Disclaimer:
We're not lawyers—just friendly helpers! 🍻 This document isn’t intended to serve as legal advice. Alcohol laws are like recipes—every city, county, and state has its own unique regulations. For the most accurate guidance on local rules, reach out to your state liquor control board (they're the real experts here). While Certivance provides resources and keeps an eye on state-level regulations, always double-check with your local authorities—because even the best need a second opinion! 😉
Regulatory Contacts:
State of Alabama
Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
2715 Gunter Park Dr W
Montgomery, AL 36109
Phone: | 334-271-3840 |
Fax: | 334-277-2150 |
Email: | |
Website: |
Service Facts:
Legal Drinking Age | 21 |
Age to Consume | 21 |
Service to Minors | NO |
Employment of Minors | Yes, but it is unlawful for any minor to sell, serve, dispense, or consume alcoholic beverages on licensed premises unless an adult is present at all times. |
Age to Serve | Individuals who are 19 or 20 years old may serve alcohol in establishments with a valid retail restaurant license, as long as the establishment is annually certified in the Responsible Vendor Program and the employee is working within their designated role as a server or busser. (AL ST § 28-1-5) |
Age to Sell | Individuals who are 21 years old or older, or any legal working age with an adult present, may serve alcohol. (AL ADC § 20-X-6-.10) |
Age to Pour | 21 |
Age to Sell Packaged Alcohol | Any, With adult present |
State Training Program:
The Alabama Responsible Vendor Program is a voluntary program that allows licensees to become certified through the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Alabama’s program requires the licensee to train all employees who are involved in the management, sale and/or service of alcoholic beverages. This training includes Alabama alcoholic beverage laws, legal age determination, civil and criminal penalties, and risk reducing techniques. Licensees who voluntarily join the program are also required to establish policies ensuring legal, responsible sales and to train employees in these policies.
It is prohibited for persons under the age of 21 to dispense or serve alcohol. The only exception is that licensees who hold a retail restaurant license (020 license type), a hotel holding a retail restaurant license (020 license type) or a special retail license (160 license type) and are certified in the Responsible Vendor Program, may hire 18, 19 and 20 year old servers as provided for in Section 28-1-5, Code of Alabama, 1975. Learn more about the program: https://alabcboard.gov/licensing-compliance/responsible-vendor-program
State Program Facts:
Program Type | Voluntary |
Training Requirements | Voluntary statewide, mandatory in some municipalities. |
Certification Expiration | 3 Years |
Program Benefits:
A vendor certified as a responsible vendor under this program may not have their license suspended or revoked due to an employee's illegal sale of alcohol to a person under the legal drinking age, provided the employee completed the required training before the violation occurred. However, this protection does not apply if the vendor had knowledge of, should have known about, or participated in the violation. Additionally, a vendor cannot use their absence from the premises as a defense against decertification for noncompliance. (AL ST § 28-10-7)
Other Links:
Alabama Liquor Law | |
Alabama RVP |
Ready to elevate your skills? Enroll in our state-approved Certified Alcohol Training course today and start your journey toward mastering responsible alcohol service and ensuring compliance! 🍻🎓
Training Options: Currently we do not offer any state approved courses for Alabama follow the link below