The Local Jurisdictions that Require Alcohol Server Training for Servers and Bartenders in North Dakota

If you work in a North Dakota bar, restaurant, or any venue that serves alcohol, you might be surprised to learn there is no statewide law requiring mandatory alcohol server training or bartender certification. However, several local jurisdictions have their own ordinances that make such training compulsory for bartenders, servers, managers, and other alcohol service staff.
Feb 24
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This guide explains which cities and counties require training, how those programs work, and what you can do to meet both local and employer expectations.

Tip: Even if you work in an area without a legal mandate, completing an alcohol awareness course can still improve your job prospects, reduce liability, and give your employer peace of mind.

Statewide vs. Local Requirements in North Dakota

  • No statewide mandate – The North Dakota legislature has not enacted a universal alcohol server training law.

  • Local control – Cities and counties can pass their own ordinances requiring responsible beverage server training.

  • Employer discretion – Many hospitality businesses require training regardless of location, often due to insurance or corporate policy.

Local Jurisdictions with Mandatory Alcohol Server Training

If you are employed in the following areas, you are legally required to complete training approved by local authorities:

  • Cass County

  • Fargo

  • Grand Forks

  • Dickinson

  • Watford City

  • West Fargo

  • Jamestown
Important: Local laws vary. Some require training within a set number of days after hire (e.g., 30–60 days). Others require refresher training every 3 years.

Who Oversees Local Training in North Dakota?

In most jurisdictions, local police departments or public health units administer or approve server training programs. For example:

  • Grand Forks PD – Maintains a list of recognized trainers and enforces compliance.
  • Fargo PD – Sets curriculum standards and renewal rules.

Training typically covers:

  • Checking IDs and spotting fakes

  • Refusing service to intoxicated patrons

  • Understanding dram shop liability

  • Preventing underage sales

  • Recognizing signs of intoxication

Can the North Dakota Alcohol Awareness Training Help You?

Our North Dakota Alcohol Awareness Training is designed to:

  • Align with North Dakota liquor laws and industry best practices

  • Cover all core topics often required by local ordinances

  • Prepare you for compliance in both mandatory and voluntary training areas

However:

  • We are not yet a state-approved provider (since no statewide approval exists)

  • For mandatory localities, confirm acceptance with your local licensing or enforcement agency before enrolling

Benefits of Completing Training Even If Not Required

Even if your city or county does not have a mandatory alcohol server training law, there are strong professional, legal, and customer service reasons to complete a course:

  1. Higher Employability
    Employers in North Dakota’s hospitality industry often prioritize applicants who already have alcohol server training. It reduces onboarding time, shows initiative, and signals that you take compliance seriously. If two candidates have equal experience, the one with a training certificate is far more likely to be hired.

  2. Reduced Legal Risk
    Knowing the law means you are less likely to accidentally violate local or state alcohol regulations. This includes understanding when and how to refuse service, spotting fake IDs, and avoiding sales to intoxicated or underage patrons. Minimizing these risks protects you, your employer, and your professional reputation.

  3. Better Customer Experience
    Confident, knowledgeable staff create a safer and more enjoyable environment for patrons. Being trained helps you:

    - Handle tricky situations calmly
    - Manage service to avoid overserving
    - Keep events running smoothly and safely

    This professionalism boosts customer satisfaction and can lead to higher tips and better reviews for your workplace.

  4. Insurance Compliance
    Many liquor liability insurance providers offer discounted premiums to businesses whose staff complete responsible beverage server training. This can be a deciding factor for employers when choosing between trained and untrained staff, as it reduces business costs and liability exposure.

  5. Career Advancement Opportunities
    Having formal alcohol service training can open doors to supervisory or management roles in bars, restaurants, and event venues. Employers often look for team leaders who can train others, enforce compliance, and maintain high service standards.

How to Stay Compliant Long-Term

  • Stay Informed – Bookmark the North Dakota Attorney General’s Alcoholic Beverage Control page and your city/county website for ordinance updates.

  • Train Your Staff – Even if not mandated, enroll staff in North Dakota Alcohol Awareness Training to set a higher standard.

  • Enforce ID Policies – Always check IDs; use scanners if possible to avoid serving minors.

  • Monitor Service – Have clear policies for refusing service to intoxicated customers.

  • Leverage Technology – Use POS systems with built-in ID check prompts and inventory tracking to reduce over-pouring or theft.

Why Alcohol Training Gives You an Edge

North Dakota does not issue a statewide bartending license and does not require alcohol server training across the entire state. However, many local jurisdictions—including Cass County, Fargo, Grand Forks, Dickinson, Watford City, West Fargo, and Jamestown—have their own ordinances that require responsible beverage service training for bartenders, servers, and managers.

Even in areas without a mandate, employers often prefer (and sometimes require) that job candidates complete responsible alcohol service training before they’re hired. Completing a course like the North Dakota Alcohol Awareness Training by the Certification Experts equips you with essential skills, such as:

  • Understanding North Dakota liquor laws and local regulations

  • Preventing underage sales and recognizing fake IDs

  • Handling intoxicated patrons responsibly

  • Reducing legal and liability risks for yourself and your employer

Whether you work behind the bar, serve tables, manage staff, or own an establishment, investing in recognized training demonstrates professionalism and positions you ahead of untrained applicants—especially in competitive hospitality markets.

Get Trained at Your Convenience Anywhere in North Dakota

If you work in one of North Dakota’s local jurisdictions with mandatory alcohol server training, you’ll need to complete a course approved or provided by that jurisdiction’s authority (such as the local police department or health unit).

Our North Dakota Alcohol Awareness Training is designed as a flexible, online option for bartenders, servers, and alcohol retailers who want to:

  • Prepare for local training requirements before starting a job

  • Meet employer and insurance provider expectations for responsible service

  • Refresh their knowledge of laws, service standards, and intervention techniques

While our course is not yet officially state-approved in North Dakota, it is aligned with the topics and competencies most municipalities require. We recommend confirming with your local licensing or enforcement agency to ensure acceptance for official compliance in your city or county.

Whether you’re starting your first hospitality job or moving into a management role, completing this training shows initiative, improves your employability, and contributes to a safer service environment for your patrons and community.