NYSLA-Approved Alcohol Training Awareness Program (ATAP)

On-Premise ATAP Certification

On-premise training is for servers, bartenders, managers or supervisors who serve alcohol for on-site consumption. This includes areas such as bars, restaurants, clubs, parties, catered events or other venues where alcohol is consumed.

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Off-Premise ATAP Certification

Off-premise training should be completed by cashiers, clerks, managers, supervisors or owners who sell alcohol for off-site consumption. Locations for off-premise training include liquor stores, grocery stores and convenience stores.

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About New York ATAP Certification

Our New York ATAP courses are 100% online and fully approved by the New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA). The on- and off-premise courses were developed under NYSLA guidelines and rules, and they meet or exceed all ATAP requirements.

Our ATAP courses cover:

  • Spotting intoxication signs
  • Intervention techniques
  • Preventing DWIs and alcohol-related fatalities
  • Avoiding sales to minors and underage drinking
  • Making communities safer through the responsible sale of alcohol
Server with cocktail image

Who Needs to Take an ATAP Course?

Any employee who sells, serves, dispenses or delivers alcoholic beverages can benefit from the Alcohol Training Awareness Program. This includes waiters and servers, bartenders and barbacks, cashiers and store owners. The New York State Liquor Authority takes alcohol training into account for lawsuit liabilities. This training may help reduce liquor liability insurance.

Alcohol sellers and servers in New York who are required to have an ATAP certification must retake this training every three years.

Tips for Business Owners

While alcohol training is not currently state-mandated, you can protect your business from liability by making sure employees are fully trained in the laws and regulations surrounding the sale of alcohol.

Selling alcohol to underage or intoxicated patrons is a crime that can result in disciplinary action, including hefty fines and a revoked alcohol license. Businesses can also be liable if a minor leaves their establishment after consuming alcohol and causes property damage, injury or death.

ATAP Certification can be considered a mitigating factor in cases of regulatory violation and can prove that employers took steps to train employees in the responsible selling or serving of alcohol. As a mitigating factor, ATAP training can lessen charges or sentencing in the case of a violation.

Alcohol training can also protect your business by teaching employees how to prevent alcohol-related disturbances and how to handle them safely if they happen. For the best outcome, make sure all employees who come into contact with alcohol or patrons who consume alcohol are ATAP certified.

Fast, easy. I had to get a certificate to start my job ASAP, and I couldn't have found a more sufficient website. Thanks!

— Andrea M.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are these alcohol training courses approved by the New York State Liquor Authority?

Yes. Our on- and off-premise Alcohol Training Awareness Program courses have been approved to meet the requirements of the New York State Liquor Authority.

Do I need on-premise or off-premise ATAP certification?

The On-Premise course is for waiters, bartenders and other employees who serve alcohol that will be consumed on-site at establishments such as restaurants or bars. The Off-Premise course is for those who will sell alcohol for consumption off the premises, such as employees of liquor stores, concerts or events.

Can I purchase ATAP training for multiple employees?

Yes, business owners can place a group order to ensure every team member is trained to sell and serve responsibly. Fill out the form on the Contact Us page to get started.

How long is the course?

The New York Alcohol Training Awareness Program courses consist of two hours of content, but students can move through the course at their own pace with no timers.

Is there a final exam?

The New York ATAP courses have no final exam. Students must complete four learning modules and pass a quiz at the end of each section. To successfully pass the course, you must score 70% or better on each quiz. You have unlimited attempts to pass each quiz, so you're guaranteed to pass!

When will I get my ATAP certificate?

Upon successful completion of the course content, you will be able to immediately download and print your official certificate of completion.

Is ATAP/alcohol training required?

New York state law does not currently mandate alcohol training for sellers and servers, but many local ordinances or individual employers (including many large corporations in the state) now require employees who sell or serve alcohol to complete a NYSLA-approved responsible alcohol certification course.

Although the training is not required across the board, it can significantly reduce risk for employees with serving or selling responsibilities. ATAP training is considered to be a mitigating factor in the case of any lawsuit liabilities, meaning that the proof of successful training can offer a limited affirmative defense to potentially reduce charges or lessen sentences in the case of an alcohol law violation.

Do I have to finish the course in one sitting?

No. The course is available to you 24/7 online, so you may log in and out to complete the course as you need. The course will save your progress as you move along and will return you to your previous end point when you return.

How long is the ATAP certification valid?

Your Alcohol Training Awareness Program certification is valid for three years from the date of graduation.

What do I need to do when my Alcohol Awareness Training certification expires?

You will need to complete this course every three years to maintain your Alcohol Training Awareness Program certification.

What is the legal drinking age in New York?

The legal age to consume alcoholic beverages is 21.

What is the legal age to pour/sell/serve alcohol in New York?

The legal age to sell packaged liquor, pour alcohol or serve alcohol to customers is 18. However, off-premise beer licensees (such as liquor stores, grocery stores or other vendors who sell alcohol for off-site consumption) may employ a person under 18 as a cashier (or to stock or handle deliveries or containers) as long as they are directly supervised and in the presence of a person 18 years old or older.

Does New York regulate the maximum alcohol per drink?

Maximum alcohol per drink is not regulated in the state of New York.

What is the maximum number of drinks you can order at one time in New York?

New York does not regulate a maximum number of drinks at one time, but vendors may have their own discretionary rules.

» Learn more about New York alcohol laws