Are you interested in becoming a licensed bartender in Oklahoma? To legally serve alcohol in the state, it’s essential to understand the Oklahoma bartender license requirements. This guide will walk you through obtaining an Oklahoma liquor license, its benefits, and how to maintain it. Whether you’re looking to boost your job opportunities or add credibility to your skills, this guide has everything you need to know about the Oklahoma bartender license.
Bartending License Requirements for Oklahoma
Do You Need a License to Bartend in Oklahoma?
Yes, all employees who serve alcohol need an Employee license. This is taken from an ABLE-approved trainer. In addition, you must be at least 21 to bartend and have no felony convictions.
Oklahoma state-approved training is available online from 360Training.
In Oklahoma, any employee who is involved in the “service, mixing, or sale” of alcoholic beverages must have an employee license. The age requirement for obtaining this license varies depending on the type of establishment.
Managers of mixed beverage licensees and public event licenses must have an employee license, regardless of whether they are involved in the “service, mixing, or sale” of alcoholic beverages.
It is important to note that bussers, hosts, and other employees not involved in the “service, mixing, or sale” of alcoholic beverages are not required to have an employee license.
If you’re selling alcohol at a grocery or liquor store or alcohol delivery, they also offer off-premises TIPS training.
Can You Work as a Bartender in Oklahoma With a Felony Conviction?
No, you cannot work as a bartender in Oklahoma if you have a felony conviction. However, if you have received a pardon from the governor or president, you may be eligible to work as a bartender. In this case, you must provide a copy of the pardon and your employee license application.
Minimum Age To Serve Alcoholic Beverages In Oklahoma
You must be at least 18 years old to serve alcohol to customers and at least 21 years old to work behind the bar. There are two types of mixed drinks establishments selling alcoholic beverages with different age requirements:
- Type I establishments, where everyone who enters must be 21, and all employees involved in the “service, mixing, or sale” of alcoholic beverages must be licensed. Everyone in the establishment must be at least 21.
- Type II establishments, where people under 21 years of age are allowed to enter, all employees involved in the “service or sale” of alcoholic beverages must be licensed and be at least 18 years old. However, to work or be in the designated bar area, they must be at least 21.
Regardless of which business type you work at serving alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, the training needs are the same as an alcohol server.
360Training offers on-premise alcohol sales and food handling certifications in one package.
ABLE Educational Providers
You must complete an alcohol training course approved by the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission. ABLE is the beverage laws enforcement commission.
The server training program covers topics such as responsible alcohol service, checking identification, and recognizing signs of intoxication. These are available as an online training course or an in-person training course.
This course will include a final exam that you’ll have to pass to obtain your training certificate.
ABLE has a list of approved training providers on its website.
Oklahoma state-approved alcohol server training and certification is available at 360Training.
Once you’ve completed your training course, you’ll receive a training certificate. You then need to go to the ABLE website, create an account, apply for an Individual License (Alcohol Beverage Employee Application) and upload your training certificate and additional documentation, including a SIN number.
Within 14 days of receiving their initial employee license, applicants must complete a server training course approved by the Oklahoma ABLE Commission. This requirement only applies to new licensees, not renewals. However, if your license expires, even one day before renewal, you will be required to complete the training program again.
Proof of course training completion must be available for inspection by the Oklahoma ABLE Commission at the business location, along with a copy of the employee license.
Benefits of Having a Bartender License in Oklahoma
Having a bartender license in Oklahoma offers many benefits, including:
- Legally serving alcohol: With a bartender license, you can legally sell beer and mixed beverages in the state of Oklahoma, which is required by law. This allows you to work at bars, restaurants, and other establishments that serve alcohol.
- Improved credibility and professionalism: A bartender license shows you have completed alcohol training and passed an exam on Oklahoma’s alcohol state laws and regulations. This demonstrates a level of professionalism and credibility to potential employers and customers.
- Liability protection: In an alcohol-related incident, having a bartender license can provide liability protection. This protection could help shield you from legal and financial consequences if you follow proper alcohol service procedures.
Renewing a Bartender License in Oklahoma
Employee licenses must be renewed every three years in Oklahoma. To renew your license, you must complete training in an approved alcohol training program and pass the exam again. You must also submit your renewal application form and fee to the ABLE Commission before your license expires.
Conclusion
In Oklahoma, obtaining a bartender license is a key step towards a successful career in the industry. By meeting the requirements, you can legally serve alcohol, increase job opportunities, and improve credibility. Remember to renew your license every two years, complete continuing education, and comply with alcohol laws. With a bartender license, you can provide your customers with a safe and enjoyable experience.
If you’re interested in bartending in other American states, we’ve written an article about bartending requirements across America here.
