In Arkansas there are not any state regulations in place that require a server or bartender to be licensed in order to sell alcohol.
It’s important to keep in mind that some employers will require bartenders to complete serving alcohol courses regardless of state or city laws.
Minimum Age To Serve Alcoholic Beverages In Arkansas:
- 19 years old to serve alcohol in a restaurant as long as you have a permit
- 21 years old to work at a bar
Serving Alcohol Permits in Arkansas:
- The Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Division usually provides a 4-hour educational seminar twice every month. They’re free for anyone interested but applicants are required to attend before a permit is issued
- Click here to check out ABC’s upcoming Educational Seminar’s
- Our suggestion: Take the permit course online via Serving Alcohol. It’s easy, much less time-consuming, and you don’t have to drive to Little Rock just to attend. Click here to learn more.
Other Requirements That May Be Helpful:
- Driver’s License or Passport
- Good Communication Skills
- Proper Non-Slip Bartender Shoes
- Knowledge of basic drink recipes
Additional Information Concerning Bartenders in Arkansas:
- Arkansas does not allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays
- Nearly half of the counties in Arkansas are dry. This means they prohibit any sale of alcohol. Furthermore, some local jurisdictions in wet counties are also dry despite county regulations.
- Here is the state’s Wet/Dry map as of 2019
To find out more information and which counties allow the sale of alcohol, please contact your local City Clerk’s office.