Serving Alcohol training receives state approval, marking a milestone in responsible service education
Serving Alcohol Inc., a nationally recognized leader in responsible alcohol seller-server training and certification, has announced that it is the first training provider officially approved by the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) to support the state’s newly mandated alcohol training and certification requirements. This milestone positions Serving Alcohol at the forefront of responsible alcohol service in South Carolina, helping hospitality businesses comply with a law designed to enhance safety, reduce alcohol-related incidents, and promote professional standards among alcohol-serving staff.
The new law, which went into effect on January 1, 2026, requires all employees of on-premise alcohol-serving establishments—including bars, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, entertainment venues, and catering services—to complete an SCDOR-approved alcohol seller-server training course. According to South Carolina Code Section 61-3-120(B), every alcohol server, bartender, and manager must successfully complete the training and certification program by March 1, 2026. Failure to comply could result in fines, penalties, or suspension of alcohol-serving privileges, making timely completion essential for all affected businesses.
Christopher Strome, CEO of Serving Alcohol, emphasized the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance and industry leadership. “Serving Alcohol has a long history of working closely with regulators, hospitality operators, and industry associations to provide practical, effective, and fully compliant alcohol training solutions,” said Strome. “Through extensive collaboration with South Carolina state officials and ongoing communication with the Department of Revenue, we are proud to be the first provider approved to offer this required seller-server alcohol training.”
One of the key challenges addressed by the new South Carolina law is the proctored final exam requirement. Recognizing that more than 50 percent of alcohol servers complete training on smartphones or other mobile devices, Serving Alcohol developed a fully mobile-friendly, state-compliant training and proctoring solution. This ensures that participants can access high-quality training anytime, anywhere, without compromising on regulatory standards.
“Our approach is built for today’s fast-paced hospitality environment,” Strome explained. “We understand that restaurant and bar employees need training that fits into their schedules. By providing a mobile-first platform, we allow learners to complete the course on smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktops, making it convenient without sacrificing rigor or compliance.”
The South Carolina-approved seller-server alcohol training and certification course is now accessible online through ServingAlcohol.com under the “State Courses” section. The program provides an intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface where employees and employers can register, complete the training modules, and schedule the required proctored exam. By centralizing these features online, Serving Alcohol ensures that both small businesses and large hospitality chains can achieve compliance efficiently.
Affordability was another major consideration in the program’s development. Serving Alcohol worked to offer the course at a cost lower than the state’s originally published estimate, helping businesses manage training expenses without compromising quality. The total price for the South Carolina seller-server alcohol training course is $44.95, including all required proctoring fees, keeping it under the $50 benchmark.
“Cost should never be a barrier to responsible alcohol service,” Strome said. “By providing the South Carolina course at a competitive rate, we help restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses meet compliance requirements while controlling their operational expenses. Responsible alcohol service should be accessible and practical for every business, from independent bars to large hotel chains.”
Serving Alcohol’s curriculum covers a broad spectrum of critical topics designed to promote safety, professionalism, and customer responsibility. Participants learn about legal and regulatory requirements for alcohol service in South Carolina, strategies for preventing underage drinking, recognizing signs of intoxication, handling difficult situations, and effectively managing alcohol-related incidents. The program also includes practical guidance for managers overseeing alcohol service, equipping them with tools to ensure that their staff operate within state regulations and industry best practices.
Serving Alcohol is widely recognized by hospitality operators, national brands, and leading insurance providers for its high standards and commitment to compliance. Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, the company has developed a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses seeking comprehensive alcohol safety programs. Its state-approved courses extend beyond South Carolina, serving businesses nationwide and providing resources that help reduce liability, improve customer safety, and enhance staff competence.
In addition to alcohol training, Serving Alcohol offers a range of other professional development programs, including food safety and hygiene courses. Businesses can explore the full range of offerings on Serving Alcohol’s “Who We Serve” web page and download a complimentary information sheet outlining the benefits of partnering with Serving Alcohol. The sheet also provides step-by-step instructions for creating business accounts, enabling hospitality operators to enroll their staff in courses and track certifications easily.
“The hospitality industry faces increasing expectations for safety, professionalism, and compliance,” Strome noted. “Our programs are designed to meet these expectations without adding unnecessary complexity or cost. Whether a small bar in Charleston or a hotel chain with multiple locations across the state, Serving Alcohol provides the tools, support, and resources needed to ensure every staff member is properly trained and certified.”
South Carolina’s new law reflects a growing national trend toward standardized alcohol seller-server training as a critical component of public safety. By requiring all on-premise alcohol-serving employees to complete approved training, the state aims to reduce incidents related to alcohol misuse, enhance responsible consumption, and provide managers with greater confidence in their team’s ability to serve safely. Serving Alcohol’s approval as the first state-recognized provider ensures that businesses have immediate access to a reliable, compliant, and user-friendly training solution.
Serving Alcohol’s leadership in responsible alcohol training underscores its broader commitment to public safety and industry excellence. The company continues to expand its offerings, incorporating the latest technology, mobile accessibility, and proctored exam solutions to meet the evolving needs of the hospitality sector. By combining affordability, convenience, and regulatory compliance, Serving Alcohol helps businesses navigate complex state requirements while fostering a culture of responsible alcohol service.
Hospitality operators and employees in South Carolina can access the new state-approved course online at The platform provides all necessary resources, including step-by-step registration guidance, course modules, proctoring options, and certification tracking. With Serving Alcohol, achieving compliance with South Carolina’s new alcohol training mandate has never been more straightforward, affordable, or effective.
As South Carolina businesses prepare for the March 1, 2026 compliance deadline, Serving Alcohol’s state-approved course offers a timely and reliable solution, ensuring that employees are fully trained, certified, and ready to meet the responsibilities of responsible alcohol service. The company’s proactive approach, mobile-first platform, and cost-effective pricing make it the go-to provider for South Carolina’s hospitality industry in the new era of mandated alcohol seller-server training.
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