Are you looking to become a responsible vendor (R/V) server in Louisiana? With the state’s thriving food and beverage industry, it’s essential to have the proper certification to serve alcohol responsibly. This guide, sanctioned by the Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC), will take you through the process of obtaining your R/V Server Card in Louisiana without any complications.
Before delving into the process, it’s crucial to understand why obtaining an R/V Server Card is essential in Louisiana. The state’s ATC requires all employees serving or selling alcohol and tobacco products to complete a Responsible Vendor Program. This program aims to:
Reduce the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors
Promote responsible alcohol consumption
Enhance public safety and wellbeing
By becoming a certified R/V server, you contribute to a safer and more responsible alcohol-serving environment.
Follow these easy steps to secure your R/V Server Card in Louisiana:
Select a training provider approved by the Louisiana ATC. These providers offer courses designed to educate servers on responsible alcohol and tobacco service. A comprehensive list of approved providers can be found on the Louisiana ATC website.
The R/V training course will cover essential topics such as:
The consequences of selling alcohol to minors
Techniques for verifying customer identification
Recognizing signs of intoxication
Refusing service to intoxicated patrons
Upon completion of the course, you’ll be required to pass an exam to demonstrate your understanding of these critical concepts.
After passing the exam, you’ll receive your R/V Server Card, which certifies that you’ve completed the necessary training to serve alcohol and tobacco products responsibly. The card is valid for four years and must be renewed upon expiration.
To ensure your R/V Server Card remains valid, follow these best practices:
Always carry your R/V Server Card while working
Keep your certification up to date by renewing every four years
Stay informed about any changes in Louisiana’s alcohol and tobacco laws
Obtaining your R/V Server Card in Louisiana is a vital step in becoming a responsible server and contributing to a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for customers. Follow this ATC-sanctioned guide to get certified without any hassle and embark on a successful career in Louisiana’s thriving food and beverage industry.
Get your Louisiana Responsible Vendor Car Card in about two hours.
The Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) Certification program is a certification program for individuals and businesses in the alcohol and tobacco industries in Louisiana. The program is designed to ensure that individuals and businesses comply with state laws and regulations related to the sale, distribution, and service of alcohol and tobacco products.
The requirements for certification vary depending on the type of certification being sought. For example, the requirements for an alcohol server certification may differ from the requirements for a tobacco retailer certification. Some common requirements include passing an exam, completing a training course, and providing proof of age and identity.
Individuals and businesses that sell, distribute, or serve alcohol or tobacco products in Louisiana are typically required to be certified by the Louisiana ATC. This may include servers and bartenders, liquor store owners, tobacco retailers, and manufacturers.
The length of time a certification is valid varies depending on the type of certification. Some certifications, such as those for alcohol servers, may be valid for several years, while others may need to be renewed more frequently. The Louisiana ATC provides information on the specific duration of each type of certification on its website.
Yes, the Louisiana ATC does offer online certification for some types of certifications, including alcohol server and tobacco retailer certifications. Online certifications are typically completed through a course and exam, and the certification is granted upon successful completion.
In Louisiana, individuals and businesses that sell, distribute, or serve alcohol without proper certification may face penalties, including fines and legal consequences. The specific penalties for not being certified to serve alcohol depend on the nature and severity of the violation, but they may include fines, license suspensions or revocations, and criminal charges.
Yes, certification is required for individuals and businesses that sell tobacco products in Louisiana. The certification process involves completing a training program and passing an exam. Additionally, individuals who sell lottery products in Louisiana must also be certified by the Louisiana Lottery Corporation.
It is important to note that failure to comply with the certification requirements for alcohol, tobacco, or lottery sales in Louisiana may result in penalties, so it is essential to ensure that all individuals and businesses involved in these industries are properly certified.
Get your Louisiana Responsible Vendor Car Card in about two hours.
