TABC Certification - Alcohol Seller Server Course

Some states require alcohol seller/server certification to ensure that employees understand liquor laws and act responsibly. This requires a short class approved by a liquor control board.

The course is focused on the issues surrounding responsible practices in selling and serving alcoholic beverages. This course is approximately 4 hours in length including the final certification quiz. Upon completion of the entire course and passing the final quiz, you will receive your Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Seller/Server Certification.

For a very reasonable fee, we also offer a separate, state-specific alcohol server certification course you can take online that will satisfy the requirements in most areas. If online course is taken, the certificate is mailed to your house and comes with unlimited toll-free support.

» TABC Seller Server - Classroom Schedule

» TABc Seller Server - Online Course

Why should I get this TABC Certification - Alcohol Seller Training?

Texas Law
Effective Sep 1, 2000: Anyone who sells, serves or delivers alcoholic beverages including persons who immediately manage, direct, supervise or control the sale or service of alcoholic beverages must be TABC Certified in order for the business to continue to receive "Safe Harbor" from fines and penalties related to employees actions. See Chap. 50-TABC for more info.

Protection From Fines
Section 106.14 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code says that in the case of: "…sales, service, dispensing or deliver of an alcoholic beverage to an intoxicated person or a minor, action of an employee shall not be attributable to the employer if:"
1. The employer requires its employees to attend an approved seller-training program
2. The employee has actually attended and passed an approved program
3. The employer has not directly or indirectly encouraged the employee to violate such law

Lawsuit Liability
Over the past thirteen years a growing number of alcohol liability lawsuits in Texas that have been settled both in and out of court have included attempts to collect damages from alcohol licensees for everything from auto accidents, personal injury, property damage, pregnancy, STD's, rape and fights Your best defense is to ensure all of your employees are TABC Certified within 30 days of employment.

» TABC General Information for Trainees

What will my employees gain from Alamo Training's TABC Certification course?
Our course work is designed to teach Texas law that will directly affect them as an alcohol server or seller. They learn that they are personally responsible and may be held liable if they sell or serve to minors or an intoxicated or impaired person. Topics include the following:

» Alcohol Awareness and Laws
» Responsible Alcohol Service
» Detection/Intervention Techniques
» ID Checking Skills
» Detection of Minors
» Calculation of BAC

MINIMUM COURSE REQUIREMENTS - Form 3-405 (01/2003) -
» View TABC Video

A.  Civil Liability

1. Common Law: Chico vs. Poole, Texas Supreme Court Decision
   
2. Statute (Chapter 2, TABC Code, Dram Shop Law)
   

1. Definition of Intoxication: Not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties, 0.08% BAC
2. Sale to Intoxicated Persons
3. Public Intoxication
4. Intoxicated Employee or Employer on Premises

1. Definition of Minors (under 21)
2. Purchase by Minors
3. Attempt to Purchase By Minors
4. Consumption by Minors (Prohibition and Exception)
5. Driving Under the Influence by a Minor
6. Possession by Minors (Prohibition and Exceptions)
7. Sale to Minors (Prohibition, Definition of Criminal Negligence and Defense)
8. Making Available to Minor (Prohibition and Exception)

1. Misrepresentation of Age by Minor
2. Texas ID's Issued to Minors
3. Deceptively Similar ID's
4. Counterfeit or Forged ID's
5. Altered, Borrowed, or Otherwise Invalid ID:
   * Altered
   * Multiple ID
   * Borrowed
   * Fraudulently obtained
   * Loaned
   

1. Absorption and Elimination
   * Enters by absorption - through lining of mouth, throat, and small intestine.
   * 75% - 80% absorbed through small intestine.
   * Speed of absorption greater from small intestine than stomach.
   * 90% eliminated by liver.
   * Healthy body eliminates about 1/2 oz. of pure alcohol (1 drink) per hour.
   
2. Variables:
   * Weight * Food in stomach (type and timing) * Muscle/fat * Gender * Fatigue * State of health * Other drugs
3. BAC Chart
4. Types & amounts of social costs caused by alcohol abuse
5. Alcohol poisoning as a danger
6. Alcohol Related Birth Defects

1. Common Indicators
   * Bloodshot/unfocused eyes
   * Slurred speech
   * Smell of alcohol on breath
   * Mental confusion
   * Impaired motor skills
   * Dishevelment
   * Impaired balance
   * Signs of nausea or loss of bladder/bowel control
   
2. Warning Signs of Illegal Intoxication
   * Development of one or more common indicator
   * Heated altercations
   * Rapid or pronounced changes in mood, behavior or emotional state.
   
3. Mistaking Illness for Intoxication
   * Similar symptoms
   * Need for prompt, correct action
   * Medic - alert jewelry, a warning sign
   * Visual representation of medic - alert jewelry
   
4. Atypical Drinkers
   * Experience and tolerance may mask intoxication
   * Special efforts required to detect intoxication in some very experienced drinkers
   
5. Monitoring Customers
   * Count drinks and use BAC Chart
   * Interview and rate customers prior to sale. Be alert to and probe for hidden indicators and warning signs.
   * Note customer's initial mood and conduct and watch for changes in mood or behavior
   * Observe customer interactions
   * Reinterview and rerate customers prior to each additional sale.
   

1. Physical Characteristics Common to Minors
   * Signs of underage status
   * Lack of physical maturity
   * Most minors mature in physical appearance before age 21
   
2. Fads and Fashions in Clothing, Accessories, and Grooming Popular with Minors.
3. Behavior Patterns Characteristics of Minors.
4. Suspicious behaviors typical of minors attempting an illegal purchase.
   * Pooling money and giving it to the oldest appearing member of the group
   * Minor waiting in the background away from the point of purchase while adult obtains more than one serving
   * Adult making repeated purchase for a young appearing person
   
5. Detecting Invalid ID: Texas ID format
6. Fake ID Warning Signs
   * Deceptively similar
   * Counterfeit
   * Altered
   * Borrowed/stolen
   

1. Proper Demeanor of Seller
2. Examination of an identification card
3. Removal of Alcoholic Beverages from Minor's Reach or Possession
4. Sample Words and Phrases
5. Contacting Law Enforcement Authority when Intervention Fails

1. Proper Demeanor of Seller
2. Designated Driver Programs
3. Early Intervention Techniques
   * Methods of slowing service
   * Serving food and alternative beverages
   * Warning concerning caffeine products
   
4. Cut - Off Intervention
   * Remove alcoholic beverages
   * Arrange an immediate safe ride
   * Contact police if necessary
   
5. Sample Words and Phrases
6. Obligation of seller to inform law enforcement authorities when intervention attempts fail
7. Sanctions for employee violations (Chapter 50.9)

1. Sanctions for employee violations
2. Term of Certification (2yrs)
3. Certification not renewable; must attend class for recertification

K.   Trainer Development Program