Michigan Alcohol Seller-Server Training & Certification

Michigan alcohol seller-server safety training ensures that sellers and servers of alcohol understand state and local liquor laws and serve alcoholic beverages responsibly. An alcohol seller-server training program can also significantly reduce the risk and liability associated with alcohol service.

Why is Alcohol Seller-Server safety training necessary?

  • Alcohol safety seller-server training or certification may be required for employment to sell or serve alcohol in a state or for a business.
  • Alcohol responsible beverage service (RBS) training is necessary for position as a bartender since most employers require proper knoweldge and skills of alcohol service prior to employment.
  • Establishments that sell and serve alcohol and may require alcohol service training: bars, restaurants, hotels, taverns, night clubs, banquet halls, liquor stores, grocery stores, convenience stores and gas stations.

The goals and objectives of the Alcohol Seller-Server safety training program are:

  1. Train and educate sellers and servers to engage in responsible alcohol service;
  2. Spot signs of intoxication and utilize various intervention techniques;
  3. Prevent DUIs and alcohol-related fatalities;
  4. Stop underage sales and underage drinking;
  5. Create safer communities and establishments where alcohol is served;
  6. Educate owners, managers and staff on liability, state laws, and local ordinances regarding alcohol service.

Michigan Alcohol Seller-Server Requirments
On August 1, 2001, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission implemented the mandatory server training requirement for licensees obtaining a new or transferring more than 50% interest in an existing on-premises license to have server trained supervisory personnel employed during all hours alcoholic beverages are served as outlined in MCL 436.1501(1).


Michigan Alcohol Seller-Server Training Info

  • Alcohol Seller-Server Training
  • State Contact Info
  • State Regulations

Michigan Alcohol Seller-Server Training Course

Course Description
The alcohol seller-server training course provides the student with the necessary knowledge of laws regarding alcohol service and proven techniques needed to be a responsible seller of alcohol and for providing a safe environment for customers. Specifically, you will learn:

  • how to protect yourself and your establishment from liability;
  • how alcohol affects your customers;
  • how to recognize the effects of alcohol on your customers;
  • how to prevent customers from becoming intoxicated;
  • how to intervene when you need to refuse a sale to someone;
  • how to prevent and deal with disturbances;
  • how to accurately check IDs and recognize minors;
  • how to prevent second-party sales; and
  • how to refuse a sale.

Audience: Employees in establishments that sell and serve alcohol in bars, restaurants, hotels, taverns, night clubs, concessions, banquet halls: bartenders, bar backs, servers and managers.

Credit Hours: 3 hrs

Course Outline

  • Lesson 1: Introduction
  • Lesson 2: How Alcohol Affects the Body
  • Lesson 3: Recognizing Intoxicated Customers
  • Lesson 4: Preventing Disturbances
  • Lesson 5: Minors and Liability
  • Lesson 6: Second-Party Sales
  • Lesson 7: How to Refuse a Sale
  • Lesson 8: State Laws

End of Course Test & Certificate
At the conclusion of the course, the learner will be tested on their knowledge of the learning objectives and content. Upon successfully passing the exam with a minimum of 70%, the learner will be able to download a course certificate.

Michigan Alcohol Regulatory Agency

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission is responsible for the control over the importation, distribution, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages, which applies to all retailers, suppliers, and wholesalers who are licensed to manufacture, sell, serve, transport, or store liquor in the State of Michigan.

Michigan Liquor Control Commission
7150 Harris Drive
Lansing, Michigan 48909
Phone: (517) 322-1345
Web: http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-35299_10570—,00.html