An alcohol server demonstrates to another alcohol server how to pour a drink

Who Needs to Complete RBS Training?

2 Min Read

Certain roles require Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training. Learn where your role falls and when to complete your training.

With the passing of Assembly Bill 1221, the state of California requires all on-premises alcohol servers and managers to take Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training and obtain RBS certification to legally serve alcohol as of July 1st, 2022.


If you work in an establishment that serves alcohol, you might be wondering if this new mandate applies to you. For example, does a bouncer need to get RBS certified or does the legislation only apply to those who specifically pour or serve alcohol?

As a hiring or staff manager, you might be asking two questions: 1) Does this apply to me? And 2) When should existing and new staff get RBS training?

Here is a look at the scope and timing of who needs RBS training and certification:



Alcohol Server


An alcohol server is defined by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) under Assembly Bill 1221 as anyone who takes orders, pours or delivers alcoholic beverages to customers. This includes bartenders as well as servers who deliver alcohol in designated food service areas of ABC-licensed establishments.
Also included in this definition is anyone who checks ID for entry into a licensed establishment – bouncers: we’re looking at you – or checks ID for alcohol service.



Alcohol Server Manager


Under Assembly Bill 1221, an Alcohol Server Manager is anyone who makes operational decisions or sets policy about the service of alcohol. Anyone who supervises servers, or anyone who is responsible for hiring or training servers at an on-premises licensed establishment is also included in this definition.

If your role falls into any of the categories above, the requirement and July 1st deadline applies to you. Userve’s RBS training offers a fast and convenient way to complete your training and earn your state-required certification.



When should employees complete training?

As mentioned above, the Responsible Beverage Service Training Act comes into effect on July 1st. Any existing employees who fall into the definitions above must obtain training from an accredited training provider and pass the ABC certification exam within 60 days of this date. Any new hires on or after July 1st must obtain their certificate within 60 days of their first day of employment.



Userve Business Accounts make it easy to get your staff trained and offer features like bulk enrollment and preferred pricing.

California RBS Certification Training

Get the training you need to earn your state-required RBS Certification with no prior experience required.

Get Started
usx_cta_al_1