An ABO card, or Alcoholic Beverage Outlet card, is a type of license issued by the Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) agency to individuals and businesses in the state of Louisiana who wish to sell alcoholic beverages. The ABO card system is in place to regulate the sale of alcohol and ensure compliance with state and local laws and regulations.
There are several types of ABO cards available in Louisiana, including:
1. Retail Dealer – Off-Premise: This type of ABO card is for businesses that wish to sell alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption, such as liquor stores, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Retail dealers – off-premise ABO cards allow the holder to sell sealed containers of alcohol to customers who will consume the beverages off of the premises.
2. Retail Dealer – On-Premise: This type of ABO card is for businesses that wish to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption, such as bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Retail dealers – on-premise ABO cards allow the holder to sell alcoholic beverages to customers who will consume the beverages on the premises.
3. Wholesale Dealer: This type of ABO card is for businesses that wish to sell alcoholic beverages to other licensed retailers, such as wholesalers and distributors. Wholesale dealers are not permitted to sell alcoholic beverages to the general public and may only sell to other licensed retailers.
4. Manufacturer: This type of ABO card is for businesses that manufacture alcoholic beverages, such as breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Manufacturers are not permitted to sell alcoholic beverages to the general public and may only sell to other licensed retailers.
To apply for an ABO card, an individual or business must complete an application form and submit it to the ATC along with the appropriate fees and any required supporting documents. The application process may also involve a background check and an inspection of the business premises by ATC staff.
Once an ABO card has been issued, the holder is responsible for complying with all state and local laws and regulations related to the sale of alcoholic beverages, including laws governing the hours of operation, sale of alcohol to minors, and responsible service of alcohol. It is important to note that the sale of alcohol is strictly regulated in Louisiana and any violation of the terms of an ABO card can result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the license by the ATC.
In addition to ABO cards, the ATC also issues other types of licenses for the sale of alcohol in Louisiana, including special event permits for temporary events and caterer’s permits for businesses that wish to serve alcohol at events.
In addition to ABO cards, the Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) agency also issues server permits, also known as bar cards, to individuals who work in establishments that serve alcoholic beverages. A server permit allows an individual to serve alcoholic beverages in a licensed establishment and is required by law in Louisiana.
To obtain a server permit, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and must complete an approved server training program. These programs are typically offered by private companies or trade associations and teach servers about responsible alcohol service, including how to identify and prevent intoxication and the legal consequences of selling alcohol to minors.
Once an individual has completed a server training program, they must apply for a server permit through the ATC. The application process involves completing an application form and submitting it to the ATC along with the appropriate fees and any required supporting documents.
Server permits are valid for a period of four years and must be renewed before they expire. Server permits are not transferable and may only be used by the individual to whom they are issued.
It is important for individuals who hold a server permit to familiarize themselves with all relevant laws and regulations and to ensure compliance in order to avoid any penalties or problems with their permit. The ATC website is a good resource for information on the rules and regulations related to the sale of alcohol and the service of alcohol in Louisiana.
