According to Louisiana serving alcohol laws, all bartenders and servers MUST attend a Responsible Vendor (RV) class within 45 days of being hired. After successful completion of the RV course, students will receive an RV Server Permit. This is commonly known as the Louisiana bartenders license.
While most in states in the U.S. don’t have any bartending license requirements, Louisiana serving alcohol laws are a little more more strict.
All Louisiana server permits are administered by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC).
This post was updated on April 13, 2020.
Louisiana Responsible Vendor Program Details
RV Classes are held regularly throughout the state and are provided for a fee of $25 per person. The classes average 2 ½ – 3 hours and include a test, which must be passed in order to receive your Responsible Vendor Server Card.
- Your RV permit will be good for 4 years, at which point you will need to renew it
- ATC no longer mails a permit to your residence
Louisiana’s ATC website provides prospective bartenders and serves with a batch of helpful resources – all of which are provided below. This makes the registration process a lot easier!
You can either take the course in-person, in a classroom environment… or online, from the comfort of your own home. Continue reading below learn more about both online and offline course providers. To see the entire list of companies that provide RV training in Louisiana, click here.
In-Person RV Classes
For those that wish to complete the RV in a classroom, go here to find a Responsible Vendor course located near you.
After completing a RV course in-person, you will receive a temporary permit. Then, depending on the course you chose, you will receive your official RV permit either in the mail or e-mail.
Online RV Classes
For those who want to take the course online, follow this link to check out all the state-approved online course providers.
If you choose to take the course online, we suggest to print out your Certificate of Completion after passing the course. This will be your temporary permit. After 7-10 days, return to the website and print/ download your official RV permit.
How old to be a bartender in Louisiana:
- 18
State of Louisiana Bartender Qualifications
The Louisiana law restricts convicted felons from working in a bar in any capacity unless it has been 10 years since the completion of his/her sentence and his/her was not a crime of violence.
Other Bartending Resources That May Be Helpful
If you want to separate yourself from rest while applying for a bartending job, we suggest to do a little bit of homework. There’s plenty of resources online that can help propel your bartending skill and knowledge to new heights.
One the best things you can do from the jump, is to start studying basic drink recipes. Furthermore, you should invest a little time building a top-notch bartending resume.
Once you get the job, it’s equally important to purchase the right attire.
Feel free to check out our latest publication, The Ultimate Guide to Bartending. This book is no. 1 resource for all beginning bartenders.
For more information on bartending requirements, please contact your Local City Clerk’s office.