According to the Delaware’s Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, a state approved license is REQUIRED to sell and serve alcohol.
There are two ways to receive bartending training: Online and In-person. Further details on each are provided below but the main difference is that online courses are paid for and in-person courses are provided by the state for FREE. Keep reading to learn more.
This post was updated on March 26, 2020.
Required Delaware Bartending School Information:
You must be 16 years of age or older in order to attend the free training classes. At the end of the course you will receive a card that confirms that you have completed the alcohol training course.
Responsible Server Training is available in two convenient formats – online and in person.
- This card is good for 4 years.
- Classes usually last around 2.5 hours depending on how many students show up
- There is a 40 question, multiple-choice test at the end of the lecture and then you receive your card
IMPORTANT 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 completing the regular training in person or online.
In-person
The alcohol training courses are offered in each of the 3 Delaware counties. You can find the schedule of classes here, or call (302) 577-5208.
What You Need To Bring To The Class:
- A valid ID ( Driver’s license/ Passport/ Armed Forces ID Card/ State Issued ID card from the DMV)
- Pen or pencil
- A copy of the server-training booklet is not required to bring to class, but may be helpful to look over before. It can be found here (pdf)
Some Topics That May Be Covered in the Course:
- Recognizing the signs of intoxication
- How to properly check ID’s
- How alcohol affects the body
- Title 4
- The Commissioner’s Rules
The locations of classes for each county are as follows:
New Castle County
820 North French Street
Wilmington DE 19801
Carvel State Building 2nd Floor Auditorium
Kent County
89 Kings Highway
Dover DE 19902
DNREC – Richardson & Robbins Building
Sussex County
901 Pilottown Rd
Lewes, DE 19958
Shoreline & Waterway Services Facility
Online
The two state-approved online-course options are:
Course: Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Server Training
Cost: $19
Expires: 4 years
How to Access: Computer or Mobile Device
Link: http://www.delawarerestaurant.org/online-alcohol-server-training/
Course: eTIPS
Cost: $40
Expires: 3 years
How to Access: Computer or Mobile Device
Link: http://www.gettips.com
Keep in mind, your employer may require you to take additional courses, or may have a preference on how you become certified. For safes, it’s always good to double check with your bar owner or manager!
Minimum Age to Serve Alcoholic Beverages in Delaware:
- 19 to solicit and serve in a restaurant
- 21 to work in a taproom or tavern
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.
