TABC Frequently Ask Questions

What is the TABC?

TABC is the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Texas established this commission to administer, oversee and enforce the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code and all related laws and regulations, including TABC Certification.

Is this TABC certification course approved by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission?

Yes. This course will provide you with the training needed to meet your Texas "TABC" requirements.

When will I get my certificate?

Upon successful completion of this course you can automatically download your TABC certificate. Your completion will also be reported to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission free of charge.

Do I have to take the training in one sitting?

No, the course is available to you 100% online, 24/7 so that you may log in and out whenever you like. The system will save your progress each time you log off so you can resume the course exactly where you left off.

What else do I need besides this course to become TABC certified?

There are no additional requirements to become certified and there are no age minimum requirements to complete this course.

How long is TABC certification valid?

The seller/server certification you obtain from this course is valid for two years from the date it is issued.

What do I need to do when my TABC Certification expires?

You must complete this course every two years to maintain your certification.

What is the difference between a TABC Certification and a TABC License/Permit?

Licenses and permits are issued to businesses and not Sellers/Servers.

Does TABC require businesses to protect employees and customers from COVID-19?

Yes, TABC requires bars, restaurants and other businesses that sell or serve alcohol to follow specific protocols to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This may include increasing sanitization efforts, reducing indoor customer capacity limits and enforcing social distancing of at least six feet between groups of customers.

As Texas moves through different phases of its reopening plan, requirements for bars and restaurants will change. For an up-to-date overview of current health and safety guidelines that TABC is enforcing, visit the Governor's Strike Force to Open Texas website.

Can TABC penalize bars and restaurants for not following COVID-19 protocols?

Yes, TABC is investigating businesses to ensure they're following state guidelines for slowing the spread of COVID-19. Bars and restaurants that commit violations and threaten public health are subject to a temporary suspension of their licenses or permits.

What are the penalties for violating COVID-19 health and safety guidelines?

TABC is authorized to issue temporary license or permit suspensions to businesses that do not comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines. For the first infraction, businesses will receive a 30-day license suspension. A second infraction will result in a 60-day suspension.

Why does the TABC course require my social security number/date of birth?

The TABC requires all providers to submit the social security number and date of birth for all TABC program completions. If you do not have a social security number, the TABC will also accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), “A” Number (Alien Registration Number), or your MRIV (machine-readable immigrant visa) case number. There are no exceptions, and all completions must provide one of these numbers to receive TABC certification.