Introduction to The Responsible Vendor Program
Since its creation in 1997, the Louisiana Responsible Vendor Program has trained and permitted thousands of servers in the state of Louisiana. The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) licenses individuals from all three sections of the RV Program (Providers, Trainers and Servers). The three sections of the RV Program encompass the entire process of becoming a server in Louisiana. RV Providers create training programs to facilitate RV Program education through the use of licensed RV Trainers. By making RV Classes available on a regular basis, these RV Providers have successfully facilitated the education and training for the thousands of bartenders, waitresses, sales clerks and other personnel that have been licensed as RV Servers to sell alcohol and tobacco throughout the state. Many call this certification the Louisiana Bar Card.
The program is governed and monitored by the Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC). The retail locations at which licensed servers are employed are required to keep employment records on site for inspection by ATC Enforcement Agents. ATC Enforcement Agents also routinely check the compliance of licensed vendors and their servers. Servers found to sell or serve alcohol/tobacco products in violation of Louisiana law can be held liable in criminal or civil court depending on the violation. ATC Agents have begun issuing administrative citations directly to RV Servers for violations of Louisiana Title 26 violations.
The ATC also governs the providers who are authorized to provide training and certification in this program. A valid certificate can only be issued by a Louisiana ATC Authorized Vendor. The ATC publishes a list of providers that are authorized, which can be found here.
There are several companies advertising online that offer deeply discounted certification courses for the Louisiana ATC but are not authorized. It is your responsibility to make sure that the course you are taking is valid and accepted by the ATC.
Additionally, local town, city and parish ordinances may also govern the issuance and management of permits to serve alcohol and tobacco products. A list of these ordinances can be found here.
The content of the course is similar for all providers and a listing of the topics required to be taught is provided by the Louisiana ATC. The topics that will be covered are:
You will also learn:
The server training courses shall include but not be limited to the following subject areas:
A server or security personnel who violates alcohol or tobacco server law is subject to all of the following penalties:
A vendor who sells or serves to minors will not have its alcohol or tobacco permit revoked in the following instances:
A vendor may not use as a defense the fact that he was absent from the licensed premises at the time a violation occurred if the violations are flagrant, persistent, repeated, or recurring.
ATC takes into consideration compliance with the responsible vendor program and other methods taken by the business owners to prevent the sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products to persons under their respective legal ages.
Get your Louisiana Responsible Vendor Car Card in about two hours.
According to Louisiana law “any employee of a vendor who is authorized to sell or serve alcoholic beverages or tobacco products in the normal course of his or her employment or deals with customers who purchase or consume alcoholic beverages or tobacco products” must attend an RV Class and obtain an RV Server Permit or “bar card” within 45 days of their hire date. RV Classes are held on a regular basis throughout the state and are provided to individuals for a fee of $25 per person. The classes average 2 ½ – 3 hours and include a test which must be passed in order to receive your Responsible Vendor Server Card. You can get your Louisiana Bar Card online and receive a temporary certificate immediately following the course.
The retail locations at which licensed servers are employed are required to keep employment records on site for inspection by ATC Enforcement Agents. ATC Enforcement Agents also routinely check the compliance of licensed vendors and their servers. Servers found to sell or serve alcohol/tobacco products in violation of Louisiana can be held liable in criminal or civil court depending on the violation. ATC Agents have begun issuing administrative citations directly to RV Servers for violations of Louisiana Title 26 violations. If you have received an administrative violation, Click Here to access the ATC Prosecutor’s Page where you can obtain information about our administrative violation process.
Q: I am one of the vendors defined in the program. What are my responsibilities?
A: As a Responsible Vendor, you must do all of the following to maintain your Responsible Vendor certification:
Q: I am employed as a server or as security for a vendor. What are my responsibilities under this program?
A: Servers and security personnel have the following responsibilities under the Responsible Vendor program:
At ABSEC, we provide multiple methods of training and certification, including private courses, individual training, online training and customized training courses for all of your needs. ABSEC LLC is a Louisiana owned and based company. Get your bar card online Louisiana!
Attention to users’ needs and organizational policies place us ahead of our competitors. We have assembled a team of experts in this field who are more than able to provide the top level of instruction and consulting in this arena.
For those able to take our online course, we offer immediate certification as required by Louisiana State law. The bar card is issued by the State of Louisiana, but a temporary certificate is issued upon completion of the course and test, giving our students immediate access to written record of attendance and completion.
