All of California’s alcohol servers and their managers will be required to complete mandatory training and have a valid Responsible Beverage Service certification from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

The law goes into effect on July 1, 2022. However, the law (AB 1221 and AB 82) gives servers and their managers sixty (60) days thereafter to comply.

An alcohol server is considered as anyone employed at an ABC on-premises licensed establishment who is responsible for checking identifications, taking customer orders, and pouring or delivering alcoholic beverages.

If you own a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol or are a server of alcoholic beverages, contact your legal counsel to ascertain how you can comply with this law so you are not penalized by the ABC.

The information presented is not intended to be, and does not constitute, “legal advice.” Because each situation varies, and only brief summary information is provided here, you should not use this information as a basis for action unless you have independently verified with your own counsel that it applies to your particular situation.