TABC Certification By Benet Willcot

What is TABC Certification and why is it important? The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) feels very strongly that sellers, servers, and managers who are properly trained are better able to identify and prevent sales of alcoholic beverages to minors, intoxicated persons, and non-members of a private club. Any private business or retailer that wants to provide the course for seller/server training must have their curriculum reviewed and approved by the TABC. During the review process the commission will ensure that:

1. The course covers the laws applicable to the sales or service of alcoholic beverages to minors, intoxicated persons, and non-members of a private club, and
2. The course also teaches techniques to identify these persons and prevent sales to them.

Individuals who successfully complete an approved program are issued certificates.

Selling alcohol to a minor or an apparently intoxicated person is a criminal offense. The Alcoholic Beverage Code stipulates the punishment for these offenses and the punishment may include both a monetary fine as well as jail time. Bartenders, wait staff and store clerks are legally obligated to look for signs of intoxication. They must refuse service to and/or refuse to continue serving someone who appears to be intoxicated. Similar caution must be taken, by checking ID, if a customer attempting to purchase or consume alcohol is not obviously at least 21 years old. Service to a minor or an apparently intoxicated person may result in additional administrative penalties, including fines and suspension or cancelation of a TABC license or permit.

One of the most serious consequences of the over-service or over-consumption of alcoholic beverages is accidents resulting from driving while intoxicated. It is important to understand that TABC license or permit holders may be held civilly liable for personal injury or property damage caused by an intoxicated person who was served alcoholic beverages on the licensed premises.

Rules adopted by the TABC address things like:

• Mandatory Participation in Server Training - based on circumstances, licensees / permittees may be ordered to participate in a server training program

• Revocation or Suspension of a Trainee Certification - this rule details the violations that may cause the Commission to revoke or suspend a certification. Recertification may be required in order for an employee to return to work.

• Exemption from Administrative Action - this rule stipulates the conditions that a licensee or permittee must satisfy in order to request exemption from administrative action

A TABC Certification is valid for 2 years and may be obtained through a number of approved training courses. TABC Certification is available through Cheryl's Last Call who offers a variety of alcohol and food related courses nationwide.