The alcohol server’s certificate is good for four years, but must be renewed in the manner it was received. (Full recertification by taking the course and passing the test)
Many students prefer to take the course online, instead of having to attend a course in person. Technology has allowed effective online training courses to finally compete with in person classes. The course is presented at the student’s pace and can be stopped and restarted, even on another device.
You can use your cellphone, laptop, PC, iPad or other smart device to access the course and complete the certification requirements. The course materials will also be made available to review at a later date.
One of the more common things out students share with us is that many of our competitors lack a telephone number on their website. This prevents students from contacting their provider when there is an issue or question. At ABSEC, we have a contact number that is answered 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.
Many of the web listings are also for websites that are not authorized providers but are trying to sell you a course that gives you similar information, without the state required certification being issued afterwards. Before you enroll in any course, check the Louisiana ATC Website for a list of the currently authorized providers.
You will receive a Certificate of Completion upon passing the Online Exam. This Certificate of Completion will serve as proof of training until your Server Permit is issued and made available online by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.
You can logon to the ATC Website to obtain a copy of your Louisiana bar card. For instructions on how to do this, follow the instructions on this page.
Responsible Vendor Server and Security permits expire every four years on the last day of the month in which you took the class.
The ABSEC online program incorporates Louisiana specific laws and regulations as required in all mandatory responsible vendor training programs in the state of Louisiana. By providing this state specific training, students receive the Louisiana Responsible Vendor Server Permit upon course and exam completion. Get your Louisiana bar card online today!
ABSEC is Louisiana based and Louisiana owned.
Any person who sells or serves beverage alcohol or deals with customers who purchase or consume beverage alcohol must attend an approved server training class and receive a Server Permit issued by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol & Tobacco Control.
Servers must obtain a permit within 45 days from date of hire.
Simple. You may retake the course and attempt the final examination by contacting us. https://absecllc.com/contact-us/
No, you must receive training specific to the State of Louisiana by attending an approved Responsible Vendor training program.
Any employee of a vendor who is authorized to sell or serve beverage alcohol in the normal course of his or her employment or deals with customers who purchase or consume beverage alcohol must successfully attend and pass a Responsible Vendor training course and obtain a Responsible Vendor Server Permit.
Get your bar card online today!
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ABSEC Training has become a term that represents the Louisiana ATC Responsible Vendor certification, either in serving alcohol or tobacco, or in the security of an establishment that serves alcohol or tobacco. The training is conducted either in person or online and represents the finest available training in this arena. Students learn the laws outlining the service of alcohol and tobacco, as well as how to identify intoxicated individuals, disturbances and how to handle these situations in a reasonable, efficient manner. Many times, those staff members in the industry are faced with difficult situations involving highly intoxicated persons. The staff must be able to handle these occurrences with professionalism, efficiency and safety, while complying with state and local laws.
A Louisiana bar card certification allows the service of alcohol and tobacco products and must be renewed every four years. The Louisiana ATC is the governing body for this industry and regularly conducts inspections to determine compliance. Those employed in the service of alcohol must present a valid identification and a valid and current certification. If you are responsible for responding to disturbances, you must present both the Responsible Vendor certification as well as the security certification. The standards and content of the training is updated frequently and controlled by the Louisiana ATC.
It is important that the establishment create and sustain a disturbance policy that addresses that approach and protocols that outline how to respond to and address any disturbance on premise. Louisiana state laws also outline the responsibilities and rights of those involved in a disturbance. Staff members should be well versed in these laws so as to make an informed decision as to how to resolve these volatile situations. In Louisiana, you may prevent a violent attack on your person, or the person of another. This self-defense law is often misunderstood and misinterpreted to mean that a citizen must first be attacked before being able to defend themselves. The law allows you to prevent this assault before it happens. Citizen’s arrests are also a factor when the crime is a felony. The decision to effect a citizen’s arrest is influenced by several factors, including the presence of weapons and the possibility that others may be injured or adversely affected.
