs to legally sell or serve alcohol in the state of Tennessee. This license is separate from the individual server permit but is just as vital. Businesses such as bars, restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, and retail liquor stores must apply for the right license category through TABC.
Types of TN ABC Licenses:
- On-premise consumption license (bars or restaurants)
- Off-premise retail license (grocery stores or liquor stores)
- Catering license Manufacturing/distributing license
Tennessee ABC: Regulating Responsible Alcohol Service
The Tennessee ABC serves an important role in managing all aspects of licensing, distribution, and enforcement of beverage alcohol in the State. The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission is the governing body and is responsible for:
- Issuing server permits and business licenses
- Conducting compliance checks
- Enforcement of underage sales, over-service, and unlawful distribution
- Updating training requirements and licensing guidelines.
The role of TABC is to help ensure the responsible sale and service of alcohol to limit harm caused by alcohol consumption and protect the safety of the public.
Getting Your Tennessee ABC License Online: A Convenient Option
The fastest and most efficient way to start or renew your alcohol certification, ABC license for Tennessee, is by applying online. TABC licenses can be applied for and renewed online if you’re an individual applying for a server permit or a business applying for a new license application. TABC allows the following functions through their online system:
- Create an account
- Explorer and submit your application and documents
- Pay your fees
- Track where you are in the process of obtaining your license
For server permits, some TABC-approved training providers offer fully online courses, which allow an individual to complete training and apply for their permit in the comfort of their home.
How to Get an ABC License in TN: Step-by-Step Guide
Are you wondering how to obtain an ABC license in Tennessee? Here is a simple step–by–step guide for individuals or businesses:
For Individuals (server permit):
1. Enroll in an alcohol server training course approved by TABC.
2. Complete training and pass the final exam.
3. Apply for the TN ABC Server Permit through the TABC website.
4. Pay the $20.00 application fee.
5. You will then receive your digital permit (print and keep a copy of this in your place of business).
For Businesses:
1. Determine type of license.
2. Complete the correct TABC application
3. Provide documents required: (zoning, financial documentation, ownership information)
4. Undergo background checks
5. Pay associated fees for licensure
6. Pass TABC Agent inspection
7. Receive your license and then prominently display it at your business location.
TABC Tennessee: Training and Certification Programs
TABC Tennessee has developed strong training programs for responsible alcohol service. These programs are required prior to the issuance of a server permit and have learning objectives to:
- Inform employees about state alcohol laws
- Prevent underage drinking and over-service
- Teach intervention techniques
The training programs must be delivered by a TABC-approved provider. You will note many of the courses offered online are approximately 3-4 hours long. At the end of the training, people will receive a certificate, which they have to submit to apply for a server permit.
What Is an ABC Card TN and Why Do You Need One?
In Tennessee, the ABC card TN is a casual reference for the TN ABC Server Permit. It is your legal permission to serve or sell alcoholic beverages in an establishment that has a license. Employers often want to see your ABC card before they hire you or schedule you to work.
While it is not a card in every case (some are digital), you must have your ABC card on hand and valid at all times while working. If you are serving alcohol without a valid ABC card you and the employer may be fined.
Tennessee Alcohol License Requirements for Businesses
In order to receive a Tennessee alcohol license, the location has to accept some valid legal and operational requirement that is specific to certain businesses. These requirements include:
1. A licensed business may be located only on certain areas that are properly zoned
2. A licensed business must have a physical address (not just a P.O. Box)
3. A all licensed business must maintain health and safety codes
4. A licensed business must show financial responsibility
5. A licensed business must have a designated agent or manager to oversee
The TABC always requires documentation related to the ownership and management to be transparent. Licenses renew each and every year. Because of the nature of the business, you must also make sure all employees who serve alcohol possess valid server permits.
Getting a TABC License TN for Your Business
If your business will sell or serve alcohol, you must obtain the TABC license TN. If you are opening a bar, catering with alcohol, or selling liquor wholesale or retail, you will need to apply for and receive a license from the TABC. The process involves:
- Selecting the correct type of license
- Completing the application properly
- Passing background checks and site inspections
- Paying the appropriate fees
If you begin to operate without a legitimate TABC license, you could face serious fines, legal complications, and you could lose your business license as well.