In Tennessee, anyone who wishes to sell or serve alcoholic beverages MUST receive a “Server Permit”. Searching online through various government and state websites, however, can be a confusing process.
This is where we come in…
Since server/bartender certification is required in the state, we’ve compiled all the important information you need.
We will walk you through the three steps required to receive your Server Permit.
Tip: When it comes time to choose an approved alcohol awareness program, we highly suggest going with the option from Serving Alcohol. Serving Alcohol’s training is quick, cheap, and easy. Plus, they have tens of thousands of 5 star reviews. We suggest them for all bartenders looking to get certified in Tennessee. Click here to learn more.
How to Obtain a Server Permit in Tennessee
Obtaining a Server Permit in Tennessee is a two-step process which we will get into below. But before we do that, let’s cover some basic requirements.
Qualifications and Restrictions for Tennessee Server Permits
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You may not be a felon
- You may not have a conviction for a crime related to the sale of alcohol, controlled substances, any sex related crimes, or embezzlement within the previous eight years
- You may not have had an employee or server permit or similar bartending license issued in another state revoked by an issuing authority within the previous 5 years
- You may not have had any ownership interest in any wholesale, retail, liquor-by-the-drink, or beer license or permit revoked by using authority within the previous 8 years
Server Permit Application Process
Tennessee requires that all servers and bartenders successfully receive a Server Permit. In order to obtain one, simply follow the directions below:
Step #1: Complete a Server Permit Application Online
You do this by creating an online account on RLPS (Regulatory Licensing & Permitting System) and filling out the necessary information.
Tip #1: There is a helpful step-by-step tutorial on how to fill out the information here.
Tip #2: The application will have a $20.00 non-refundable fee, so be prepared to pay.
During the application you will be required to provide a selection of documents that we suggest you have ready.
If you are applying as a US citizen you will be required to provide two or more of the following documents:
- A TN driver’s license, or photo ID provided by the Department of Homeland Security
- A valid driver license or ID issued by another state
- An official birth certificate issued by a US state, territory, or other jurisdiction. Note: Puerto Rican birth Certificates issued before July 1, 2010 do not count
- A federally issued birth certificate
- A valid, unexpired U.S. passport
- A report of birth abroad as a US citizen
- A certificate of citizenship or naturalization
- A US citizen ID card.
- Any successor document to #’s 4-9 above.
- A SSN that may be verified with the Social Security Administration in accordance with Federal Law
Applying with qualified alien status? You can see your requirements here.
After completing these stepson RLPS, you can move on to step #2.
Step #2: Successfully pass a Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) approved alcohol awareness program
Every year, Tennessee re-approves alcohol awareness training providers. To find state-approved online and classroom alcohol awareness programs, you can follow this link. Keep in mind if you choose a classroom program, the classes are held statewide. Be sure to look up the provider closest to you!
Our Suggestion: If you are looking to be approved quick, easily, and at the lowest cost online, we always suggest going with this option from Serving Alcohol.
According to the state, new servers/bartenders have a 61 day grace period from the original date of hire to complete the requirements and obtain a server permit. Note: This is a one time exception, meaning you will not have a grace period if hired at as a server/bartender at a new job in the future.
Tip: The certificate indicating successful completion of the program is not a TABC server permit. The TABC permit will be provided after successful completion of the alcohol awareness program which we cover in Step #3 below.
Step #3: Return to the RLBS website and print out your Certificate
Once you have completed steps #1 and #2 above, you can now return to the RLBS website to print your certificate. Follow these directions to make printing quick and easy.
Note: Your certificate will not be mailed to you. You must print out the certificate on your own.
Minimum Age to Serve Alcoholic Beverages in Tennessee:
- You must be at least 18 to obtain a Server Permit in Tennessee.
- If your employer allows smoking on the premesis, then you must be at least 21 years old
Other Requirements That May Be Helpful:
- Driver’s License or Passport
- Good Communication Skills
- Be able to stand long periods of time
- Knowledge of basic drink recipes
For more information, please contact your local City Clerk’s office.
CHEERS!