ABSEC has put together a team of professionals and subject matter experts to create and develop a comprehensive program of instruction in this arena. Consulting services are also available to enhance the effectiveness of a response continuum, and reduce liability.
Contact ABSEC today to get started in enhancing your establishment’s disturbance policy and to uncover any gaps in compliance with the state’s laws governing the service of alcohol and tobacco.
You can also provide your employer with a verification ID number to validate that your certification is valid and current. This verification ID number is printed on your Responsible Vendor permit and only does not reveal sensitive personal information. Your certification is required to serve alcohol in Louisiana.
First, open a web browser and type in the address to the Louisiana ATC website, https://atc.la.gov For a direct link, click below:
LA ATC Search for Responsible Vendor Licenses
When the website is presented, you will need to select from the menu choices as seen below. The ATC has two systems available, one for permits issued prior to May 12, 2021 and the other for permits issued AFTER this date. Depending on when you were certified, select the appropriate link.
Select the new system and you are presented with the screen below.
If you have already created an account, you can login at this time. If not, you can either create a new account or simply continue without an account by clicking on “Search for Responsible Vendor Licenses”
Now enter the last name, last four digits of your Social Security Number and the date of birth with mm/dd/yyyy being the format.
Click “SEARCH” to retrieve results.
You can now print your RV Certificate or save it to your device by clicking on the “Download License” link.
So what do you do if you don’t see your certification on the Louisiana ATC Website?
Sometimes there is a delay in between taking the Louisiana RV Alcohol Server Training course, completing the test and your information being submitted to the State. Once you pass the final test, the Louisiana Responsible Vendor provider will forward the completion to the Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control office. The allowed delay is ten days, although many providers submit the RV server permits information much faster. Once the Louisiana ATC receives the completion information, they also have to enter the completion into the system. This usually occurs pretty quickly, in about one business day, but may take longer. Be patient and check back frequently. If you do not see your entry within two weeks, retain your certification of completion and contact your provider. Your temporary certification will serve as your RV bar card until your final server permit is issued.
Are you a Junior, Senior, the third, etc.?
If you have a suffix on your name such as Jr., Sr., III, etc., the Louisiana ATC may have recorded your last name as just that. Try entering JR as your last name and then enter the last four numbers of your Social. Try also adding a period to JR if the first search didn’t work. You may find it listed as that, but your certification should have your name properly entered on it. Contact the Alcohol Tobacco Control office if any changes are required.
Do a search using their website.
If you cannot immediately find your listing, there is an option to search using different information. You can enter your name, city, zip code, etc. and try to find your certificate. The most important entry will be the four digit “PIN” that is usually the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
Still can’t find it?
Contact your authorized provider where you took your responsible vendor training course. The ATC is extremely busy and may not be able to provide you with the information about why your entry is not showing up. Let your rv training provider determine the status and deal with the state directly, if needed. Also, be 100% certain that you are clicking on the correct search button. The security button is ONLY used to retrieve security certifications.
Q: Who is required to obtain an alcoholic beverage permit?
A: Any person who, as a business, manufactures, blends, rectifies, distills, processes, imports, stores, uses, handles, holds, sells, offers for sale, solicits orders for the sale of, distributes, delivers, serves, or transports any alcoholic beverages in the state or engages in any business transaction relating to any such alcoholic beverages must first obtain the appropriate alcoholic beverage permit.
Q: Is a permit required for a business to give customers complimentary alcoholic beverages?
A: Yes, a permit is required of any business that serves alcoholic beverages.
Q: Where can I obtain information on the types of alcoholic beverage permits?
A: All applications are available on our website under “permits.” Each application contains specific information on the qualifications for that permit.
Q: Who is required to submit a Schedule A form?
A: The following persons must complete and submit a Schedule A form: sole proprietors, members of a partnership, financial backers of a partnership, officers of a corporation, officers of a limited liability company, directors of a corporation, directors of a limited liability company, stockholders of a corporation owning more than 5% of the stock, members of a limited liability corporation owning more than 5% of the membership, members, stockholders, officers and directors of any entity owner of applicant, all managers and agents, and all persons holding a power of attorney to conduct the affairs of an applicant’s business.
