Indiana Responsible Alcohol Server Training
How do I get my Indiana liquor license for serving alcohol?
Taking an online alcohol server course is the easiest way to get your alcohol server certification. Just:
- Complete a course from an approved provider
- Pass the short multiple-choice exam
- Get a certificate of completion for your employee permit application
Enroll now in our Indiana alcohol server training course!
Does Indiana law require alcohol server/seller training?
Yes. Indiana requires anyone who sells or serves alcohol to get an Employee Permit within 120 days of hiring.
Before you can apply for your permit, you need to complete a server training program approved by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC). That includes the course we provide at Learn2Serve by 360training.
What is an Employee Permit in Indiana?
An Indiana alcohol employee permit verifies that you're certified to serve alcohol by the state of Indiana.
First, you need to complete a certified alcohol server training program, as discussed above.
Then, you will either apply for a Restricted Employee Permit (if you are 19 or 20 years old) or an Unrestricted Employee Permit (if you are 21 or older). You can submit a paper application or use Indiana's online application portal.
Once your permit is issued, you can print a copy of your permit from the licensing portal at any time.
How long does an Indiana alcohol employee permit last?
You'll hold any restricted license (for 19- or 20-year-old's) for two years or less since Indiana requires you to upgrade when you turn 21.
An unrestricted employee permit is valid for three years. You can renew anytime from 90 days prior to your permit's expiration until 120 days after the expiration.
Why should I take Indiana alcohol server training?
First of all, if you dispense alcoholic beverages in Indiana, state law requires you to earn an employee permit, and you must complete a certified server training program before you apply.
Additionally, responsible server training familiarizes you with the law, so you avoid the harsh consequences of breaking it. The ATC imposes strict penalties for serving alcohol to minors or intoxicated persons. You can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days imprisonment, up to $1,000 fine, or both. Your employer could lose their license to serve.
Indiana also enforces a Dram Shop law, which means establishments could face civil liability if you sell alcoholic beverages to a visibly intoxicated person, then they go on to injure someone as a direct result of their intoxication.
Plus, beyond legal and civil liabilities, you can help keep your customers safe and prevent drunk driving in Indiana, which is a major concern.
For example, in Indiana from 2003 to 2012, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that a total of 2,210 people were killed in crashes involving a drunk driver—which is higher than the national average.
How much money can I make with my Indiana alcohol server training?
Great question! You can use alcohol server training for any job where you have to check ID to sell alcohol, including bartending positions. Below, you'll find some basic wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for bartenders and barbacks in Indiana.
| Job Title | Average Hourly Wage | Average Yearly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Bartender | $10.56 | $21,970 |
| Bartender Helper (Barback) | $9.61 | $19,980 |
However, the top 90th percentile of bartenders make much more money: $14.91 an hour.
Besides bartending, you can also work as a cashier at any store that sells alcohol to consume off-premise, like a liquor store, grocery store, or convenience store.
Where can I get more information about alcohol regulations in Indiana?
You can find more information on alcohol laws in Indiana the ATC’s website, including:
- Current enforcement efforts and violations
- Alcohol applications and forms
- Current items on the rule-making docket
- Commission meetings and contact information
If you are looking for more course-specific information from us check out our Indiana alcohol server training.
