Get Your Minnesota Bartending License Today!

Standard alcohol server certifications in Minnesota are valid for 2 years and require renewal by completing the full training and passing the test again. However, some third-party providers and local city programs may issue certifications valid for 1 or 3 years, so check with your provider or employer to confirm the exact duration

Anyone applying for jobs that involve selling or serving alcohol in Minnesota should take this training. While not mandated by state law, it’s often required by employers for positions such as:

• Bartenders
• Servers and waitstaff
• Barbacks
• Event and banquet staff
• Casino beverage servers
• Hotel bar and lounge staff
• Brewery or distillery taproom employees

Completing this course before applying can give you an edge with hiring managers, especially in busy hospitality environments that prioritize trained and responsible staff.

Yes, our course is fully mobile-friendly. You can access the training on your smartphone, tablet, or computer, allowing you to study whenever and wherever is most convenient for you.

Yes, ServeSmart offers the full training and certification for both new and returning users. While Minnesota does not require an official license renewal, many employers ask that alcohol server training be retaken every 2 years. Simply retake the course and pass the final exam to maintain your certification.

ServeSmart’s Minnesota Bartending License course is approximately 2 hours in length and is designed to be self-paced, which allows users to take more or less time depending on their learning style. No revisions are needed.

No, Minnesota does not require statewide bartender or alcohol server training by law. However, many employers—including bars, restaurants, hotels, casinos, and event venues—prefer or require applicants to complete certified alcohol server training to ensure staff understand Minnesota liquor laws and responsible service practices.

Furthermore, several local jurisdictions mandate alcohol server training at regular intervals:

• Minneapolis, Woodbury, Roseville, and Inver Grove Heights require annual training for all employees involved in alcohol service.
• Other cities may offer insurance incentives or fee reductions for businesses that require staff certification.

Completing a trusted course like ServeSmart’s Minnesota Bartending License training helps reduce employer liability and significantly improves your chances of getting hired in Minnesota’s hospitality industry.

Yes. While the course is not state-mandated, employers are increasingly seeking applicants who have completed responsible alcohol server training, especially with the new liability-focused legislation.

No, Minnesota does not issue a state alcohol server permit or license. However, many employers in bars, restaurants, and hospitality venues recognize a certificate of completion from trusted providers like ServeSmart as proof of responsible alcohol service education.

While this certificate is not a state license, it can help demonstrate knowledge of Minnesota liquor laws and increase your chances of getting hired.

While ServeSmart is not affiliated with the Minnesota state government, this training may help employers meet internal policies or insurance provider recommendations for responsible alcohol service. Some insurers offer reduced liquor liability premiums to businesses whose staff have completed alcohol server training. Check with your employer or insurance provider for specific requirements.

Absolutely. Many students take the course in advance to boost their resumes and stand out in interviews for bartending, serving, or hospitality roles.

In Minnesota, you must be at least 18 years old to serve or sell alcohol in a licensed establishment, as long as there is supervision by someone 21 or older. This applies to servers, bartenders, and sales clerks in liquor stores.

No, Minnesota does not issue a formal state bartender license. However, many employers require a certificate of completion from a responsible alcohol server training program like ServeSmart to meet their internal hiring or insurance requirements.

Yes. Cities such as Roseville, Inver Grove Heights, Edina, and Minneapolis may require alcohol server training from a city-approved provider. ServeSmart’s course is not currently approved for these municipal mandates but is widely accepted by private employers statewide.

Alcohol may generally be served between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. in Minnesota, though hours can vary by local ordinance. Some cities or counties may have earlier closing times or additional restrictions for Sundays and holidays.

While not required by state law, most employers and insurance policies recommend renewing training every 2 years to ensure compliance with updated alcohol laws and best practices. ServeSmart’s certification is valid for 2 years.

Yes. ServeSmart’s Minnesota Bartending License course includes key lessons on state-specific laws, including legal service age, ID verification, refusal of service, and local ordinance awareness.