Q: Who is required to submit fingerprints?
A: The following persons must submit fingerprints: sole proprietors, members of a partnership, financial backers of a partnership, officers of a corporation, officers of a limited liability company, directors of a corporation, directors of a limited liability company, stockholders of a corporation owning more than 5% of the stock, members of a limited liability corporation owning more than 5% of the membership, members, stockholders, officers and directors of any entity owner of applicant
Note: fingerprints are not required for a person who has previously submitted fingerprints to ATC within the previous 5 years. However, ATC may require new fingerprints if we are unable to locate a history of previously submitted prints.
A: To qualify for a restaurant permit a business’s average monthly revenue from food and nonalcoholic beverages must exceed 50% of its total average monthly revenue from the sale of food, nonalcoholic beverages, and alcoholic beverages. See the Class A-Restaurant application for additional qualifications.
Q: What kind of permit is required to sell daiquiris?
A: Prior to selling alcoholic daiquiris you must apply and qualify for a Class A-General, Class A-Restaurant or Class C permit. See the permit section of our website for additional qualifications.
Q: Can I have more than one alcoholic beverage permit at a location?
A: ATC only issues one alcoholic beverage permit per physical address.
Q: How/where do I submit my alcoholic beverage application?
A: You can mail your application to our P.O. Box or submit your application in person at any of our three customer service windows (Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Opelousas). Addresses and contact information are available under the “Contact Us” tab. Renewal applications may be submitted online via our website.
Q: How many days does it take to receive an alcoholic beverage permit?
A: If there has not been an alcoholic beverage permit at the premise within the six months prior to the application date then you must apply for, obtain and post Notice of Intent posters for at least 15 days prior to submitting your alcoholic beverage application.
If there has been an alcoholic beverage permit at the premise within the six months prior to the application date then you may submit your alcoholic beverage application at the same time as you apply for and obtain your Notice of Intent Posters.
ATC has 35 calendar days to issue or deny an alcoholic beverage permit upon receipt of a complete application. However, ATC strives to issue alcoholic beverage permits within 10 days or less of receipt of a complete application.
Q: How can I avoid delays in processing my permit application?
A: Completely and accurately fill out and submit all required application material and submit all applicable fees.
Q: What is considered “public habitable area?”
A: Public habitable area means publicly accessible, within a structure, which is permanent in nature, is in compliance with applicable building codes and is fully enclosed and climate controlled. Public habitable space does NOT include restrooms, closets, storage or utility rooms, employee areas, garage or warehouse space, patios or porches, and rooms within the structure with restricted access.
A: Class A-General permit: 375 square feet of public habitable area
Class A-Restaurant permit: 500 square feet of public habitable area
Class B permit: 500 square feet of public habitable area
Class C permit: 1000 square feet of public habitable area
Q: I am ready for a new business inspection, can you send an Agent?
A: Typically, an ATC Agent will contact you for an inspection of your premises within 24 hours of receipt of notification from the licensing division that your application has been processed and approved.
Q: I am building a facility or my facility is currently under construction, when should I apply for an alcoholic beverage permit?
A: ATC cannot complete a site inspection or issue a permit until all construction is complete.
Outside of municipalities and in unincorporated areas which are not divided into subdivisions with streets, blocks, or sidewalks, parish ordinances may extend the prohibition to a distance of 500ft of the church, synagogue, public library, school, full-time day care center or correctional facility housing inmates, including but not limited to a halfway house.
Q: Does ATC actually audit to make sure I qualify for my permit?
A: Yes, ATC reviews every application and conducts random inspections to ensure compliance with the alcoholic beverage control laws and regulations. Providing false information on an ATC application is a felony and subjects you to revocation of your permit in addition to potential criminal charges.
You are legally required to immediately notify ATC and submit the appropriate paperwork any time you appoint a new manager or agent who has decision making authority for the business. You are also legally required to immediately notify ATC and submit the appropriate paperwork any time there is a change to the membership of an LLC or to the officers, directors or shareholders owning more than 5% in a corporation. (Please reference the application change of ownership instructions or contact ATC for a list of the documentation that must be submitted).
