Indiana Bartender & Server Age, Drinking Age, Dram Shop Laws, and More!
If you’re looking to become a bartender or alcohol server in Indiana, it’s important to know the rules before stepping behind the bar or serving alcohol to a customer. Age requirements, alcohol server permits, and dram shop liability laws all shape how you can work legally. This guide breaks down exactly how old you have to be to bartend or serve alcohol in Indiana, what permits you’ll need, and the key legal responsibilities that come with serving.
Sep 5
Whether you’re a first-time job seeker or an experienced server, here’s everything you need to know to stay compliant and successful in Indiana’s vibrant hospitality industry.
Indiana Legal Drinking Age
First things first before we go into minimum age of bar staff.
- The legal drinking age in Indiana is 21—no exceptions for purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol.
- Servers and bartenders are subject to different minimum age rules for employment (explained below).
How Old Do You Have to Be to Bartend?
- To bartend in Indiana, you must be at least 21 years old.
- Bartenders are considered direct alcohol handlers and are required to meet the same legal age as drinking.
- Anyone under 21 cannot legally mix, pour, or serve alcohol behind the bar.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Serve Alcohol?
Indiana law allows for younger servers in some situations:
- 18 years old: You may serve alcohol in restaurants and establishments with a valid server permit.
- 19–20 years old: You can also sell alcohol in retail stores with the appropriate permit.
- 21 years old: Required for bartending or serving without restrictions.
Important: If you are under 21, you must have constant supervision by someone 21 or older in many establishments.
Alcohol Server Permit & Training
To work legally, most employees need an Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission (ATC) employee permit:
- Restricted Permit: For employees ages 19–20, typically valid for two years.
- Unrestricted Permit: For employees 21 and over, valid for three years.
- Permits are applied for through the ATC’s online system.
Training & Certification
While Indiana does not mandate a specific statewide alcohol awareness course for everyone, many employers require training to reduce liability. Certification programs help servers and bartenders learn:
- How to check IDs and spot fakes
- Recognizing signs of intoxication
- Indiana alcohol laws & compliance responsibilities
Our Indiana Alcohol Awareness Training is designed to prepare servers and bartenders for safe, responsible service. (Note: not yet government-approved, but valuable preparation and widely used by employers.)
Steps to Get Your Alcohol Training to Serve or Bartend in Indiana
- Check the Age Requirement
18+ with a restricted permit to serve alcohol. 21+ to bartend or hold an unrestricted permit. - Apply for an ATC Employee Permit
Go to the Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission (ATC) online portal. Choose “Restricted” (ages 19–20) or “Unrestricted” (21+). Submit your application and pay the required fee. - Complete Alcohol Awareness Training
While not mandated statewide, most employers require it. Courses like our Indiana Alcohol Awareness Training prepare you for ID checking, spotting intoxication, and understanding dram shop liability. - Pass the Course Exam
Demonstrates your knowledge of Indiana alcohol laws and responsible service practices. Keep a digital or printed copy of your certificate for employer records. - Provide Proof to Your Employer
Employers must verify that all staff have the correct permit and training. Carry your permit or certification card when on shift. - Renew as Required
ATC permits typically last 2–3 years (depending on type). Employers may also require refresher training to stay compliant.
Dram Shop Laws
Indiana enforces dram shop liability, meaning both establishments and individuals can be held legally responsible if they serve alcohol improperly. Key points:
- Serving the visibly intoxicated: Servers and bartenders may be liable if they continue serving someone clearly intoxicated who later causes harm.
- Serving minors: The reason why we covered this first at the start of this guide is because strict liability applies for selling or serving alcohol to anyone under 21 can result in fines, suspension, or criminal charges.
- Civil liability: Victims of alcohol-related accidents can sue establishments and employees if negligence is proven.
For servers, this makes proper training and vigilance essential.
Other Considerations in Indiana
- Alcohol Sales Hours: Generally permitted from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m., but local jurisdictions may have restrictions.
- Carryout Sales: Beer, wine, and liquor sales are allowed in retail stores, with employee permit requirements.
- Sunday Sales: Legal statewide as of 2018, but with restricted hours (typically noon–8 p.m.).
Know the Rules and Serve with Confidence
Becoming a bartender or server in Indiana is about more than just mixing drinks, it’s about knowing the law, staying compliant, and protecting yourself and your employer. By meeting the age requirements, securing your ATC employee permit, and completing alcohol awareness training, you’ll be prepared to work legally and responsibly in Indiana’s hospitality industry.
Ready to get started? Enroll in our on-premise Indiana Alcohol Awareness Training to build your skills, boost your credibility, and prepare for a safe and successful career.
Get Trained at Your Convenience and Get Certified in Indiana
Whether you’re seeking convenience, affordability, or specialized training in Indiana to be a bartender or an alcohol server, we are here to help. With the Indiana Alcohol Awareness Training, you can gain the skills and certification needed to provide safe and responsible alcohol service as a bartender or as an alcohol server.
See more topics related to certifications in Indiana:
Ready to enhance your skills and earn your certification? Explore Certification Experts’ offerings today and take the next step in your career.