According to Delaware’s Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, those who serve or sell alcohol must complete a Responsible Server Training course approved by the state. In other words, if you’re looking to bartend in the state of Delaware, it is legally REQUIRED that you successfully complete a state-approved server training program.
While this may seem daunting, the process is fairly simple and straightforward. In the following post, we’ll guide you through the steps for quick certification and offer other useful tips.
But to cut to the chase, you’ll have to take an online course, as Delaware’s server training classes are only offered online. Keep reading to learn more.
This post was updated on September 12, 2023.
About Delaware’s Required Server Training Program
The Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement created the Server Training Program to teach restaurant/bar employees how to responsibly serve and sell alcohol, in line with both Delaware’s state laws and the guidelines from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner.
The training program covers important topics such as understanding how alcohol impacts the body, verifying IDs, spotting signs that someone’s had too much to drink, and how to avoid over-serving. The program also serves as a way for individuals to get familiar with the laws under the Delaware Liquor Control Act.
Important Server Training Rules:
- The Server Training card must be obtained within 30 days of the date of hire
- Server Training cards are good for four (4) years
- All certified servers are required to carry their card while serving
alcoholic beverages - No person shall make any false statements or other misrepresentation of fact to obtain a server training card
- If employees do not have Server Training cards or allow the certification to expire and
continue to serve, the owner of the establishment may receive a violation
Update: As of October 1, 2017, the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement will no longer offer recertification and renewal classes for Server Training. Anyone who needs to renew a current Server Training card may do so by re-taking one of the two (see below) online training programs. Again, all Server Training cards expire after four (4) years.
How To Obtain Your Server Training Card in Delaware
As briefly discussed above, there’s only one route for completing Delaware’s mandatory server training these days: You must pay to take a state-approved online course.
While Delaware used to provide free in-person classes in every county, that option is no longer available.
Once you register for an online training program, you will be required to pass a 40-question multiple-choice test. Upon completion, you will then get a certification verifying that you have successfully completed the program. In Delaware, this certificate is also known as your “Server Training Card”.
The Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement does offer a free server training booklet for all students. Feel free to use it while taking the online course and/or while taking the test. Here’s the link.
Online Server Training Program
The two state-approved online course options are:
- Delaware Restaurant Association
- Course: Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Server Training
- Cost: $25
- Expires: 4 Years
- Access: Computer or Mobile Device
- Website: www.delawarerestaurant.org/online-alcohol-server-training/
- eTIPS
- Course: Delaware TIPS Alcohol Server Training and Certification
- Cost: $40
- Expires: 4 Years
- Access: Computer or Mobile Device
- Website: www.gettips.com/
Minimum Age to Bartend in Delaware:
- 18 to solicit and serve alcoholic beverages
- 21 to open, mix, or pour an alcoholic beverage
Other Requirements That May Be Helpful:
- Driver’s License or Passport
- Good Communication Skills
- Proper Non-Slip Bartending Shoes
For more information, please contact your local city clerk’s office.