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Washington D.C.

Responsible Alcohol Management Regulations

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Written by Certivance
Updated this week

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 and Cannabis Administration

899 North Capitol Street NE

4200-B

Washington, DC 20002

Phone:

202-442-4423

Website:

Service Facts:

Legal Drinking Age

21

Age to Consume

21

Service to Minors

NO

Employment of Minors

YES

Age to Serve

18

Age to Sell

18

Age to Pour

21

Age to Sell Packaged Alcohol

18

District Training Program:

In Washington D.C., the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) mandates that all managers of licensed establishments complete an approved alcohol awareness training program as part of their licensing process. This training is essential for obtaining an Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Manager license and must be conducted by a provider approved by ABRA. The training covers various aspects of responsible alcohol service, including understanding local laws and regulations, recognizing signs of intoxication, and implementing effective strategies to prevent underage and intoxicated sales. Upon successful completion, managers receive a certificate, which is typically valid for two years. It's important to note that while the training is mandatory for managers, there is no legal requirement for servers to undergo alcohol awareness training in D.C. However, many employers choose to provide such training to their staff to promote responsible service and reduce liability. For a list of ABRA-approved training providers and more detailed information, you can visit the official ABRA website.

District Program Facts:

Program Type

Mandatory

Training Requirements

Managers license holders are required to complete an alcohol training certification program

Certification Expiration

3 Years

Other Links:

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! 🍻🎓

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