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Becoming a bartender in the state of Oklahoma is, unfortunately, quite a confusing process. That’s because the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Law Enforcement (ABLE) Commission requires bartenders or any server of alcoholic beverages to (1) obtain a license and (2) undergo alcohol training.
In short, if your role involves the “service, mixing, or sale” of alcohol, you’ll need to obtain a bartending license, commonly referred to as an “employee license” through the state, AND complete an alcohol training course within 14 days of receiving the license.
We know that’s a mouthful. But we’re here to help simplify the process.
In the following post, we’ll dive into the key details of this requirement and will provide you with step-by-step instructions to get you behind the bar as quickly as possible… without the headache of digging through an ugly and confusing government website.
Overview
| License Required? | Yes |
| Years Valid | 2 |
| Deadline | Employee License: Immediately upon employment Training: Within 14 days of receiving Employee License |
| Governing Body | Alcoholic Beverage Law Enforcement (ABLE) Commission |
How To Become A Licensed Bartender In Oklahoma
Step 1: Create an online account on the Oklahoma ABLE Commission website: Before applying for a license, one must first register/create an account inside the ABLE Commission online portal.
The ABLE Commission provides a walk-through video here on how to create an account online.
Step 2: Apply to receive an Employee License: After you create an account in the ABLE Commission portal, you must log in and apply for a license. For bartenders, specifically, you’ll want to select the “Alcohol Beverage Employee Application” under “Individual Licenses.”
This document provides step-by-step instructions on registering and applying. We strongly recommend using the guide throughout the process so you don’t mistakenly apply for the wrong thing.
Step 3: Pay for the Employee License: Unfortunately, Oklahoma’s ABLE Commission charges each individual $30.00 in the last step of the application process. After payment and submitting your application online, a background check will be conducted to determine eligibility for a license. The timeframe for approval of an individual license is 3 to 5 days from the date of filing your application online.
Step 4: Receive (and Save) Your License: All licenses will be sent via email. That said, it is important that you add a good and viable email address during the application. Once you receive the email with your license, print it out or forward that email to your employer. Here’s an example of what your Oklahoma Employee License will look like:
Step 5: Complete a state-approved serving alcohol course: The final step in becoming a licensed bartender in Oklahoma is to take a serving alcohol course within 14 days (two weeks) of receiving your employee license.
In some states, including Oklahoma, training around serving alcohol is imperative. Completing a course ensures that servers and sellers are adept and responsible in handling and serving alcoholic beverages. By undergoing state-approved training, participants not only familiarize themselves with best practices but also legal stipulations related to alcohol service in Oklahoma.
At the end of the training program, you’ll have to pass a test. But don’t worry. In most cases, these tests are multiple-choice and are fairly easy to pass. Moreover, most online training providers allow you to retake the test as many times as you want.
⭐ Here’s the list of state-approved training providers.
Step 6: Save or print a copy of your training certificate: Upon passing the training program, you’ll likely receive a certificate or receipt of some kind. Just like you did with your employee license certificate, be sure to save a copy of your training certificate. Print it, if possible, or download it on a device.
Common Questions & Answers
What Happens if You’re Not Licensed & Trained?
During inspections, the ABLE Commission may check whether certain employees possess valid proof of training completion, as well as valid proof of an Employee License. If you fail to present either of these certificates in case of an inspection, you risk being fired, and your establishment might also face penalties.
Who Needs an Employee License?
According to Oklahoma state law, any employee that participates in the “service, mixing, or sale”
of alcoholic beverages is required to have a license.
Bussers, hosts, etc., that are not involved in the “service, mixing, or sale” of alcoholic beverages are not required to have an employee license.
What’s the Timeframe for Training Completion?
New bartenders must complete an ABLE-approved training program within 14 days of receiving an Employee License.
Minimum Age To Serve Alcoholic Beverages In Oklahoma:
According to the Mixed Beverage Establishment Oklahoma Alcohol Fact Sheet, the minimum age to serve alcoholic beverages largely depends on what type of establishment you’re working in. In short, however, you must be at least 21 years of age to bartend and at least 18 years of age to serve or sell alcoholic beverages.
In a Type I establishment, where everyone who enters must be 21 years of age, all employees involved in the “service, mixing or sale” of alcoholic beverages must be licensed, and everyone in the establishment must be at least 21 years old.
In a Type II establishment, where people under 21 years of age may enter, all employees involved in the “service or sale” of alcoholic beverages must be licensed and be at least 18 years old. To work or be in the designated bar area, they must be at least 21 years of age.
Additional Resources:
- ABLE Instructions for using the new Online Licensing System (pdf)
- Mixed Beverage Establishment Oklahoma Alcohol Fact Sheet (pdf)
- Oklahoma ABLE Commission website