Q: Who does ATC consider a manager?
A: A manager is anyone who has decision making authority for the daily operations of the business such as the hiring and firing of employees, placement of orders, payment of bill, scheduling of the staff, etc.
Q: How do I add a manager?
A: The permit holder or an authorized representative must provide ATC with a signed, written notification appointing the manager. The notification should include the businesses name and permit number and the full name of the manager. You must include a Schedule A form for the manager(s) with the notification. The Schedule A form is available on the ATC website under “permits” then “alcohol applications” then “supplemental documents”.
Q: What is required to appoint a power of attorney?
A: To appoint a power of attorney a permit holder or authorized representative must provide ATC with notification of the appointment. The notification must be in writing and must state the name of the person being granted the power, clearly state what the person is authorized to do on behalf of the permit holder (ex. Conduct all transactions on behalf of permit holder with ATC), be signed and dated by an owner of the business and include the printed name and position of that person. A Schedule A form completed by the person being granted the power of attorney must be included in with the notification of appointment.
Q: I am purchasing an ongoing business; can I operate off of the previous owners permit?
A: A permit is not transferable, assignable, or heritable. The permit must be returned to the office of alcohol and tobacco control or surrendered to an agent of the commissioner within 5 days of closure, when the ownership of the business is transferred or the business is terminated. When the ownership of the business is transferred, the new owner shall be allowed to continue to operate using the transferor’s permit until a new permit is issued or denied, if the new owner notifies ATC of the transfer within 5 days of the transfer and applies for a new alcoholic beverage/tobacco permit within 15 days of the transfer of ownership. If the permit holder is a corporation or limited liability company, the permit holder shall notify ATC of any changes in officers, directors, managers, shareholders, members, or persons previously qualified to conduct or manage the business within 15 days of the date of such changes. The notification shall include the suitability documents and information for each new individual required to possess the qualifications of applicants. However, in the event of the dissolution of a partnership by death, the surviving partner or partners may operate under the partnership permit.
Q: After obtaining a permit, can I make structural changes to my licensed premises?
A: ATC shall be notified of any changes to the licensed premises which shall increase or decrease the previously approved licensed business premises prior to any such changes.
Q: Will ATC conduct a site inspection on a location to determine if it will qualify for a permit before I purchase it or before I submit an application?
A: ATC does not conduct site inspections until an application is submitted and approved.
Q: How do I change the location address of my business?
A: Detailed instructions for a location change are available on our website under “permits” then “alcohol applications” then “supplemental documents.”
Q: An officer or member is being removed from the business, what do I do?
A: Please follow the Change of Members/Shareholders/Officers instructions available on our website under “permits” then “alcohol applications” then “supplemental documents.
Q: How do I change the trade name of the business?
Q: I am selling the business, what do I do with the permit?
A: If you are selling the LLC or corporation holding the permit, the permit remains with the new owners who are required to complete a Change of Members/Shareholders/Officers with ATC. If you are only selling the business assets, you must surrender your permit to ATC, via mail or in person, within 5 day of the sale.
Q: Do you have a list of authorized wholesale dealers of alcoholic beverage?
A: Yes, on our website, select “Permits” then select “Permit Record Search.”
Q: What is the minimum age to sell or serve alcoholic beverages?
A: The minimum age to prepare, sell or serve alcoholic beverages in a bar or restaurant is 18 years.
Persons under the age of 18 years are allowed to sell or serve alcoholic beverages, under immediate supervision, in a package store (where the sale or handling of alcoholic beverages does not constitute the main business). However, the employer must fill out an “Application to Employ Minors Under 18” form and return it to the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
Q: What is the minimum age to work in or enter a bar?
No one under the age of 18 years is permitted on a bar premises at any time (even during private events), unless the person under the age of 18 years is a musician performing in a band on the premises under written contract with the permittee for a specified period and is under the direct supervision of his/her parent or guardian during such time.
Q: Can a minor play in a band in a bar?
A: Yes, if the minor is on the premises under written contract with the bar permit holder for a specified period and is under the direct supervision of his/her parent or guardian during such time.
