Working in New York's food and beverage industry comes with responsibility. Staff who sell or serve drinks are expected to follow the law, protect their customers and help keep communities safe. That's where the Alcohol Training Awareness Program (ATAP) comes in.
We make it easy to become certified in the Empire State. Our 100% online on- and off-premises ATAP courses are fully authorized by the New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA) and developed under the agency's official rules and guidelines.
Complete the course at your own pace and from any internet-ready device. Choose your course, sign up and start today!
Why ATAP Training Matters
Alcohol-related mistakes can be costly. Selling to a minor or to an intoxicated guest can result in fines, lawsuits or even a revoked license. Completing ATAP helps reduce these risks by teaching staff how to handle difficult situations.
Beyond legal protection, ATAP accreditation is also about professional development. Participants gain knowledge and skills that they can use in any service setting, from restaurants and bars to grocery stores and event venues. By getting certified, you demonstrate your commitment to continuing education in liquor laws and safe beverage practices.
Who Needs This Training?
Anyone who sells, serves, dispenses or delivers alcoholic beverages in NY can benefit from the program. This includes waiters, servers, bartenders, barbacks, cashiers and store owners.
The NYSLA serves as the certification body responsible for overseeing the Alcohol Training Awareness Program (ATAP) certification in the state. By enrolling in a state-approved training course from an accredited provider, you can be confident that your certification is valid and widely recognized. It is highly recommended for employers to ensure their employees complete this certified program, as it provides a thorough understanding of liquor compliance requirements.
On-Premises vs. Off-Premises Certifications
Not all service environments are the same, which is why there are two different ATAP certification options:
- On-premises certification is made for employees who handle alcohol to be consumed on-site, such as bartenders and waitstaff. The training program focuses on responsible alcohol service, including refusing sales to minors, preventing overservice and effectively managing guest interactions to de-escalate any potential issues.
- Off-premises certification is designed for workers in liquor stores, grocery stores or other retail settings where alcohol products are sold for consumption elsewhere. Key topics covered include preventing underage sales, verifying IDs and adhering to store policies regarding alcohol sales.
Both programs follow the same industry standards, but the examples and emphasis differ, so the training is relevant to your role.
The Certification Process
The process for obtaining ATAP certification is simple:
- Enroll in the course
- Complete the training
- Receive your official certificate
Certificates for both on- and off-premises training remain valid for three years. It's necessary to retake the course before expiration if your role requires this credential.
Why Choose Us?
We know you have a busy schedule, so we make it easy to complete your alcohol awareness training. When you select one of our programs, you'll enjoy:
- 24/7 course access
- Cross-device compatibility
- Self-paced learning
- No final exam
- Immediate proof of completion
What You'll Learn
Our alcohol safety programs cover a range of information, topics and tips relevant to all beverage professionals. These include:
- Spotting signs of intoxication
- Applying intervention techniques
- Preventing DWIs and related fatalities
- Avoiding sales to minors
- Checking customer identification
- Understand the legal implications of responsible alcohol service
The content is presented in four user-friendly modules that you can work through at your own pace. Each module ends with a short skills assessment quiz. You must score 70% or higher on each to advance to the next section. However, you can retake the quizzes until you pass.
