Georgia Alcohol Server Training is a course designed to educate alcohol sellers and servers on responsible service practices and compliance with local and state laws. While Georgia does not have a statewide mandate for alcohol server training, many local jurisdictions and employers require certification to reduce liability and promote public safety.
The course covers Georgia-specific alcohol laws, recognizing and refusing service to underage or intoxicated patrons, checking ID validity, and strategies for preventing illegal drug activity on licensed premises.
Table of Contents
Is Alcohol Server Training Required in Georgia?
Georgia does not require alcohol server training at the state level. However, local municipalities such as Savannah and Macon-Bibb County have training mandates. For instance:
- In Savannah, servers must pass a Server Training Permit Assessment to obtain a permit.
- In Macon-Bibb County, servers are required to complete an approved responsible alcohol service training program to receive an Alcohol Handler’s License.
Even where not legally required, many employers mandate training as a condition of employment to lower insurance premiums and legal risk.
Benefits of Getting Certified
Even if alcohol server training is not mandated in your area, completing a course offers significant advantages:
- Increases job opportunities and a competitive edge in hiring
- Reduces the risk of legal liability for both you and your employer
- Enhances workplace safety by reducing service to underage or intoxicated customers
- May lead to lower insurance premiums for your employer
- Builds customer trust through knowledgeable, responsible service
Summary of Georgia Alcohol Laws
Understanding state laws is key to responsible service. Key points include:
- The legal drinking age is 21.
- You must be at least 18 years old to serve alcohol in a licensed establishment.
- Sale of alcohol is permitted at different times depending on local ordinances (check with your city or county).
- It is illegal to serve visibly intoxicated patrons.
- Acceptable forms of ID include a valid driver’s license, passport, or military ID.
Local Training Requirements by Jurisdiction
Some Georgia cities and counties have specific training and permit requirements. Here’s a quick overview:
| Jurisdiction | Training Required | Permit Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Savannah |
Yes |
Yes |
Server Training Permit required |
|
Macon-Bibb County |
Yes |
Yes |
Alcohol Handler’s License |
|
Atlanta |
Varies |
Often |
Check with employer or city site
|
|
Augusta |
Varies |
May be needed |
Depends on type of establishment |
|
Athens-Clarke County |
Varies |
Varies |
Confirm with local regulations |
How Do You Get a Georgia Alcohol Server Certification?
Step 1: Find a Course
Unlike some states that maintain a formal list of approved alcohol server training programs, Georgia does not publish a centralized directory at the state level. However, several local jurisdictions—such as Savannah and Macon-Bibb County—have their own requirements and may recognize specific training providers. To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of reputable online alcohol seller-server training courses that are commonly accepted by employers and local authorities across Georgia. While there are many providers available, we’ve highlighted those with at least 10 or more reviews on platforms like Google or Indeed for added credibility.
List of Top 10 Online Providers:
(These providers and reviews are up to date as of May 2025)
| Provider | Language(s) | Rating | Reviews | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
ServeSmart |
English, Spanish, Korean |
4.8 Stars |
81 Reviews |
Google |
|
2 |
Seller Server Classes |
English |
4.6 Stars |
27 Reviews |
Indeed |
|
3 |
Responsible Vendors, INC |
English |
5.0 Stars |
365 Reviews |
Google |
|
4 |
Comedy Seller Server |
English |
4.9 Stars |
26 Reviews |
Google |
|
5 |
SureSellNow |
English |
4.4 Stars |
10 Reviews |
Indeed |
|
6 |
StateFoodSafety |
English |
3.4 Stars |
16 Reviews |
Indeed |
|
7 |
AACEA |
English |
4.4 Stars |
12 Reviews |
Indeed |
|
8 |
Serving Alcohol Inc. |
English |
4.8 Stars |
84 Reviews |
Indeed |
|
9 |
360 Training |
English |
3.7 Stars |
143 Reviews |
Google |
|
10 |
TIPS |
English |
4.5 Stars |
149 Reviews |
Indeed |
Step 2: Take a Course
Once you’ve selected your course provider, you’ll need to purchase the course. Most Georgia alcohol seller-server training programs cost between $15 and $40, depending on the provider and features offered. The training typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours to complete and includes a final exam to earn your certificate.
These courses often include videos, quizzes, and interactive activities designed to help you retain key information—such as Georgia alcohol laws, age verification techniques, and safe service practices. At ServeSmart, our training features a distraction-free interface optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, so you can complete your course anywhere, anytime.
Step 3: Pass the Exam
At the end of your Georgia alcohol server training course, you’ll take a final exam to complete your certification. Unlike some states that require you to test through a government portal, Georgia allows you to take the course and exam directly through the training provider—making the process fast and convenient. The exam typically includes 25 multiple-choice questions, and most providers require a passing score of 80% or higher.
If you don’t pass the exam on your first try, don’t worry—you can retake it as many times as needed until you achieve a passing score.
Once you pass, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion. Be sure to download and print a copy for your employer. It’s also a good idea to keep a backup copy for your records in case you change jobs or need to show proof of training in the future.
What Is Covered in Georgia Alcohol Server Training?
There are two course types that you’ll need to choose from when getting your certification, a management course and an employee course. If you are a non-managerial employee or a managerial employee, please ensure you select the appropriate course that fits your job description.
Employee Training Course Topics:
- Georgia alcohol laws and local regulations
- Effects of alcohol and controlled substances
- Recognizing underage customers and fake IDs
- Dealing with intoxicated or drug-impaired patrons
- Preventing illegal drug activity on premises
Alcohol Server Management Course Content:
- Developing SOPs for alcohol service compliance
- Supporting staff with enforcement procedures
- Recordkeeping related to alcohol incidents
Bartending Schools
In addition to completing Alcohol Server Training, you can take your skills to the next level by enrolling in a bartending school in Georgia. While many bars and restaurants provide on-the-job training, advancing into a bartender role can take time. Attending a bartending school offers structured, hands-on instruction—often with 40+ hours of in-person training—and many programs include job placement assistance.
These programs cover a wide range of topics to prepare you for the bar industry, including how to:
- Mix and serve 200+ classic and modern cocktails
- Understand beer, wine, coffee drinks, and shot recipes
- Set up and break down a bar station
- Manage money, POS systems, and opening/closing procedures
- Deliver fast, safe, and customer-focused service
For those interested in pursuing bartending professionally, here are a few well-known Georgia bartending schools to consider:
Popular Schools:
- Atlanta Bartending School
- Georgia Bartending School
- ABC Bartending School – Atlanta
- Bar Bees Bartending School
These schools can give you a competitive edge and help you land a job in Georgia’s growing hospitality industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only in certain jurisdictions, but employers may still require it.
Typically 2–3 years, depending on the provider.
Courses range from $15 to $40.
Yes. Many approved providers offer online, mobile-friendly courses.
It depends on local law. Savannah and Macon-Bibb County require it.
Summary: What is Georgia Alcohol Server Training?
Georgia Alcohol Server Training helps bartenders, servers, and alcohol delivery staff learn safe and responsible alcohol service. While not required statewide, many local jurisdictions and employers do require certification. The training helps prevent underage sales, reduce overconsumption, and protect both employees and establishments from liability.
If you’re starting a job in alcohol service, follow the three simple steps outlined above to complete your training and earn your Georgia Alcohol Server Certificate.
Ready to get started? Click below to begin your training today!