Q: Can a minor sit at the bar in a restaurant?
A: Persons under the age of 18 years are prohibited in any area where the principle commodity served is alcoholic beverages.
Q: If my bar (Class A-General permit) is closed to the public for a private event can I allow in persons under the age of 18 years?
No, no one under the age of 18 years is allowed on the premises of a Class A-General establishment at any time.
Q: Can a convicted felon work in business who primary purpose is to sell alcoholic beverages, such as a bar or a Class C Package Store?
A: No, a convicted felon cannot work in a bar (Class A-General) or any business whose primary purpose is to sell alcoholic beverages (Class C – Package Store) in any capacity unless 10 years have elapsed since the completion of the sentence and the felony was not a crime of violence.
Q: Should I conduct background checks on employees?
A: : Louisiana law prohibits convicted felons from working in a bar (Class A-General) or a Class C package store in any capacity. Louisiana law also prohibits convicted felons from managing or having any managerial duties at any Class of alcoholic beverage outlet. ATC maintains a list of persons who have been found guilty of serving alcoholic beverage or tobacco products to underage persons under the legal age on our website.
Q: I received an ATC administrative violation, what are the possible penalties?
A: Possible penalties include monetary penalties, suspension and/or revocation of your alcoholic beverage permit.
Q: I received an ATC administrative violation, what is the process.
A: After receiving an administrative violation from an ATC agent, you will receive a formal Notice of Violation via certified mail to the mailing address that you provided to ATC. Your Notice of Violation will either provide you with an opportunity to pay a fine or require that you attend an administrative hearing. If you are provided the opportunity to pay a fine, but wish to attend the hearing, you may do so by appearing at the hearing date, time and location that will also be provided in your Notice of Violation. NOTE: failure to receive your Notice of Violation is not a defense. ATC will proceed with the prosecution of your case in your absence. You should contact the ATC legal division at (225)-925-4059 if you have not received a Notice of Violation at least 10 days prior to the hearing date listed on your ticket.
Q: I received a Notice of Violation, where can I pay the fine?
You can mail your fine payment to our P.O. Box or pay in person at any of our three customer service windows (Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Opelousas). Addresses and contact information are available under the “Contact Us” tab. You can also pay our fine online on our website under “resources” then “legal/atc fines.”
Q: How much is the fine for selling to a person under the legal age?
A: ATC takes selling alcohol beverages to persons under the age of 21 years extremely seriously and maximum penalties may be assessed in addition to criminal charges. Maximum penalties include revocation or suspension of your alcoholic beverage or server permit and fines up to $500.00 for a first offense, up to $1,000 for a second offense, and up to $2,500 for a third offense.
Q: What is a compliance check?
A: A compliance check is where ATC utilizes undercover operatives to determine if you or your business sells or serves alcoholic beverages or tobacco products to persons under the applicable legal age (21 years for alcohol and 18 years for tobacco). ATC operatives are prohibited from using fake identification or deceptive tactics.
Q: How are businesses chosen for compliance checks?
A: There are many mechanisms by which an establishment can be selected for a compliance check. The most common method is being selected in a random sample of all permit holders. Another way establishments are selected is in response to complaints received by ATC concerning alleged illegal activity.
Q: What is a routine inspection?
A: A routine inspection is where ATC agents inspect your business to verify that you have the appropriate permits and meet all of the qualifications for your permit.
Q: Can I order alcoholic beverages over the internet?
A: Persons 21 years of age and older may order wine over the internet from certain approved suppliers. No other alcoholic beverages may be ordered over the internet.
Q: Can customers bring their own beer into the restaurant/bar?
A: No, the permit holder is responsible for all alcoholic beverage services on the licensed premises.
Q: I want to send alcoholic beverages to a friend, is this legal?
A: ATC does not regulate the shipping of alcoholic beverages outside the stream of commerce and intended for personal consumption. Please note that there may be federal regulations pertaining to the shipment of alcoholic beverages.
Q: I want to ship alcoholic beverages from oversees, is this legal?
