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:
Alcoholic Beverage Control
101 East Capitol
Suite 401
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: | 501-682-8174 |
Fax: | 501-682-2221 |
Email: | |
Website: |
Service Facts:
Legal Drinking Age | 21 |
Age to Consume | 21 |
Service to Minors | Minors may consume alcohol for religious purposes only, and only when accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. |
Employment of Minors | With written consent from a parent or guardian, individuals aged 18 or older may sell and handle beer and cooking wines in retail grocery stores. Those aged 19 or older are allowed to sell and handle alcoholic beverages in public hotels, public restaurants with mixed drink licenses, restaurant wine establishments, and establishments holding a combination beer and wine permit for Sunday sales. However, bartending or mixing distilled spirit beverages is restricted to individuals aged 21 or older, as outlined in AR Code 3-3-204. |
Age to Serve | 19 |
Age to Sell | 18 |
Age to Pour | 21 |
Age to Sell Packaged Alcohol | 18 |
State Training Program:
The Arkansas Responsible Permittee Program is a voluntary initiative designed to promote responsible alcohol service and reduce alcohol-related incidents. While not mandatory, participation in this program can help businesses mitigate administrative penalties or fines associated with violations of state alcohol laws.
To qualify for certification under the Responsible Permittee Program, permittees must:
Complete an Approved Training Course: Attend a course of instruction that is approved and certified by the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board.
Ensure Employee Training: Require each employee authorized to sell alcoholic beverages to complete the responsible permittee training course within 30 days of employment.
Maintain Training Records: Keep detailed records of employee training to demonstrate compliance.
Certification as a responsible permittee is valid for one year and may be renewed annually. The ABC Board has the authority to revoke or suspend a permittee’s certification for non-compliance with the program's requirements.
Participating in the Responsible Permittee Program not only helps businesses comply with state regulations but also fosters a safer environment by promoting responsible alcohol service practices.
State Program Facts:
Program Type | Voluntary |
Training Requirements | voluntary. Employees who sell or serve alcohol must complete training within 30 days of hire and maintain training records for mitigation benefits. Certification can be renewed annually, and noncompliance may result in suspension or revocation. |
Certification Expiration | 1 Year |
Other Links:
Arkansas Liquor Law | |
Arkansas RPP |
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! 🍻🎓