Tennessee
| Responsible alcohol training required | Mandatory server permit training for servers, bartenders, and managers for on premise establishments Mandatory responsible wine vendor clerk training for grocery clerks, managers, and package store employees |
| Approved AIM to Serve Courses | Server Permit training, responsible wine vendor, designated manager |
| State application or license required | Yes. Server permits training must complete a RLPS application prior to completeing server permit training. Designated manager must complete RLPS application for 5 year designated manager permit. |
| Class Venue | Online class or In Person class is accepted |
| State Agency | Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission 615-741-1602 RLPS application link Bryan Hill – RLPS Help Desk 615-532-1915 |
| Certification | Server permit valid for 5 years Wine vendor clerk valid for 1 year Designated manger permit valid for 5 years (updated rules and regs course required each year) |
| Age to Consume | 21 |
| Age to Pour | 18 |
| Age to Sell | 18 |
| Age to Serve | 18 |
| Dram shop liability law | Yes |
| Carding Requirements | On-premise establishments do not have mandatory carding policy, however it is against the law to serve anyone under the age of 21 Off-Premise establishments must card everyone. This includes grocery stores, package stores, and convenience stores. The ID can’t be expired. An exemption is made for those obviously over the age of 50. |
| Acceptable Forms of ID | Drivers license Concealed TN carry permit State issued ID Passport/passport card Foreign passport Green Card Military ID |
| Additional Information | First you must apply for your RLPS before taking an accredited abc server permit class. This RLPS is the application process that can only be done online at rlps.abc.tn.gov/citizenaccess. Once you have completed the application process you will be given an RLPS number that will be formatted in the following format: Example: 21A-NPER-SER-000000. You will take this RLPS number and provide it to your in-person class trainer or in the RLPS field for the online ABC course. For step by step instructions for the RLPS click here for the video: (will send to you in email) |
Tennessee FAQs
Your ABC card is no longer mailed out. Contact the TABC at 615-741-1602 to obtain a copy by email. You can also login to your RLPS account to print off a copy.
Please login to your RLPS account on rlps.abc.tn.gov. If you do not have an account, please contact the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission at 615-532-1915.
An RLPS number is issued after a server permit application has been submitted and paid for with the TABC. This is the identification number used to submit your grade. Without an RLPS number, your grade can’t be submitted. Temporary RLPS numbers are not valid for submitting grades. (Example: 21TMP-1234)
The TN ABC Server permit class is 3.5 hours
Yes, the course/exam have to retaken every 5 years.
The TN Wine vender/clerk course is 1-2 hours.
The TN designated manger course is 1-2 hours.
The application fee to obtain an RLPS number for a TN ABC Server Permit is $20.
There are 2 steps to obtaining a server permit. 1) Submit and pay for a server permit application with the TABC. 2) Complete the TN ABC Server Permit course/exam. The course/exam can either be done online or in person.
24-48 BUSINESS hours after completing the course/exam. This is provided that the correct RLPS number is submitted at the time of completion.
Yes, it is important to keep a copy of your server permit on you when working for inspections.
No, it takes 24-48 BUSINESS hours for your ABC Server permit to be uploaded into your RLPS account.
Please contact the TABC at 615-741-1602 or 615-532-1915
Yes, please provide your employer with a copy of your server permit for inspections. It is also recommended to keep a copy of your permit on you while working.
Please visit https://rlps.abc.tn.gov/CitizenAccess/Default.aspx and click on Print my license/permit.
No. The certificate of completion provided by Aim To Serve does not serve as your TN ABC Card.
Yes, you can complete the ABC class and exam online at www.abcpermits.com. You can also download our app on the Apple store or Google Play.
In most cases, this means your application could be missing information or attachments. OR The TABC was provided information that you may have been convicted of a criminal offense. OR It could be the result of a background check done by the TABC. Please contact the TABC to find out more details at 615-741-1602.