A: ATC does not regulate the shipping of alcoholic beverages outside the stream of commerce and intended for personal consumption. Please note that there may be federal regulations pertaining to the shipment of alcoholic beverages.
Q: Can a restaurant sell packaged alcoholic beverages for consumption off the premises?
A: No, a restaurant permit is for on premise consumption only where alcoholic beverages are served in conjunction with meals.
Q: What are the legal hours of operation for the business?
A: The closing time for alcoholic beverage outlets is determined by local ordinance.
Q: How do I voice my concern about a business opening in my neighborhood?
A: You can submit to ATC a petition of opposition to the issuance of the permit. The petition form is available on the ATC website under “contact us/submit complaint”. Oppositions must be received within 35 days of the application date.
Q: What Is Homebrew?
A: Homebrew is the brewing of beer, mead and other alcoholic beverages through fermentation in a residence or other authorized facility by a person of the lawful age to purchase alcoholic beverages on a small scale, not to exceed one hundred gallons per calendar year for a household with one resident of the lawful age to purchase alcoholic beverages or two hundred gallons for a household with two or more residents of the lawful age to purchase alcoholic beverages as a hobby for personal consumption by that person or his family, neighbors, guests and friends, for use at competitions, homebrew club meetings, organized affairs, and exhibitions.
Q: Is a permit required for homebrew?
A: Generally no. However, a special homebrew permit is needed for homebrew competitions held at licensed Class A retail outlets and a special event permit is needed where homebrew is sampled at a fair, festival, civic and fraternal and religious event, Mardi Gras event or nonprofit function. Additional information on homebrew is available on our website under “permits” then “alcohol applications” then “special events.”
Q: What are acceptable forms of identification to ensure that a person is above the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages?
A: A valid, current, Louisiana driver’s license which contains a photograph of the person presenting the driver’s license;
A valid, current, driver’s license of another state which contains a photograph of the person and birth date of the person submitting the driver’s license;
A valid, current, special identification card issued by the state of Louisiana pursuant to R.S. 40:1321 containing a photograph of the person submitting the identification card;
A valid, current, special identification card of another state which contains a photograph of the person and birth date of the person submitting the identification card;
A valid, current, passport or visa issued by the federal government or another country or nation, that contains a permanently attached photograph of the person and the date of birth of the person submitting the passport or visa;
A valid, current, military or federal identification card issued by the federal government containing a photograph of the person and date of birth of the person submitting the identification card;
Each form of identification listed above must on its face establish the age of the person as 21 years or older, and there must be no reason to doubt the authenticity or correctness of the identification. No form of identification mentioned above shall be accepted as proof of age if it is expired, defaced, mutilated, or altered. If the state identification submitted is a duplicate the person shall submit additional identification which contains the name, date of birth, and photograph of that person. A duplicate driver’s licenses shall be considered lawful identification and a person shall not be required to submit additional information. In addition, an educational institution identification card, check cashing identification card, or employee identification card shall not be considered as lawful identification.
Q: Who qualifies as a Microdistiller?
A: A Microdistiller is any person who operates a Class A retail outlet which engages in the distilling, making, blending, rectifying or processing of any alcoholic beverage in Louisiana in quantities of not more of twelve thousand gallons per year for retail sale for consumption on or off the licensed premise.
Q: Is a permit required for Microdistillery?
A: Yes, you will need to be a holder of a Microdistillery Permit with ATC. You must also have a Class A retail permit on the same premise. Additional information on Microdistilleries is available on our website under “Permits” then “Alcohol Applications” then “Microdistillery.”
Q: Can I sell the manufactured beverages at retail?
A: Yes, if you hold a Microdistillery permit and if you also have a Retail Class A permit, you are authorized to sell the manufactured beverages at retail for consumption on or off the licensed premises.
Q: Can I sell the manufactured beverages at wholesale?
A: No, this permit doesn’t authorize the holder to sell the manufactured beverages at wholesale or to any wholesale dealer.
Q: Can I reuse the alcoholic beverage containers at my Microdistillery?
A: Yes, Microdistillers may reuse alcoholic beverage containers in connection with their distilling and bottling operations.
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