In order to sell alcohol at a bar, tavern, restaurant or other commercial establishment, an individual must first apply for and obtain their Employee Permit (Liquor) from the Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission. The commission handles all aspects of the issuance of Employee Permits, including the application process, disciplinary matters and renewals. Candidates must pass an approved server training course, file an application and submit proper fees in order to attain their Employee Permit (Liquor). Those individuals under the age of 21, who are at least 19 years old, are eligible to obtain their Restricted Server Permit to serve alcoholic beverages as a server in certain approved sections of a licensed establishment.

Obtaining a license

General

There are two steps candidates for an Employee Permit (Liquor) must complete before their license will be issued

Training

The Commission has established a Certified Server Training Program that applicants for an Employee Permit (Liquor) must satisfactorily complete before they can submit their application packet. The program is handled by certain approved third party training providers, a list of which can be obtained from the Commission. The Certified Server Training Program is intended to increase awareness regarding alcohol use and educate those who serve alcoholic beverages for sale to the public. Participants in the Certified Server Training Program receive classroom instruction in:

• Criminal, civil and administrative responsibilities connected with the sale of alcoholic beverages;
• Recognizing false identifications presented by underage minors;
• The signs that a patron has become intoxicated; and,
• A working knowledge of all Indiana laws and regulations governing the sale of alcoholic beverages to the public.

Application

Upon completion of the Certified Server Training Program, a candidate for the Employee Permit (Liquor) license must submit an application, which must include:

• Name and basic contact information;
• Social security number;
• Answers to background questions dealing with prior criminal convictions involving driving while intoxicated; and,
• Answers to questions regarding general Indiana laws on the sale of alcoholic beverages.

In addition, applicants must include a processing fee which amount depends upon the nature of the license sought.

• 3 Year Employee Permit: $45
• Volunteer Permit (for servers volunteering at non-profit establishments and events): $15
• 2 Year Restricted Permit (described below): $30

Finally, the Application for Employee Permit (Liquor) must include the original certificate of completion of the Certified Server Training Program. Employees who have submitted their proper application paperwork and fees will be issued a receipt, which allows them to work for 30 days while waiting for the permit to be issued.

Maintaining a license

Renewal for the Employee Permit (Liquor) depends upon the type of license issued.

• 3 Year Employee Permit: $45 every three years.
• Volunteer Permit: $15 every three years.
• Based on the age window and regulations covering the 2 Year Restricted Permit, no renewal is necessary.

Applications for renewal can be completed and paid for online at the Commission’s website. Permits can be renewed up to 90 days prior to expiration and can be renewed after expiration for 120 days.

Restricted Server Permit

A person who is 19 or 21 years old is not eligible to dispense alcoholic beverages as a clerk in a package liquor store, or as a bartender or server in a tavern. However, these individuals may obtain an Employee Permit – Restricted by filing an application and completing an approved server training course. Upon receiving the Employee Permit – Restricted, these individuals can only serve alcoholic beverages in the dining or family area in a restaurant or hotel. They must also be supervised according to the Restricted Server Guidelines.