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Responsibilities of a TABC Certified Seller-Server

August 18, 2016
Frustrated man with laptop

So what are your responsibilities as a TABC certified seller-server? According to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), it is your responsibility to follow the laws intended to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors, intoxicated persons, and non-members of a private club.

Sounds pretty simple, right? Yes, if you remain alert and use the observation techniques taught in our course. And why does this burden fall on you? Because under Texas law, the person who actually serves, sells, or delivers the alcoholic beverage is legally responsible for the sale. Your coworkers like door people, bouncers, floorwalkers, or bartenders can assist with checking IDs and monitoring for intoxication, but the server is still legally responsible for the sale.

When I teach an on-site TABC certification class, I always make sure my students understand that everyone has skin in the game. That means breaking the laws for selling alcohol puts you, your employer, and your customers at risk. It could also put those at risk who may come in contact with your customer after they leave your establishment.

It puts you at risk because you could be found guilty of a crime and be held responsible for any damage caused by customers to whom you sold or served alcohol. Your employer is at risk because they could lose their license or permit to sell alcohol. They could also face fines and other penalties. Your customer is at risk because they could also face criminal charges and civil liability.

So what is your primary responsibility? To keep alcohol out of the hands of minors, intoxicated people, and non-members of a private club. It’s as simple as that. This requires you to properly examine IDs, be alert for signs of intoxication and cut people off if necessary, and be mindful of laws pertaining to private clubs if you happen to work in one.

TABC On The Fly is one of the leading providers of on-site and online TABC certification approved by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. 

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