The Education and Training Division of the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission conducts free “Responsible Server/Seller Program”, training for both on-premise and off-premise business owners, managers, and employees.

ABC Training & Education

RASP RESPONSIBLE SELLER/SERVER PROGRAM

The Education and Training Division of the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission conducts free “Responsible Server/Seller Program”, training for both on-premise and off-premise business owners, managers, and employees. The training program lasts 2 hours and incorporates hands-on training using “fatal vision” goggles, video, and open discussion.

Topics of Training

Topics of training consist of:

  • Sales to underage persons
    • Penalties
    • Prevention
  • Age Requirements for purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages
  • Age requirements for serving and selling alcoholic beverages
  • Acceptable ID’s
  • Fake, altered and look-a-like ID’s
  • Sales to intoxicated persons
    • Penalties
    • Prevention
  • Happy hour laws
  • Protecting your business, protecting yourself
  • Hours of sale and consumption
  • Clearing Tables
  • Prohibited conduct on ABC licensed premises
    • Consumption
    • Drug Use
    • Gambling

General Information

  • Signs of Intoxication
    • Methods of detecting intoxicated patrons
    • Amount of alcohol that may be purchased by patrons
  • Employee age requirements
  • Special requirements Mixed Beverage Permittee
  • Drink Specials
  • Recycle Regulations
  • Important Contacts

ABC Commission

Education and Training Division



We’ve all heard the importance of “drinking responsibly,” but it’s not as common to hear an actual definition of what responsible alcohol use really is. So what does it mean to drink responsibly?



There are probably a lot of different answers to that question, but as it relates to binge drinking and the misuse of alcohol, one way is to consider the following responsible drinking guidelines, including the definition of a standard drink.



A standard drink is any drink that contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol (about 0.6 fluid ounces or 1.2 tablespoons).

  • 5 ounces of table wine (approximately 12% alcohol)
  • 12 ounces of beer (approximately 5% alcohol)
  • 8-9 ounces of malt liquor (approximately 7% alcohol)
  • 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (40% alcohol or 80-proof)

Keeping the standard drink definition in mind, it’s important to also think about responsible drinking guidelines. To do this, remember the “0-1-2” message. No alcohol, or O drinks, if:

  • You’re not 21
  • You’re driving or operating machinery
  • You’re breastfeeding, pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • You’re in recovery
  • You’re taking medications

Up to 1 standard drink per day for women.*

Up to 2 standard drinks per day for men.*

NC ABC Commission Education & Training