How To Become a Bartender in Utah? Is a License Required?
If you're looking to start a bartending career in Utah, you're likely wondering: do I need a license? What kind of training is required? And how quickly can I get started?
Jun 30
Here’s the good news: Utah does not require a traditional "bartender’s license" like some states. Instead, it mandates that all alcohol servers—including bartenders, waitstaff, and managers—complete an Alcohol Server Training course and obtain an Alcohol Server Permit before beginning work. This requirement applies to any on-premise alcohol service, from nightclubs and restaurants to bars and hotels.
Whether you’re an aspiring bartender or a hiring manager in the hospitality industry, understanding this certification process is essential. It ensures you’re compliant with Utah’s alcohol laws and equipped to serve responsibly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become a bartender in Utah—including the necessary training, certification steps, common challenges, current trends, and where to get started with a course like Utah Alcohol Awareness Training.
Common Challenges Aspiring Bartenders Face in Utah
Becoming a bartender in Utah isn’t difficult, but it does involve understanding some very specific legal requirements. Here are the most common challenges new bartenders encounter:
- Misunderstanding the License Requirement: Many people assume they need a traditional bartending license, when in fact, they need a state-approved Alcohol Server Permit.
- Confusion About Approved Training: Not all alcohol training programs are approved in Utah. National options like TIPS or ServSafe don’t satisfy the state requirement.
- Delays in Employment: Failing to complete the training in time can delay start dates and cause scheduling gaps for employers.
- Uncertainty About Validity: Many new bartenders don’t realize that the Alcohol Server Permit is only valid for three years and must be renewed.
- Overlooking Manager Requirements: Managers and supervisors have to complete their own version of alcohol training within 30 days of hire.
- Navigating Dual Certification: In venues that serve food, bartenders may also be required to hold a food handler’s permit in addition to their alcohol permit.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Become a Bartender in Utah
Starting your bartending career in Utah doesn’t require years of school—but it does require following a specific and legally defined process. Here's a more detailed breakdown of what you need to do:
1. Complete Alcohol Server Training
Who Needs It: Every individual who serves, sells, or furnishes alcohol for on-premise consumption in Utah—including bartenders, waitstaff, barbacks, and even managers.
Course Content: The training includes:
- Utah-specific alcohol laws and compliance rules
- Identifying fake IDs and verifying legal age
- Recognizing signs of intoxication
- Knowing when and how to refuse service
- Preventing underage or over-service violations
How to Take It: Courses like Utah Alcohol Awareness Training are fully online, self-paced, and mobile-friendly. After passing the course, you receive a certificate of completion.
Time Commitment: Most courses take 2 to 3 hours to complete and can be done in one sitting or broken up over multiple sessions.
2. Obtain Your Utah Alcohol Server Permit
How to Register: Once your training is complete, your information must be entered into the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) server permit database.
Permit Fee & Access: A small fee is required, after which you’ll be issued a digital permit that’s valid for three years. This certificate should be available for your employer to review and may need to be printed or saved on a mobile device.
Why It Matters: No permit = no legal authority to serve alcohol. Employers are required to confirm your permit before your first shift.
3. Complete Manager Training (If Applicable)
Who Needs This: If you supervise or manage others in alcohol service roles, Utah requires you to complete a Manager Alcohol Training course within 30 days of your hire date or promotion.
Topics Covered: Manager training focuses on leadership responsibilities, incident handling, and ensuring that staff under your supervision remain compliant.
Pro Tip: It’s best to complete this early to avoid any audit issues or service delays.
4. Secure a Food Handler’s Permit (If Required)
Why It’s Needed: Many bars and restaurants in Utah are licensed as food-serving establishments. As a result, bartenders often need a food handler’s permit in addition to their alcohol permit.
Where to Get It: Food handler training can also be completed online and typically covers hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, and safe food practices.
Good to Know: Some employers bundle food and alcohol training together during onboarding, but you’ll want to confirm both are in place before your first shift.
Industry Trends: What’s Changing for Bartenders in Utah
The bartending landscape in Utah is evolving. Here are the key trends that are reshaping the industry:
- Online Certification Dominates: With the shift toward digital training, most aspiring bartenders now complete their Alcohol Server Training online through mobile-friendly platforms.
- DABS Enforcement Is Increasing: Utah’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) has increased spot checks and audits, making compliance more important than ever.
- Bartending as a Career Path: More Utah bartenders are viewing the profession as a long-term career. This means higher training standards and more professional expectations.
- Growth in Hospitality Jobs: Utah’s tourism boom is creating more openings in bars, restaurants, and hotels—especially in Salt Lake City and Park City.
- Smarter Onboarding With Tech: Businesses are using POS systems and HR tools that integrate compliance checks for training and permit expiration.
Practical Tips for Bartenders and Employers
Utah bar staff and employers can benefit from these tips:
For Bartenders:
- Don’t wait to get certified—your permit is legally required.
- Choose a Utah-approved training provider only.
- Track your renewal date (3 years from issue).
- Keep both your alcohol and food permits accessible at work.
For Employers and Managers:
- Confirm all staff are 21+ and certified before allowing alcohol service.
- Maintain a log of permits and expiration dates.
- Train staff on Utah-specific rules, not just general alcohol safety.
- Use tech tools that alert you before permits expire.
Get Your Bartender Training From The Experts!
If you want to bartend in Utah, skip the myths about needing a "license." What you really need is an Alcohol Server Training course and an official Utah Alcohol Server Permit. This process ensures you understand local laws, serve responsibly, and meet employer requirements across the hospitality industry.
Whether you're new to the field or expanding your skillset, proper certification is your first step toward a rewarding, legal, and successful bartending role.
Managers and business owners should also prioritize training across their teams to avoid costly compliance violations. The Utah Alcohol Awareness Training offers an easy, approved solution for getting your team licensed quickly and affordably.
Utah’s hospitality sector is growing, and now’s a great time to join. Just be sure to do it the right way—by getting trained, certified, and ready to pour.